Marsh Valley takes down Cole Valley Christian to earn spot in 4A semis

EAGLE – Marsh Valley needed two big wins over top-seeded Snake River in the South East Idaho Conference tournament just to advance to the state tournament.

The Eagles weren’t about to stop there.

Marsh Valley, seeded No. 5 in the 4A state tournament, defeated No. 4 Cole Valley Christian 58-52 in Thursday’s tournament opener to advance to the semifinals.

The Eagles turned a close game into a double-figure lead in the third quarter, but then had to hold off a late charge by the Chargers.

The game was fast-paced and physical at times, a style Eagles coach Chris Ball said benefits his roster.

“We push it with a lot of energy,” Ball said. “Our philosophy is if a guy’s open, get him the ball.”

Cole Valley Christian, a state runner-up last season, was one of the most balanced teams in the field, averaging nearly 60 points and holding opponents to 47 points. Marsh Valley was able to push the pace, but the Chargers kept it close for most of the game.

Marsh Valley began to pull away in the third and led 40-29, but the fourth was a different story as the Chargers chipped away and eventually closed the gap to 51-50 with 2:59 left.

Ball said there may have been some nerves early, but the team’s seniors pulled through.

“If you don’t have butterflies, you don’t belong here,” he said.

In the end, it was the seniors who persevered, with Justis Whitworth finishing with 19 points, Kaden Hansen with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Eli Hadley with 10 rebounds.

“We trust our guys,” Whitworth said, also noting the team’s defensive effort.

Marsh Valley enters Friday’s semifinals having won five straight games and faces No. 1 Bonners Ferry, which is seeking its third straight state title.

Tip is 7 p.m. at Eagle High.