The Sho-Ban boys’ basketball team moved one step closer to repeating as 1A D-II Fifth-Sixth District champions as they defeated North Gem 48-40 Thursday night at Firth High School.

    It was slow going early for the Chiefs as they trailed the Cowboys 13-4 after the first quarter. But if was all Sho-Ban after that.

    “We played defense and we defended really well,” Sho-Ban head coach Lester Stewart said of his team’s comeback. “We had 15 steals as a team. We had a really big third quarter push.”

    That push was led by Aaron Roy, who finished with 12 points.

    “He’s the unsung member of this team, he gave us a boost,” Stewart said. “He hit some shots and got some rebounds. He’s kind of the glue.”

    With the win, the Chiefs advance to the district title game where they will take on Mackay, who defeated Clark County 50-45.

    “It doesn’t matter to me,” Stewart said. “We have to play at 7:30 Tuesday. They could put the Chicago Bulls out there and we would still play.”

    Andre Graves led Sho-Ban with 17 points. Caston Holbrook scored 15 for the Cowboys.

    Tipoff between the Chiefs and Miners will be Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Firth High School.

Soda Springs 58, West Side 53

    The Soda Springs boys took down West Side 58-53 Thursday evening at Soda Springs High School.

    Just as one would expect from a Cardinals/Pirates matchup, it was close throughout. Soda Springs did enough down the stretch to earn the win.

    “West Side is a great team,” said Soda Springs head coach Greg Bergholm. “We executed down the stretch and hit our free throws. I though our kids finished the game.”

    Landon Hayes led Soda Springs with 16 points while Hunter Goodenough added 14. Tate Fuller scored 15 for the Pirates.

    The Cardinals (13-9) will take on Aberdeen Monday at 7 p.m. in Soda Springs. If Soda wins, the Cardinals are the district champions. If the Tigers win, they have to beat them again.

Aberdeen 58, Malad 45

    The Aberdeen boys pulled off the upset as they defeated Malad 58-45 Thursday evening at Malad High School.

    Led Jaxson Archibald scored 21 points for the Tigers while Brian Cerna added 14 and Austin Horrocks 10. Brian Roedle led Malad with 15.

    “They shot the ball extremely well and we just couldn’t answer it,” said Malad head coach Sheldon Vaughan. “They played well offensively and defensively.”

    Malad (12-10) ends its season while Aberdeen will play Soda Springs Monday night at 7 p.m.