BY MICHAEL DAVID

The Minico Spartans are ranked No. 2 in the state, but the Wolverines didn't seem to care Friday night—at least, during the first half.

Both teams emerged from the locker room focused on defense, and Minico (15-4, 8-1) led Wood River (7-13, 5-4) by two points after the first quarter, 11-9.

The teams traded baskets for most of the second quarter, and a Nic Tidwell bucket gave the Wolverines a 19-18 lead with 3 minutes left in the half. But then, the Spartans closed the second quarter on a 10-2 scoring run, and led Wood River 28-21 at the half.

The Spartans’ full-court press caused fits for the Wolverines in the third quarter, forcing five Wood River turnovers.  Minico got hot from the floor and pulled away from the determined Wolverines.

Alec Nordsieck and Cade Schott led Wood River scorers with 12 points apiece. Nic Tidwell had 11; Travis Swanson, 8; Brock Mary, 3, and Owen Gifford, 2.  

The loss dropped Wood River into a third place tie with Twin Falls in the Great Basin Conference.

Next up for the Wolverines is Burley on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at The Wolverine Den in Hailey. It's Senior Night, so come out and support our boys in their last regular season game of the season. Freshman tip-off is at 5:50 p.m.; JV, at 6 p.m., and Varsity at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30.