Reviews and Previews
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Tournament Time--Page 1
Tournament Time! by Scott Sacry
It’s that time of year again! Starting this weekend, Montana high school girls and boys basketball teams will compete in post-season tournaments. From Plevna to Plenty Coups to Power and from Roundup to Roberts to Reed Point-Rapelje, Montana players, coaches, and communities will be vying for eight state basketball titles. Along the way the majority of teams will not win the ultimate prize, but they will be better for the journey as they learn the lessons that come from winning and losing. But at the start, it doesn’t matter if you’ve won every game or lost every game, once the tournaments begin, everyone has a chance. The six high school boys and girls basketball teams from the Bitterroot Valley will be in the thick of the action.
The Victor and Darby schools play in the 13-C District Tournament in Frenchtown on February 17th-19th. The Darby girls are the No. 4 seed and play Valley Christian on Thursday at 10am. The Victor girls are the No. 6 seed and play Drummond on Thursday at 5pm. The Darby boys are the No. 2 seed and play Lincoln on Thursday at 3:15pm. The Victor boys are the No. 4 seed and play Valley Christian on Thursday at 11:45. Two girls and boys teams will advance into the Divisional round, which will be held at Frenchtown the following week. The Class C State Tournament will be held at the Four Season Arena in Great Falls on March 9th-12th. Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville play in the Southwestern A Tournament in Dillon on February 17th19th. On the girls side, Hamilton is the
No. 2 seed and will play East Helena on Thursday at 5pm. Stevensville is the No. 5 seed and will play Frenchtown at 11am on Thursday. Corvallis is the No. 6 seed and will play Butte Central on Thursday at 2pm. On the boys side, No. 4 seed Hamilton will play No. 5 seed Corvallis on Thursday at 12:30. Stevensville is the No. 7 seed and will play Butte Central on Thursday night at 8pm. The top four girls and boys teams will advance to Divisionals in Hamilton on February 24th-26th. The Class A State tournament will take place March 9th-12th at the Adams Center in Missoula. The Florence-Carlton girls and boys play in the District 6B “Hybrid” tournament this week. The No. 4 and No. 5 seeded teams played a play-in game on Monday, February 14th (boys) and Tuesday, February 15th (girls)
(results unavailable at press time). Then on Thursday, the Florence boys host the winner of Monday’s play-in game at 6pm, and Loyola hosts Arlee. On Friday, the Florence girls play at Anaconda at 6pm and Loyola hosts Tuesday’s play-in winner. The consolation and championship games for both boys and girls take place in Florence on Saturday, February 19th starting at 11am. The top four teams advance to the Western B Divisionals in Ronan on February 24th-26th. The Class B State Tournament will be held at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman on March 10th-12th. Regardless of the eventual outcome, dedicated players, coaches and supporters have put in a great deal of time and hard work and effort, so make sure to get out there and give them your support!
Corvallis Blue Devils
CLASS A
BOYS Back Row (L to R) – Assistant Coach Carson Schmit, Head Coach Zane Warnken, Ryan Hutchison, Chase Tucker, Tyler Weis, Aaron Powell, Leif Jessop, Derek Criddle, Dillen Potter, Assistant Coach Jason Wirt
The Corvallis Boys had a regular season full of highs and lows and head to the Southwestern A District Tournament as the No. 5 seed and play No. 4 seeded Hamilton on Thursday at 12:30 in Dillon. Corvallis and Hamilton split their regular season meetings. Although always competitive, Corvallis struggled to string together victories, but are on a three-game winning streak going into Districts, including a victory over Hamilton for the first time since 2014. Donovan Potter and Aaron Powell lead the way, but watch out for Leif Jessop, David Broch, Dillon Potter, and Ryan Hutchison. They have been getting better all year and Coach Zane Warken hopes he has them peaking at the right time. The Corvallis Girls have had a tough season and go into the Southwestern A District Tournament as the No. 6 seed and play Butte Central on Thursday at 2pm in Dillon. Although they have a losing record this year, the Corvallis girls have been competitive and never give up. Madeline Gilder can score against anyone
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GIRLS Back Row (L to R) – Assistant Coach Dave Bradshaw, Brecklyn Jessop, Olivia Lewis, Ericka Jessop, Laurie Davidson, Assistant Coach Jeff Gilder, Head Coach Andy Knapp Front Row (L to R) – Tylin Sorensen, Tahnee Lewis, Madeline Gilder, Alina Brown, Emelia Schairer
Have a Happy Turkey Day From Good Job & Good Luck! Everyone at the Coffee Cup!
Good luck at the tournaments! Your local self-service dog wash is now open in Corvallis next to Willow Mountain Veterinary Clinic!
Serving everydayHamilton from 6am - 10pm 500 S.youFirst, • 363-3822 500 S. 1st Hamilton • 363-3822
Good luck at tournaments! 143 Bell Crossing W Victor 406-961-3001
Winter Hours: Wed. - Fri. 11-6 Sat. - Sun. 11-5 285 1st St. • 406-396-4429
Good Luck at Tournaments!
Good luck at tournaments! Play hard and have fun! Donna M. Lewis, DVM 1039 Main St. Corvallis, MT 59828 406-961-3077 M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm
477 US Hwy 93 N, Hamilton 406-363-3600 donaldsonbros.com
Page 2--Tournament Time
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Hamilton Broncs
The Hamilton Girls had an exceptional regular season, going 15-3, and head into the Southwestern A District Tournament as the No. 2 seed.
They play East Helena in Dillon on Thursday at 5pm. Head Coach Richard Griffin molded this young team into one of the top teams in the state with an
aggressive defense and an efficient offense. Point guard Taryn Searle manages the game, Mya Winkler is a force down low, and Layne Kearns is a terrific
Good Luck to All Valley Teams
all around player. They are supported by Ayda Griffin, Alexis Brenneman, Madi Nelson, Taylor McCarthy, and Lavana Wetzel. They will be a tough team to beat and hope to make a run toward State.
at the tournaments.
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Good luck Valley Teams!
GIRLS Back Row (L to R): Lexi Brenneman, Harley Hanson, Lavana Wetzel, Mya Winkler, Crystal Van Sickle, Ayda Griffin, Madalyn Nelson. Front Row L to R: Alyssa Rockwell, Taylor McCarthy, Taryn Searle, Rylee Brackman, Layne Kearns, Haylee McKinley, Thomas Rockwell
Good Luck Valley Teams!
1600 N 1st St., Hamilton
BOYS Back Row (L to R): Liam O’Connell, Colter Kirkland, Andrew Burrows, Hudson Bain, Asher Magness, Jackson Jessop, Tyson Rostad. Front Row (L to R): Brynn Lehtola, Cole Dickemore, Lucas Lant, Max Cianflone, Tyson Bauder, Jackson Heath, Eli Taylor, Maria Kanenwisher.
1600 N 1st Street . Hamilton . 363-1922 406-363-1922
Good luck at tournaments! Play hard and have fun! Donna M. Lewis, DVM 1039 Main St. Corvallis, MT 59828 406-961-3077 M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm
Congratulations!
The Hamilton Boys come into the Southwestern A District Tournament as the No. 4 seed with an 11-6 record, and play Corvallis on Thursday in Dillon at 12:30. The Boys started the season strong but have lost four of their last five games coming into districts. Head Coach Travis Blome hopes to get the Broncs back to early season form for the tournament. They have the depth and talent to beat any team and know what it takes to win. Eli Taylor controls the game from the point, and you can expect big contributions from Tyson Rostad, Max Cianflone, Asher Magness, Liam O’Connell, Colter Kirkland, and sharp shooting Cole Dickemore.
Good luck at the tournaments! Your local self-service dog wash is now open in Corvallis next to Willow Mountain Veterinary Clinic! Winter Hours: Wed. - Fri. 11-6 Sat. - Sun. 11-5 285 1st St. • 406-396-4429
Go, Fight, Win! GOOD LUCK AT TOURNAMENTS
Good luck Broncs & Lady Broncs!
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Wednesday, February 16, 2022
The Stevensville Girls come into the Southwestern A District Tournament as the No. 5 seed with a 5-13 record and play Frenchtown in Dillon on Thursday at 11am. The Lady ‘Jackets have been uneven this season and come into Districts on a nine game losing streak, but they are not to be overlooked. Head coach Bill Fulbright has crafted a strong team with the talent and potential to beat anyone. Claire Hutchison is an explosive player to watch and
GO BOYS Front row L to R: Hunter Gum, Kellan Beller, Gracen Trevino, Tad Tackes Back row L to R: Coach Clayton Curley, Manager Drake Springer, Cole Olson, Lorenzo Grazzani, TJ Brown, Coach Joe Jessop, Coach Kadin Beller
is supported by Kelti Wandler, Hailey Thomas, Dawsyn Brewer, Lexy Perez, Olivia Gray, and Shilo Lampi.
Your local self-service dog wash is now open in Corvallis next to Willow Mountain Veterinary Clinic! Winter Hours: Wed. - Fri. 11-6 Sat. - Sun. 11-5 285 1st St. • 406-396-4429
Good luck athletes!
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GIRLS Front row L to R: Dawsyn Brewer, Holly St. Germain, Olivia Cannon, Maddie Davids, Olivia Gray, Hailey Thomas, Serenity Scott Back row L to R: Coach Luke Price, Coach Bill Fulbright, Kelti Wandler, Regina Jones, Claire Hutchison, Shilo Lampi, Cambree Praast, Lucia Collado, Lexy Perez, Coach Makayla Davids, Coach Mike Davids
Good luck Stevensville Yellowjackets!
Good Luck to all the Valley Teams!
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The Stevensville Boys have had a tough season and come into the Southwestern A District Tournament as the No. 7 seed and play Butte Central on Thursday at 8pm in Dillon. Stevensville only suits up seven varsity players, so depth has been a factor this season. But don’t let their record fool you, Head Coach Clayton Curley has them working hard every game and these boys have been improving all year long. The biggest highlight of the season was breaking their long losing streak with a win over East Helena on January 18th. Kellan Beller, Cole Olson, Hunter Gum, Lorenzo Grazzani, and Gracen Trevino lead the way with support from TJ Brown and Tad Tackes.
Y
Stevensville Yellowjackets
Tournament Time--Page 3
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Good luck at tournaments! Play hard and have fun! Donna M. Lewis, DVM 1039 Main St. Corvallis, MT 59828 406-961-3077 M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm
Page 4--Tournament Time
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Florence Falcons
CLASS B
The Florence Boys are one of the state’s top Class B teams. With a 15-3 recond, they ranked No. 4 in the February 10th 406mtsports. com poll and have aspirations of making the State Tournament. After losing their first game of the season to a tough Belt team, they have gone 15-2 and are the top seed in the 6B district tournament. On Thursday, they will host the winner of the
Deer Lodge-Anaconda game at 6pm. Beau Neal is Florence’s scoring leader, but this team is full of athletes, all with the ability to lead. Head Coach Tony Anderson has them playing an aggressive style of defense and an exciting brand of offense. Watch out for Blake Shoupe, Patrick Duchien, Levi Posey, Jace Pederson, Caden Zaluski, Aiden Wayne, and Ethan Alexander.
BOYS Front row (L to R) Mgr Kiersty Burge, Jace Pederson, Blake Shoupe, Jessie Padilla, Drew Scully, Mgr Maylah Thorne Back row: Coach Tony Anderson, Coach Tom Demmons, Aidan Wayne, Ethan Alexander, Beau Neal, Levi Posey, Patrick Duchien, Coach Tyler Scully, Coach Shea Bradshaw
GIRLS Front Row (L to R) Carina McCollum, Kylie Kovatch, Kasidy Yeoman, Kolbi Wood, Gwenyth Reed Middle Row Kaylee Crawford, Lily Bender, Quinn Skaggs, Josie Lewis, Rylee Yeoman, Olivia Round Back row Mgr Rothio, Coach Charlene Brett, Kenzie Pickering, Heidi Lambson, Trista Williams, Elise Schneiter, Hailey Sutton*, Coach Holly Pickering, Coach Bryan Neuman, not pictured Coach Adam Tranmer *no longer on the team
The Florence Girls have had a strong regular season and finished with a 10-6 record. They are ranked No. 10 in the latest 406mtsports.com Class B poll and are the No. 3 seed in the District 6B tour-
nament and play at Anaconda on Friday, February 18th at 6pm. Head Coach Bryan Neuman has the girls playing at a high level. Lefty Kasidy Yeoman is an explosive scorer and has gone over 30 points
several times this season. Other standouts include Kylie Kovatch, Trista Williams, Kolbi Wood, Olivia Coulter, Carina McCullum, and Josie Lewis.
Give it your best at tournaments!
Go get ‘em
HAVE FUN AT TOURNAMENTS!
Stories by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor
Good luck to all our valley basketball teams at tournament!
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Good luck at tournaments! Play hard and have fun!
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CLASS C
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Tournament Time--Page 5
Darby Tigers
GIRLS (not in order) Kimberlie Berry Makena Hawkinson Kayla Fisher Samantha Shull Petra Mustafa Kylie Schlapman Sierra Reed Hadassah Wilson Kyleigh Flux Amber Anderson Maya Smith
The Darby Girls are the No. 4 seed at the 13-C District Tournament and play Valley Christian on Thursday at 10am in Frenchtown. The girls have had an up and down year with good games and bad games. Head Coach Heather Berry has them playing hard and they will be a challenge for any team to beat. Amber Anderson is a strong scorer and Makena Hawkinson is always around the ball. Other players who play a big role are Petra Mustafa, Kylie Schlapman, Sarah Reed, Sammy Shull, and Hadassah Wilson.
The Darby Boys have had a strong year, earning a 12-2 record, and were the No. 10 ranked Class C team in the 406tmsports.com Feb. 10th poll. They are the No. 2 seed in the 13-C District Tournament and face Lincoln in Frenchtown on Thursday at 3:15pm. Both of their losses came to Drummond, but Head Coach Crystal Smith has them playing at a high level and they should make waves in the postseason. Darby’s Preston Smith is a great all around player, Hooper Reed is strong under the basket, while Sawyer Townsend controls the action from the point. Other players to keep an eye on are Cullin Duggan, Jackson Hudley, and Andrew Robbins.
BOYS (L to R): Nolan Lenney, William Martin, Sawyer Townsend, Andrew Robbins, Preston Smith, Jackson Hundley, Michael Hamblen, Hooper Reed, Cullen Duggan, Devyn Hundley.
Have a Happy Turkey Day From Good Job & Good Luck! Everyone at the Coffee Cup!
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Good luck at tournaments! Play hard and have fun!
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Page 6--Tournament Time
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Victor Pirates The Victor girls come into the 13-C District Tournament as the No. 6 seed and play Drummond on Thursday at 5pm in Frenchtown. The Victor girls have had an inconsistent year, looking great at times and poor at times. Head coach Ryan Tolley has them working hard and they are a competitive bunch that hope
to make a run at Districts. It’s a well-rounded team and a lot of girls contribute. On any given night the following girls can score and have an impact on the game: Virginia Brown, Bella Scichilone, Nola Smorowski, Kayla Tacker, America Baugus, Haylie Tolley, and Madi Bahr.
GIRLS Back Row: Head coach Ryan Tolley, Virginia Brown, Shaylee Benton, Abby Kay, Madi Bahr, America Baugus, Desiraee Neider, Taylor McKinley, Kyla Tacker. Front Row: Johannah Buchanan, Tia Allred, Olivia Cary, Haylie Tolley, Bella Scichilone, Chloe Pollan, Nola Smorowski, Emma Day, Alexis Wyatt.
The Victor Boys had good stretches and bad stretches this season and go into the 13-C District Tournament with a 9-8 record and are the No. 4 seed. They play Valley Christian on Thursday at 11:45 in Frenchtown. Early in the season they lost six out of seven games, but since that point they have won five out of the last seven. A measure of their progress can be seen
in their two games with St. Regis. Early in the season they lost 39-62, but last Friday they were more competitive, narrowly losing 34-39. Carson Varner is a consistent scorer and you can expect strong play from Jordan Mclane, Caleb Rockwood, Canyon Parks, River Lyman, and Brandon Bowen. Head coach Matt Warren has them peaking at the right time.
Work Hard, Play Hard Win Big Yellowjackets
BOYS Back Row, L to R: Cale Alber, Russell Drewien, River Lyman, Carson Varner, Canyon Parks, Landon Nuttall, Brandon Bowen, Head Coach Matt Warren. Front Row, L to R: Alec Rowlan, Ethan Joy, Dante Wilson, Jordan Mclane, Price Johnson, Jace Martin, Abel Rowlan, and Dante Ames.
Play Hard Athletes!
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Thank you Coaches & Volunteers!
Together, we build strong communities.
Good luck at tournaments! Play hard and have fun! Donna M. Lewis, DVM 1039 Main St. Corvallis, MT 59828 406-961-3077 M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm