Rockland girls basketball rolls to Idaho 1A DII state title, ends season on 16-game winning streak

NAMPA, Idaho - Rockland coach Vern Nelson cut his finger opening his suitcase while getting ready for Saturday’s championship. By the time the game was over, his index finger was bleeding through the Band-Aid

It was fitting, though. He has given his blood, sweat and tears to the program for 26 years. And after going 24 of those years without titles of any kind, Nelson now has two in three seasons after Saturday's 44-26 victory over Council in the Idaho Class 1A DII girls basketball state championship game.

“I’m overcome with emotion on it,” Nelson said. “We were here two years ago and won one, which was the first one our school ever won in anything. This year is even, to me, extra special because this group of young ladies, they work so hard.”

The No. 1 Bulldogs had a near perfect season at 24-1 - the best record in school history. Their lone blemish was an 8-point loss on Dec. 15 on the road to 1A DI’s Raft River, which also made state. Otherwise, they won all but two games by double digits, including all three at state. Rockland ended the year on a 16-game winning streak.

“It’s huge,” said senior Ember Farr, who was on the 2020 state championship team. “We’ve really raised the bar for our team for the future.”

Rockland left little doubt by jumping out to a 10-0 lead five and a half minutes in. No. 2 Council (18-1) didn’t get closer than six points the rest of the way.

Farr racked up a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Taylie Boyer was right behind with 15 points.

Junior Isabelle led the Lumberjacks, who were making their first finals appearance since 1988, with nine points and four boards in the loss.