by Scott Sacry
Hamilton falls to Loyola
On Tuesday, December 12, the Hamilton boys and girls basketball teams hosted Class B power Missoula Loyola. The Loyola boys have won the last two Class B state titles and are one of the best basketball teams in Montana. And for their part, the Loyola girls look to be one of Class B’s top teams this year as well.
The Hamilton boys stuck with the Rams for the first half, trailing 26-30 at halftime. But Loyola had too much firepower in the second half and outscored Hamilton 32-19 in that period and the Broncs fell 43-62.
For Hamilton, Canaan Magness led Hamilton with 24 points, Tyler Jette added 12, Landon Wetzel had 6, and Liam Griffin added 1.
In the girls game, Loyola controlled the game throughout, holding Hamilton in check and winning 68-32.
For Hamilton, Ashlynn McKern led the way with 11 points, Mariah Domingo added 9, Ella Griffin had 5, Tricia Wilson had 4, and Annalise Lewis added 3.
Darby takes on Valley Christian
Darby hosted Valley Christian on Friday, December 13. The girls won 55-32, while the boys lost 50-54.
For Darby in the girls game, Hadley Heiland continued to impress, as she led the scoring with 24 points. Natalie Anderson had a solid night with 17, Georgia Fisher had 7, Austin Hackel had 5, and Elliot Irish added 2.
Florence at the Coyote Classic
The Florence girls and boys basketball teams traveled to Shelby, the birthplace of scientist Jack Horner, for the annual Coyote Classic basketball tournament on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14.
On Friday, the Florence girls lost to Malta 63-46. For Florence, Kendyl Meinhold and Kenzy Pickering led the scoring with 11 points each, Ali Meinhold had 7, Maggie Schneiter had 5, Madigan Hurlbert had 4, Emory Ralston and Jaden Fisher each had 3, and Shelby Crocker added 2.
On Friday, the Florence boys played Malta and lost 47-79. For Florence, Brody Duchien led the scoring with 15 points, Jake Schneiter and Mose Smith each had 9, Bridger Alexander had 6, and Mason Arlington and Kade Anderson each had 4.
On Saturday, the Florence boys lost to Fairfield 42-61. For Florence, Jake Schneiter led with 12 points, Bridger Alexander and Wes Potter each had 7, Brody Duchien had 6, and Mose Smith and Mason Arlington each had 5.