Skyline’s Shay Shippen sets scoring record, but it’s Blackfoot with an impressive win in district title game
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IDAHO FALLS – Skyline’s Shay Shippen became the state’s all-time leading scorer Thursday, but it was the Blackfoot Broncos who were celebrating at center court at the end night.
Blackfoot played a near flawless game, downing the top-seeded Grizzlies 61-42 to win the 5A District 6 title and earn an automatic berth to next week’s state tournament.
The Broncos (18-5) split the two regular-season games with the Grizzlies (15-8), but broke open a close game in the third quarter Thursday with a 22-point outburst. Skyline had just two field goals in the third and the Broncos’ lead ballooned to 20 points.
“I just kept telling the girls that they gotta believe in all the work they put in all season and to trust in that … I’m really proud of all of them,” Blackfoot coach Raimee Odum said.
Three players scored in double figures for Blackfoot, led by center Cambrie Waterhouse, who was a force inside on both ends of the court. She finished with 20 points, eight coming the fourth quarter as Blackfoot continued to pull away.
Waterhouse dominated the paint and her defensive presence helped contain Skyline, which entered averaging nearly 57 points.
Addison Tanner finished with 11 points and freshman Lexi Jackman scored 15 points for the Broncos.
Shippen’s chase for the scoring record had been a storyline all season. Idaho doesn’t keep official records, but the 2,281 career points scored by Destiny Slocum of Mountain View is considered the top point total in state history.
Shippen needed just nine points to set the mark, and she scored seven in the first quarter.
With 3:35 left in the second quarter Shippen powered her way for a basket inside and was fouled. She hit the free throw to give her 2,283 points career points.
That cut Blackfoot’s lead to 20-17 and Macy Marlow followed with a 3-pointer to tie the game at 20-20.
The Grizzlies would get no closer as Blackfoot opened up a double-digit lead in the third. The Broncos hit 3-pointers and free throws and controlled the tempo. Skyline, which usually pushes the pace, couldn’t keep up and hurt itself with turnovers.
“You game plan one way and sometimes players step up,” Skyline coach Ty Keck said regarding Waterhouse’s dominance inside. “We had some things in place to stop them, but we didn’t box out well and we gave her some easy shots at the basket. Kudos to her, she played a great game.”
Keck credited Blackfoot with a disciplined third quarter.
“We got a little bit passive trying to find spots that we could attack. Shots fell for them and they didn’t fall for us,” he said.
Shippen finished with 17 points and has another chance to extend the unofficial scoring record on Saturday when the Grizzlies host Shelley for the district’s second spot at the state tournament.
Shippen said she wasn’t aware of the record chase until about a month ago.
“It’s a super cool accomplishment,” she said. “The accolades are awesome … but I couldn’t do it without my teammates. I’ve had amazing teammates over the last four years and it’s been so special playing Skyline basketball. I’ll forever hold that more than any record.”
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