Century bested by Burley in back-and-forth battle; Grace Lutheran boys beat American Heritage, Madison girls top Hillcrest

POCATELLO — The Century Diamondbacks had no answer for the Burley Bobcats’ deep ball Tuesday night.

Despite battling back from several deficits, Burley (2-0, 0-0) reclaimed the lead for a final time on a 3-pointer with just over a minute remaining in the game, sealing a 65-60 victory at Century High School.

Century (1-1, 0-0) was led by juniors Justus Mangum (19) and Xenphon Flesishmann (18), who accounted for more than half of the Diamondbacks’ scoring (37). Flesishmann added to his already solid performance when he converted an and-one to give his squad a lead late in the third.

Mangum, who led Century’s continuous answers to Burley surges, fouled out with 2:09 remaining in a tied game, and the Diamondbacks were outscored 7-2 the rest of the way.

Burley entered the game having already claimed a 63-62 victory over reigning state champ Preston and now owns wins over two of the three teams that make up a very strong 5A South East Idaho Conference.

Century is right back in action Wednesday night, when they host the Idaho Falls Tigers (1-0, 0-0).

Grace Lutheran tops American Heritage

The Royals (1-0, 1-0) got a 12-point performance from junior Damon Schmidt, to go with an 11-point, six-rebound night from senior Garrett Grayson, dispatching the Patriots (0-1, 0-1), 47-17, at Grace Lutheran School Tuesday night.

Schmidt finished a hot-shooting night going 4-for-9 on 3-pointers, and senior Ely Sauer added a balanced performance, with six points, seven rebounds and five assists.

American Heritage is back at home Thursday night, hosting Taylor’s Crossing.

Grace Lutheran will be at Richfield Thursday night.

Madison beats Hillcrest

The Bobcats (3-2, 0-0) ended a two-game losing skid with a 49-40 victory over the Knights (0-5, 0-1) at Madison High School Tuesday night.

Madison will be back in action at Skyline Saturday.

Hillcrest is on the road again Thursday, at Shelley.