Pocatello Girls Basketball Headed Back to State Championship

Senior Abby Lusk leads young team to second straight title game appearance

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Pocatello girls basketball team is headed back to the 5A state championship game after defeating Lakeland 52-45 in the semifinals. Senior Abby Lusk, the reigning 5A Player of the Year, led the way with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Pocatello lost most of its starters from last year's championship team, but Lusk has stepped up to lead the young squad back to the title game.

Why it matters

Pocatello's return to the state championship game is a testament to the program's continued success and the leadership of star player Abby Lusk. Despite losing most of last year's championship team to graduation, Lusk has carried the young squad back to the title game, showcasing her skills and ability to elevate her teammates.

The details

Pocatello defeated Lakeland 52-45 in the semifinals, avenging an earlier 63-47 loss to Lakeland earlier this season. Lusk scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, doing most of her damage in the second half to lead Pocatello's comeback. Madysen Torngren added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Oakley Hirschi chipped in 9 points.

  • Pocatello won the 5A state title last season.
  • Pocatello will face Sandpoint in the 5A state championship game on Saturday at 6 p.m.

The players

Abby Lusk

The senior star player for Pocatello, Lusk is the reigning 5A Player of the Year and Pocatello's all-time leading scorer with 1,494 career points, 819 rebounds, 260 assists, and 252 steals.

Sunny Evans

The head coach of the Pocatello girls basketball team, who has guided the program to back-to-back state championship game appearances.

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What they’re saying

“But she decided to put this team on her back and bring some of these young kids along and she's loved them and coached them and trusted them. It's been pretty great to see her do that.”

— Sunny Evans, Head Coach (eastidahonews.com)

“There are things you talk about, 'We're going back-to-back.' Sometimes they're just phrases or figures of speech that you throw around. So to be with this group and they're making their own mark … To be able to play in that game again tomorrow is pretty cool.”

— Sunny Evans, Head Coach (eastidahonews.com)

“But I put a little bit on my shoulders and I wanted to give the girls a chance. They followed with me and it worked out.”

— Abby Lusk (eastidahonews.com)

What’s next

Pocatello will face Sandpoint in the 5A state championship game on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Idaho Center.

The takeaway

Pocatello's return to the state championship game is a testament to the leadership and skill of senior Abby Lusk, who has carried a young team back to the title game after losing most of last year's championship squad to graduation. Lusk's ability to elevate her teammates has been crucial in Pocatello's run to the finals.