Although the Big Sky Eagles challenged Stevensville with size and tough physical play, the Yellowjackets were in control of the game and came away with a 59-44 non conference win. After being the ‘young’ team in the conference for the past three years, this year’s team is a mixture of experience – Tyler Gavlak, Josh Schultz and Austin Kelling have been playing varsity since they were freshmen – to youth – freshman Jesse Sims and sophomores Jared Schultz and Zach Gavlak.
“I like the make up of our men,” said Stevensville coach Keith Chambers. “I like our effort. I think everyone is working hard, sometimes almost too hard.”
Although the Eagles made a run at the ‘Jackets a couple of times, they were unable to sustain the drive. Strong rebounding under the basket by Sims and Gavlak allowed several second chance baskets that added to Stevi’s momentum.
Brothers Jared and Josh Schultz scored 15 and 18 points respectively to lead the Yellowjackets. Zach Gavlak added 10 in the win.
Stevensville 59, Big Sky 44
Big Sky – Owens 7, Baker 5, LaValley 6, Thornock 3, Linquist 2, Donaldson 2, Koster 5, Tinkle 12, Stemple 2.
Stevensville – Jared Schultz 15, Josh Schultz 18, Zach Gavlak 10, Tyler Gavlak 4, Jesse Sims 7, Austin Kelling 2, Austin Lords 2, Josh Lords 1.
Saturday, the Yellowjackets traveled to Butte to take on the Butte Central Maroons. After trailing by one point at the end of the first quarter, the ‘Jackets rallied back at the half to take a two point lead. The Maroons came back in the third quarter but Stevensville triumphed with a 48-43 win. Zach Gavlak had 12 points in the win.
Stevensville 48, Butte Central 43
Stevensville – Jared Schultz 8, Zach Gavlak 12, Jesse Sims 2, Josh Schultz 6, Tyler Gavlak 6, Austin Lords 6, Austin Kelling 3, Josh Lords 5.
Butte Central – McCarthy 9, Hollow 15, Kasperick 4, Simkins 2, Tippett 13.
Corvallis also played a Class AA school, Missoula Sentinel. Riley Bradshaw finished with 26 points and was perfect from the foul line but it was not enough as Corvallis fell, 74-57. Beau Maus hit a couple of three point shots, as did Jansen Jessop.
Sentinel 74, Corvallis 57
Corvallis- Colby Henderson 2, Beau Maus 16, Riley Bradshaw 26, Chase Walker 7, Jansen Jessop 6.
Sentinel – Bray 2, Corntassel 11, Jewett 14, Colberg 11, King 8, Neibergs 15, Violette 2, Hanich 10, Messerly 1.
Hamilton fell to Polson, 75-62. Brad Palin led the scoring for the Broncs with 17 points. Eli Rogers chipped in 12 points and Seth Mason added 10 more in the non-conference loss.
Florence picked up a couple of wins over non-conference foes. They held off a late-charging Ronan team to notch a 47-44 win. Aaron Ward had 13 points and Chantz Hotsinpiller added 11 points in the win. The Falcons topped Thompson Falls, 67-41, on Saturday night. It was Ward and Hotsinpiller again leading the way with 14 and 11 points respectively. Sage Hansen added 11 points also.
Darby lost to Lincoln, 74-50. Devin Thomas had 16 points for the Tigers and Jeremy Campbell added 12.