Cardinal hoopers show out on WHS hardwood

WALLACE — Basketball fans scored big at Wednesday night’s slam dunk event in which Wallace Jr./Sr. High School hosted both North Idaho College’s (NIC) mens and women's basketball teams for its annual scrimmage.

WHS began hosting the NIC teams several years ago when teacher Brian Bemis, an NIC alum and ardent Cardinal Basketball supporter, suggested to former school activities director Bruce Bailey that they host a scrimmage for the public to come watch.

First-year AD Corey Miller was happy to be able to continue the tradition of hosting the players — who put on an absolute show throughout the night.

“It was awesome,” Miller said. “I know the crowd really enjoyed it, the kids and players seemed to really enjoy themselves too.”

Miller estimated that the crowd in attendance was a little bigger than what they would have on average for a high school game, and said the energy was at an all-time high.

The women’s team showcased a competitive, back and forth game all night with fans going wild as it capped off with a buzzer beater 3-pointer, much to the crowd's delight.

All eyes were on the court as the sizable men’s team took the floor next.

“When the boys came out for their warmups, they ran through lay-up lines and they were basically putting on a dunking clinic — which everyone enjoyed watching,” Miller said.

Miller noted that the scrimmage has become almost the unofficial kickoff to basketball season in the Silver Valley, and generates reason for people to come back into the gyms during the long winter sports season.

“It’s a really good way to get our kids excited,” Miller said. “I think it lets everyone know that basketball season is here and that it’s time to come out and support all of our local teams.”

Miller also highlighted that while some games are happening this week, the Girls Silver Valley Tournament is next weekend at WHS with Kellogg and Lakeside kicking off the action on Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by Wallace and Post Falls JV.