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The Skyview High girls basketball team brought an end to Middleton's five-game conference winning streak on Thursday night in Nampa.
The Hawks' speedy zone defense collected 19 steals on its way to a 41-37 victory, forcing a three-way tie for first in the 4A Southern Idaho Conference standings.
Middleton, Skyview and Bishop Kelly now share the league lead with records of 6-1.
"It was definitely our defense," said Skyview senior guard Erica Greenwood, who scored eight points and added three steals. "We pressure hard and it's a total team effort with us. I just love how we work together on defense."
After trailing by as much as 10 points in the second quarter, the Hawks (11-2) went on a 10-0 run over a span of about 2 minutes to tie the game at 20-20 with 1:48 to go before the half.
Middleton (8-5) took the lead into the locker room, however, on a putback by forward Lacey Young. The junior finished with a game-high 12 points.
Skyview's defense took over in the second half, forcing 19 of the Vikings' 35 turnovers.
"We didn't take care of the basketball well enough to win tonight," Middleton coach Andy Jones said.
This was the first meeting between the Hawks and Vikings since February of 2008 in the semifinals of the 4A state tournament. Middleton won that game 50-34 on its way to the state title. Skyview is the defending 4A District Three champion.
After Thursday's game - which included five lead changes - it looks as though the conference is shaping up for another tight battle.
"Our conference is tough," Skyview coach Cindy Pasta said. " All that matters is the last game you've played."
Rachel Roberts: 377-6422
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