The good news was a season-high 61 points for the Wood River High School boys' varsity basketball team. But reigning State 4A champion Burley scored more to secure a 77-61 Great Basin Conference West victory Wednesday in Hailey.
Burley's 6-5 senior post Kyle Hepworth, the one pillar remaining from last winter's 27-0 state champ, was dominant with 28 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks for the Bobcats (5-8, 1-1), who out-rebounded Hailey 32-18.
In a wide-open offensive game unburdened by pesky things like defensive presses, Wood River (1-10, 0-2) did its best to keep up with Burley and kept turnovers low (14). Leading the way was senior Bryan Tidwell (18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 6 assists, 2 blocks).
Greg Wakefield (14 points, 3 boards) drilled two 3-pointers, as did Jordan Doan (6 points) for Wood River. Other contributors were Michale Brunker (10 points, 2 boards, 2 steals, 2 assists), Brent Hope (7 points, 3 rebounds), Sean Bunce (4-for-4 free throws) and Juan Martinez (2 points).
Other prep games
· The Jerome Tiger girls (14-3, 4-1) raced past Wood River 53-23 Tuesday night. Kaitana Martinez and Grace Lagodich each scored seven points for WRHS (4-12, 0-6 league).
· Richfield's girls (16-0, 9-0 league) kept their unbeaten boast 46-37 in a hard-fought Northside Conference tussle Tuesday in Carey. Jessica Parke (16) and Mirian Rivas (18) of Richfield were leaders.
· The Bliss boys rallied from a 26-20 third-quarter deficit to knock off The Community School 35-33. Paul Davis scored a season-high 13 points for the Fish (3-9, 3-6 league) and Alex Cortez (16) led Bliss (2-9, 2-6).
