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Cole Valley Christian breaks through, beats Aberdeen to capture Idaho 2A girls basketball title (video, photos)

After three straight seasons of coming painstakingly short at state, the Cole Valley Christian girls basketball team finally got over the hump.
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NAMPA - Lyndsie Krogh wasn’t sure if she could storm the court or not.

The Cole Valley Christian senior guard took a few steps forward before being told not yet.

A whistle had blown right before the buzzer sounded. Officials gathered and determined they were going to make Aberdeen’s Hope Driscoll shoot a meaningless free throw with seven tenths of a second remaining. 

But Krogh didn’t have to wait too much longer for the moment four years in the making. After three straight seasons of coming painstakingly short at state, the Cole Valley Christian girls basketball team finally got over the hump with a 58-45 win over Aberdeen Saturday in the Idaho Class 2A State Championship game at the Ford Idaho Center.

“It’s surreal,” said Krogh who put up a double-double of 21 points and 10 points. “It’s been four years that our program has been coming in as a high (seed). Almost every year we (were) projected to win and then finally we just (did).”

It had been a rough-go around in the postseason for No. 3 Cole Valley Christian (21-5) in recent memory.

The Chargers lost back-to-back times to Soda Springs, including the 2020 state final - the first appearance in school history - before being upset by Grangeville last year when many expected them to win the whole thing. 

“We’ve had some really talented teams over the years that just for one reason or another haven’t quite gotten the job done,” Cole Valley Christian coach Matt Beglinger said. “And man, this group just felt different. They believed. You could tell from Thursday on.”

It helped that the Chargers’ two big senior leaders in Krogh and wing Ellie Fraas, along with assistant coach Annie Mintz, all knew what to expect this time around having all been on that 2020 state runner-up team.

However, this year’s group didn’t go in with the momentum of the previous ones. Cole Valley Christian suffered a surprising 46-34 loss to Meba in the district title game the week before. The Chargers had swept the Mustangs during the regular season, winning both times by double digits. They said it actually worked out better for them that way, though.

“It really motivated us,” said Frass, who had 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists. “If we (had) won against Melba, it probably would have made us feel invincible going into state. So we probably wouldn’t have fought as hard as we did.”

Cole Valley Christian really had to fight for this one, especially in the second half when it suddenly found itself on the verge of trailing by double digits at 37-29 with 3:22 left in the third quarter. 

“We were down by eight?,” exclaimed Beglinger.

After leading by seven points for much of the first half, the fourth-ranked Tigers (22-6) mounted a comeback. Three consecutive three-pointers, including two by senior point guard Yasmin Ortinz - gave them their first lead and capped a 13-2 run. 

But Krogh calmed her team and the Aberdeen crowd noise by draining back-to-back corner jumpers. It jump started a 13-0 run and Cole Valley Christian outscored the Tigers 29-8 the rest of the way.

“That’s a huge gut check right there,” Beglinger said. “... That's when you find out what the core of your team is about. And they responded.

“They had to be reminded of who they are. And once they went on that personal mini run, I think you could see the energy come back. You could see the belief come back.”

Sophomore wing Hadley Frass tallied a game-high 22 points and eight rebounds. She also shot 75% from the field, which included an assist from older sister Ellie late in the game. It prompted her to point to Ellie and give her a smile.

Ellie also has a special bond with Krogh. The two of them started playing with each other in the seventh grade and made varsity together freshman year. They will now each go their separate ways with Ellie set to play volleyball at The Master’s University in California, while Krogh is ending her playing career.

But the best friends go out on top.

“It’s just felt like it’s been me and Ellie against everything,” Krogh said.

PHOTO GALLERY

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com

Idaho Girl's 2A State Championship - Aberdeen v Cole Valley - Photo by Loren Orr Photography LLC/LorrenOrr.com