MERIDIAN — Priest River senior Eric Holbrook scored a game-high 29 points on 10 for 16 shooting as the Spartans defeated Kimberly 78-57 in the second round of the 3A State Tournament Friday at Meridian High School.

“I liked how we responded from yesterday,” Spartan coach Ryan Bodecker said. “Today we played our type of game.  We controlled the tempo, style and I was happy with our overall effort as a team.”  

Holbrook, the Intermountain League Co-MVP, capped off a great all-around game with 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocked shots for Priest River (18-6).

“I liked Eric’s aggressiveness,” said Bodecker. “He got to the basket, rebounded, and did everything we asked him to do.”

Spartan Jaden Barrett hit four of his nine three-point shots and scored a season-high 23 points. Priest River went nine for 24 as a team from beyond the arc compared to two for 17 shooting by the Bulldogs.

Max Salesky (IML Co-MVP) scored 13 points and Mikey Bach grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds for Priest River, which plays Sugar Salem in the consolation championship today at 8:15 a.m.

“It comes down to which team brings the most energy to the court, but we will have our guys ready to go,” Bodecker said.

Tevan Brady would be the only Bulldog to score in double digits, recording 10 points for Kimberly (17-7).

Priest River   19   19   21   19   —   78

Kimberly       13   13   23     8   —   57

PRIEST RIVER — Barrett 23, Douglas 8, Bach 3, Salesky 13, Peterson 2, Holbrook 29, Mortenson 0, Bradbury 0, Huddleston 0, Swafford 0, Storlie 0.

KIMBERLY — Huft 4, Casperson 0, Champlin 3, Harmon 1, Maloney 9, Crane 8, Hulsey 3, Brady 10, Molyneux 0, Funk 6, Wadsworth 6, Howell 7.