Highland surges in 4th to top Kuna, earn first state win in 10 years

Rams rally from 11-point deficit to defeat Kavemen 51-47 and advance to face No. 1 seed Owyhee

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Highland Rams overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Kuna Kavemen 51-47 in the opening round of the state tournament, earning their first state tournament victory in 10 years. The Rams, led by Colton Stucki's 13 points and Cedric Mitchell's go-ahead bucket in the final minute, stormed back with a balanced scoring attack to secure the win.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Highland program, which had not won a state tournament game since their 2016 championship. The comeback win showcases the Rams' resilience and depth, as they were able to rally despite an injury to their second-leading scorer. The win sets up a highly anticipated matchup with top-seeded Owyhee, the heavy tournament favorites.

The details

Highland trailed Kuna by 11 points entering the fourth quarter, but a surge from Boston McCulloch, Tracen Tripple, Colton Stucki and Stockton Moore allowed the Rams to quickly erase the deficit. Cedric Mitchell, not usually an aggressive scorer, hit the go-ahead bucket in the final minute to give Highland the lead. Kuna turned the ball over twice in the closing seconds, and the Rams made free throws to seal the victory.

  • Highland trailed Kuna by 11 points entering the fourth quarter.

The players

Highland Rams

The Highland High School boys basketball team, who earned their first state tournament victory in 10 years with the comeback win over Kuna.

Colton Stucki

A Highland player who scored 13 points and had 3 blocked shots in the victory.

Cedric Mitchell

A Highland player who scored the go-ahead bucket in the final minute to give the Rams the lead for good.

Kuna Kavemen

The Kuna High School boys basketball team, who led by 11 points entering the fourth quarter but were unable to hold on for the win.

Matt Stucki

The head coach of the Highland Rams, who praised his team's depth and resilience in the comeback victory.

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What they’re saying

“I chuckle because I don't even know if these guys look at the score. They just play and fight through it, until the last second.”

— Matt Stucki, Head Coach, Highland Rams (EastIdahoNews.com)

“Brotherhood. That's the theme for our team, so we knew we could come back and win this game.”

— Colton Stucki, Highland Player (EastIdahoNews.com)

“This is the most unique team I've ever been a part of, in all my playing days, coaching days — you just don't know, from one to eight, who is going to hit the shot.”

— Matt Stucki, Head Coach, Highland Rams (EastIdahoNews.com)

“But we had to go get a bucket.”

— Cedric Mitchell, Highland Player (EastIdahoNews.com)

“If we can play together, if we can stay connected, we can do some pretty cool things.”

— Matt Stucki, Head Coach, Highland Rams (EastIdahoNews.com)

What’s next

Highland will face No. 1 seed Owyhee in the next round of the state tournament, with tip-off set for 5 p.m. at the Ford Idaho Center.

The takeaway

This comeback victory showcases the Highland Rams' resilience, depth, and belief in each other. Despite trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, the Rams refused to give up and rallied as a team to secure their first state tournament win in a decade. This sets the stage for an intriguing matchup with tournament favorite Owyhee, as the underdog Rams look to continue their Cinderella run.