by Scott Sacry
The Florence girls ended their season at the Class B State tournament in Billings on March 7-9. In their opening round game the Lady Falcons lost to Malta 43-48 in a tough battle. Then Florence ran up against powerhouse and eventual 3rd place team Huntley Project on Friday and lost 25-72.
This was not the ending Florence was hoping for, but it was a great season nonetheless. This young group defied expectations by making it to State by finishing third in districts and divisions. The future looks bright for Florence basketball.
Florence 43, Malta 48
The Lady Falcons played the North’s top seed Malta in the opening round on Thursday. In the first quarter Florence had some nervous moments and trailed 6-11. But they quickly settled down and made a game of it, trailing 18-19 at halftime. The girls fought hard in the second half, but were never able to get over the top and lost in a close game 43-48.
Emory Ralston had a great game with 9 points, 12 rebounds and 4 steals. Maggie Schneiter had 9 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. Kenzy Pickering had 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Taylor Pyette had 5 points and 4 steals. Kendyl Meinhold had 2 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. Olivia Coulter had 5 points, and Jaden Fisher had 4 points.
Florence 25, Huntley Project 71
Florence then played Huntley Project in a loser-out game on Friday and lost 25-71. The Lady Falcons had a tough time sticking with the high powered Red Devils, as they fell behind early and couldn’t mount a comeback. Huntley was ranked near the top of Class B all year and ended up taking third at state.
For Florence, Emory Ralston had 7 points and 12 rebounds, Maggie Schneiter had 5 points, Kendyl Meinhol had 3 points, Olivia Coulter, Jaden Fisher, Heidi Lambson and Taylor Pyette each had 2 points, and Kenzy Pickering and Madigan Hurlburt each added 1 point.