The Florence Falcons will advance to the state Class B tournament in to weeks in Bozeman in two weeks as the No. 2 seed from the Western B division. Florence has advanced to the state tournament for the last five years.
The Falcons held Bigfork, who hasn’t lost a game this year, to only two points in the first quarter with their tough defense. However Bigfork came back and went on to win, 53-32. Sophomore Jake Christopherson and senior Brad Schaff each had eight points to lead the Falcons.
Bigfork 53, Florence 32
Florence – Brad Schaff 8, Brandon Johnson 1, Jake Christopherson 8, Levi Clagett 5, Ryan Mangun 6, Travern Smith 2, Tynan Heck 2.
Bigfork – Adam Jordt 2, Cameron Nissen 1, Christian Evans 16, Isaac Martel 11, Jon Landon 18, Josh Sandry 4, Ryder Trent 1,
Florence opened against Troy on Wednesday. Despite a poor shooting performance in the first half, the Falcons came back in the third quarter to tie and then went on to win, 43-34.
“We shot 19 percent from the field in the first half,” said coach Boone Nelson. “But we’ve hung our hat on defense all season long and fortunately we were able to get away with a win.”
Florence only led by two points at the beginning of the fourth quarter but Ryan Mangun and Brad Schaff combined for 10 points early in the quarter and then held on for the win.
Florence 43, Troy 34.
Troy – Haggerty 2, Hickman 16, Tallmadge 6, Oplane 5, Olds 5
Florence –Johnson 2, Clagett 6, T Smith 9, Mangun 13, Schaff 13.
Florence topped Eureka to advance to the championship, 51-43. The Falcons had a strong second half to solidify the win. Sophomore Levi Clagett led the scoring with 13 points and was 2-of-3 from the charity line.
Florence 51, Eureka 43
Florence – Johnson 8, Clagett 13, Smith 10, Mangun 8, Schaff 7, Christopherson 5.
Eureka – Perez 4, Griffin 2, Smith 8, T. Bohne 10, C. Bohne 11, Glover 4, Henrie 4.
The Florence girls lost their opening game of the Western B tournament against Plains, 57-47. Megan Byrne led the Falcon scoring with 10 points. The loss sent the Lady Falcons to the loser’s bracket where they played Eureka. Nikki Schurg had a huge came and scored 21 points in the 59-40 win. They then played Bigfork and lost, 51-41. Byrne had 13 points.