Columbia proved it belongs at state. But it ran out of magic in the 4A semifinals
Columbia scored its first state tournament win in program history Thursday.
But the Wildcats couldn’t pull another upset Friday, falling 47-32 to Sandpoint in the 4A state semifinals Friday at the Ford Idaho Center.
The No. 3 Bulldogs (19-5) suffocated No. 7 Columbia all night, holding it to 11-for-43 shooting (26%) and forcing 15 turnovers. They pushed star post Mylie Mills out of the paint, disrupting the Wildcats’ game plan and holding her to six points a night after she erupted for 26.
“We didn’t adjust to her coming to the ball, catching it and making a move off the dribble outside the key,” Columbia coach Neal Robertson said. “They played us really physical and really tough out on the perimeter, and our kids couldn’t really get a shot off, really. And then we tried to drive, and they always seemed to be in front of us.”
Sandpoint has made it to state nine of the past 10 years. But Friday’s win sends the Bulldogs to the state finals for the first time since 1996. Sandpoint will face No. 1 Shelley (22-3) for a shot at its first title at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Idaho Center.
“We’ve been able to change the culture in Sandpoint. Now our program is just bursting,” said Sandpoint coach Will Love, a 1995 graduate of the North Idaho school. “We’ve got 30-something kids, whereas even the 5As are losing their third team.
“... That we’re going to be able to represent Sandpoint in a state championship game is, one, surreal. And then, two, it’s just a lot of pride.”
Sandpoint junior Karlie Banks led the Bulldogs into the history books on both sides of the court. She spent much of the night responsible for locking down on Mills. But she also led the Bulldogs with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Sandpoint point guard Aliya Strock added 11 points and four assists.
“Besides being a good scorer, Karlie is also a really good post defender,” Sandpoint coach Will Love said. “If we didn’t have her, we’d be lost against a lot of these teams.”
The loss drops Columbia (15-11) into the third-place game, where it will face Bishop Kelly (21-4) at noon Saturday at Timberline. A win would earn the Wildcats the first state tournament trophy in program history, a wild dream for a program on a 47-game conference losing streak when Robertson took over four years ago.
“Where we’re at right now, this is an incredible experience,” Robertson said. “We played at Idaho Central Arena, an incredible venue. We played here, an incredible venue. It’s been an incredible experience, and it just continues to grow.”
Ellie Robertson led Columbia with nine points, and Jada Myers also had six.
This story was originally published February 17, 2023 at 7:45 PM.
