The Hamilton Broncs are headed to Bozeman this week for the Class A State tournament. This is their second trip in as many years. However this year they go into the tournament as the No. 1 seed from the West. The Western A division is a tough league according to Hamilton coach Travis Blome. And the Southwest A is particularly tough. Of the top four teams, who all advance to the state tournament, three were from the Southwest A.
“It’s a pretty big accomplishment,” said Blome whose team has now compiled a record of 24-0. “It’s exciting to see all their hard work come together.”
Hamilton met Frenchtown in the divisional championship at the Butte Civic Center. Although Hamilton led throughout the game, it was close at times. Tyler Chouinard put up a season high 13 points to lead Hamilton to a 54-37 win and the championship. Chouinard also had six rebounds. Hunter Omlid pulled down 11 rebounds. Hamilton out rebounded Frenchtown by 11 boards.
“Tyler had a great tournament. He really played well in moments when we needed,” said Blome. “He’s a great leader.”
Hamilton 54, Frenchtown 37
Frenchtown -Ethan Pyron 4, Cade Baker 2, Zach Baker 11, Adam Botkin 2, Hank Rugg 7, Ty Hoppie 3, Jared Cole 6, Dawson Leishman 2.
Hamilton – Cam Rothie 4, Tyler Chouinard 13, Hunter Omlid 8, Tanner Goligoski 3, Carter Kearns 12, Carson Rostad 10, Bridger Bauder 4.
Hamilton met up with an old foe, Dillon, in the semi finals. The Broncs had the lead at the end of the first quarter but Dillon came back to take a four point lead midway through the second quarter. A steal by Cam Rothie who dished to Bridger Bauder put the Broncs bacon top. Rothie finished with six points including two of two three point shots, two rebounds and three assists. Hamilton remained in the lead for the rest of the game and won, 56-44. Tanner Goligoski knocked down four of five three point shots and finished with 18 points.
Hamilton 56, Dillon 44
Hamilton – Cam Rothie 6, Tyler Chouinard 6, Hunter Omlid 8, Tanner Goligoski 18, Carter Kearns 14, Carson Rostad 2, Bridger Bauder 2.
Dillon – Coby King 7, Braden Andersen 5, Bradley Rakich 5, Jayce Fitzgerald 6, Clay Allison 9, Jake Ferris 2, Wes Korpi 2, Justus Peterson 3, Dillon Cerevelli 3, Cole Truman 2.
Hamilton opened the tournament against the Libby Loggers and quickly built up a lead. Carter Kearns came out determined to win and led the Broncs with 16 points and nine rebounds. Goligoski had 15 points including three treys.
Hamilton 71, Libby 45
Hamilton – Cam Rothie 3, Tyler Chouinard 12, Hunter Omlid 8, Tanner Goligoski 15, Carter Kearns 16, Carson Rostad 4, Bridger Bauder 10, Drew Brackman 3.
Libby – Brian Peck 5, JJ Davis 2, Ryggs Johnson 15, Logan Christiansen 2, Nik Jones 3, Chandler Bower 2, Jay Beagle 4, Keith Johnson 12.
Hamilton will play Billings Central in their opening game of the Class A State tournament in Bozeman on Thursday. Blome said the Rams are very well coached by Jim Stergar. Billings Central has several players listed at 6’3” and over but their leading rebounder is Chrison Dixon who is one of the shorter players on the team according to Blome. Billings Central comes in as the No. 4 seed from the East. They have a record of 18-8. That game will be at 3:30 at the Brick Breeden Field House. The games are all early on Thursday because the Bobcats have a home game that night.
Hardin is the No. 1 team from the East. They will play Butte Central at 11am on Thursday. Frenchtown will play Fergus County (Lewistown) in the next game. Belgrade is the No. 2 team from the East. They will play Browning, the No. 3 team from the West.
“We are all very evenly matched,” said Blome of the tournament teams. “Hardin has lost only once. But once the tournament starts, it’s 0-0 again.”