One never knows exactly what will happen when rivals meet on the hardwood. For part of the first half, Hamilton wasn’t exactly sure how to handle Corvallis who came out playing tough defense and limiting the undefeated Broncs on offense. But the speedier Broncs pulled away for the 63-43 win.
Corvallis was right with Hamilton throughout the first quarter and by the end of the quarter, they were tied at 11 all.
“Corvallis played extremely well and hard. It’s a rivalry. game, you know you got to come and play, no matter what the record is and to their credit, they played well,” said Hamilton coach Travis Blome.
The nerves were gone by the second quarter and Hamilton settled in to play their style of pass and go basketball and quickly pulled ahead. Blome said he thought the difference between this year and past years is that his team worries more about finding the open man and the team’s ability to score, not just one player.
Corvallis coach Zane Warnken was pleased with his team’s effort against Hamilton. “We played with a lot of heart and a lot of energy. We just didn’t execute when they put the pressure on us.”
Although Hamilton controlled the lead after the first quarter and led by as many as 20 points, Corvallis clawed their way back to reduce the deficit by eight points midway through the third quarter. But Corvallis had trouble finding the bottom of the basket.
“We can still shoot, we’re really learning that. I wasn’t upset with any of the shots we took, we just have to hit them and not turn the ball over so much,” according to Warnken.
“It’s an exciting time for us,” said Blome. “We hope to keep it going.”
Hamilton went on to win, 63-43. Hunter Omlid led the Broncs’ scoring with 17 points and Carson Rostad added 13. Corvallis was led by Kobe Jessop’s 12 points, followed by Rial Jessop’s 11 points.
Hamilton 63, Corvallis 43
Hamilton – Hunter Omlid 17, Carson Rostad 13, Tyler Chouinard 8, Carter Kearns 7, Tanner Goligoski 7, Cameron Rothie 6, Bridger Bauder 5.
Corvallis – Kobe Jessop 12, Ryal Jessop 11, Caleb Warnken 6, Caeson Jessop 4, Ryan Wiggins 4, Ridge Albright 3, Jeff Stoker 3, Garrett Brown 2.
On Saturday, Hamilton topped Columbia Falls from the Northwest A conference to keep their undefeated status. The final score was 61-48. The two teams were tied at the end of the first quarter at 16 all. Hamilton only led by four at the break but pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Carter Kearns led the scoring with 17 points. Tanner Goligoski and Hunter Omlid each added 12 points. Hamilton, the No. 1 ranked team in Class A, improved to 13-1.
Hamilton 61, Columbia Falls 48
Hamilton – Rothie 7, Rostad 5, Bauder 2, Chouinard 6, Omlid 12, Goligoski 12, Kearns 17.
Columbia Falls – Green 10, Morgan 7, Panasuk 3, Schriver 11, Bechtel 4, Morrison 13.