Not a bad week for Skyline’s Shay Shippen, who set the state scoring record and helped lead her team to the state tournament

IDAHO FALLS – There are records and then there are records.

The most points scored in the history of girls basketball in Idaho?

That sounds like a big thing and worthy of Athlete of the Week honors.

Skyline’s Shay Shippen said she never really had her sights set on the numbers or the record. She was made aware earlier in the season that she was closing in on the established mark of 2,281 career points, set by Destiny Slocum of Mountain View.

It’s been well documented over the past couple of weeks that Idaho does not keep official state records, but 2,281 has been the standard.

Per research by Mike Lycklama at the Idaho Statesman, only four girls players in Idaho have topped 2,000 points prior to Shippen’s run this year.

2,281 — Destiny Slocum, Mountain View
2,180 — Carlie Latta, Minico
2,120 — Hollie Tyler, Leadore  
2,046 — Alli Nieman, Sandpoint

Now there’s a fifth.

Shippen, who committed to Columbia prior to the season, rose to the top of the list in bittersweet fashion last week, topping the mark during a loss to Blackfoot in the 5A District 6 title game.

She was gracious afterward, acknowledging her teammates over the past four years.

“It’s a super cool accomplishment,” she said. “The accolades are awesome … but I couldn’t do it without my teammates,” she said. “I’ve had amazing teammates over the last four years and it’s been so special playing Skyline basketball. I’ll forever hold that more than any record.”

Shippen and her teammates returned to tournament play on Saturday and beat Shelley to advance to the state tournament.

She finished with 25 points and put up a highlight shot in her final home game at Skyline by knocking down a long 3-pointer with 12 seconds left to cap the scoring.

The senior increased her state scoring record to 2,315 points, official or not.