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Snake River’s Bridjer Howard fights for possession against Filer during Thursday’s state opener. | Allan Steele, EastIdahoSports.
EAGLE – There’s lights-out shooting and then there’s whatever Snake River’s Dawson Jackman was doing against Filer in Thursday’s 4A boys basketball state opener.
Jackman scored the Panthers’ first 11 points, finished the quarter knocking down four 3-pointers in the quarter and netted 14 points as Snake River jumped out to an early lead and then held off Filer 61-44.
Jackman finished with 21 points, but the early damage had been done as Snake River (24-3) moved into Friday’s semifinals.
“Anytime you get a good start it sets the tone for the game,” Jackman said. “Any given day, any given night, it could be any of us that could get hot off the start and set the tone for the team.”
Jackman set the tone from the perimeter, but forwards Marcus Coombs and Bridjer Howard closed out the game with strong performances in the paint.
Coombs finished with 21 points and eight rebounds while Howard added 10 points and five blocks.
Every time the Wildcats started to close the gap and get within single digits, Snake River would put together a run and get back some breathing room.
“A lot of kids come out nervous, but our kids have been here before,” coach Robert Coombs said. “It was nice to get a spark and try to keep their composure … They made a couple of runs and we responded.”
Filer (14-10) scored the final five points of the second quarter to close within 34-23 at the half.
Snake River held the lead in the second and closed with a flurry to up its lead to 17 by the end of the game.
Robert Coombs noted the team has plenty of experience, with about half of the roster playing on last year’s team that earned a third-place trophy.
Overall, it’s the program’s 10th straight appearance in the state tournament.
“Anytime you go to state and get a trophy, that’s still a good season,” coach Coombs said, noting blue is a nice color.
Xavier Kelsey led Filer with 14 points and seven rebounds.
Snake River will play McCall-Donnelly, a 48-47 winner over Sugar-Salem, in Friday’s semifinals. Tip is 5 p.m. at Eagle High.
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