The Lady Falcons are still a relatively young team. There are only three seniors on the team. But these ladies have been playing varsity ball for three years and are very experienced. Chloe Arthur, Autumn Round and Alexis Taulbee are these seniors. Arthur runs the plays and can step out and hit from outside. Even at 5’3”, she’s not afraid to go inside if the opportunity arises. Round is a versatile athlete whose jumping ability is key to rebounding. Taulbee, at 5’3” is a speedster and moves the ball well.
Add to the mixture, Danielle Zahn, last year’s fabulous freshman and Makenna Liles, another aggressive sophomore, and you have a formula for winning. Zahn is coming off a knee injury that occurred in the All Star game last March. She runs the offense and is a master at finding the open player or sinking the long ball. Liles, at 5’8”, is one of the taller players on the team. She is strong under the basket not afraid of taking on defenders. Rilee Mangun will see quite a bit of playing time also. This sophomore works hard under the basket and will only get better. The last sophomore on the team is 6’1” Joey Janetski. She didn’t play against Arlee but her height will be another strength for the Lady Falcons.
Jewel Zeiler is the lone junior on the team. She brings strong basketball knowledge. She can hit the long ball or find the open player.
Florence coach Duane Zeiler said he was a bit nervous on Friday before the game against Arlee. “You never know what is going to happen on the first game.”
But he’s excited to get the season started and feels his team will compete well in District 6B. Ronan will be tough as will Deer Lodge but Zeiler feels his team will compete well this year. He’s added a new assistant coach that has quite a bit of name recognition. Torry Hill, the former Lady Griz standout, will be guiding the junior varsity this year. Zeiler said she’s really thorough and has given his team a boost.
The Lady Falcons jumped out to an early lead and never looked back against Arlee. Zeiler played all of his players, aside from Janetski who didn’t dress out, and each had quality minutes. Arthur powered the team with 24 points, including two treys. She was 6-of-7 from the free throw line. Liles added 18 including two three pointers. Zahn added 12 points.
Florence 67, Arlee 48
Florence – Alexis Taulbee 4, Autumn Round 6, Jewel Zeiler 1, Rilee Mangun 2, Makenna Liles 18, Danielle Zahn 12, Chloe Arthur 24.
Arlee – Noelle West 3, Carly Hergett 15, Abby Yocum 4, Nellie Desjerlais 6, Ashlee Tanner 3, Alyssia Vandenberger 11, Bryndle Goyins 6.