The Florence Lady Falcons had to play some of the top teams in Class B at the state tournament in Billings over the weekend. They ended up winning one game, against Colstrip, and losing to Fairfield, the eventual state champion, and Red Lodge.
Florence, the No. 2 team from the West, opened up against Fairfield, the No. 2 team from the North. The Lady Falcons played with Fairfield in the first quarter and midway through the second before the eventual champions began puling away.
“They got away from us in the beginning of the fourth quarter,” said coach Duane Zeiler. “They are so smart, and so disciplined.”
Florence had a difficult time defending future Idaho player Natallie Klinker according to Zeiler. He said they switched to a man to man defense but they couldn’t stop her. Fairfield went on to win, 55-36.
Fairfield 55, Florence 36
Fairfield – Allix Goldhahn 13, Natalie Klinker 18, Kenna Pitcher 2, Aria Johnson 9, Kaitlyn Jones 13.
Florence – Autumn Round 7, Jewel Zeiler 5, Rilee Mangun 8, Makenna Liles 2, Danielle Zahn 8, Chloe Arthur 6.
With the loss, Florence then moved to the loser out side of the bracket where they met up with Colstrip who came into the tournament undefeated. Colstrip had lost to Wolf Point on Thursday night. It was their first loss of the season. Florence came out strongly and built a six-point lead at the half. Colstrip came back and outscored Florence by 12 points in the third quarter but a 24 point fourth quarter gave the win to Florence. The game was tied four different times and the lead changed teams six times in the close game. Danielle Zahn had 25 points in the 60-59 win.
“Dani (Zahn) had a pretty good weekend,” said Zeiler. “Everybody just does their job.”
Florence 60, Colstrip 59
Florence – Autumn Round 10, Sarah Hopcroft 3, Rilee Mangun 6, Makenna Liles 8, Danielle Zahn 25, Chloe Arthur 8.
Colstrip – Trinity Lewandowski 4, Emma Dudley 2, Tayler Factor 12, Faith Tarter 2, Sossity Spotted Wolf 6, Madison Bighorn 13, Amaya LaFranier 18.
The win put Florence playing on Saturday against Red Lodge. Of the 40 teams that began the season, only six remained. The game was close throughout with Florence having a one point lead at the end of the first half. Red Lodge edged ahead in the final frame to take the 47-42 win. Zahn finished with 15 points.
Red Lodge 47, Florence 42
Red Lodge – Taylor Hardiman 6, Portia Cortner 4, Jillian LaValley 6, Kylie Kelly 6, Zoë Cortner 7, McCall Allen 2, Natalie Hilderman 16.
Florence – Autumn Round 6, Sarah Hopcroft 2, Rilee Mangun 9, Makenna Liles 7, Danielle Zahn 15, Chloe Arthur 3.