by Scott Sacry
Hamilton’s Magness drops 44
Hamilton’s Canaan Magness (#14) had a huge game against Corvallis on Thursday, February 6. The Hamilton junior scored 44 points (including 8 three-pointers). He also had 16 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists to lead Hamilton to a 82-59 victory. Photo by Scott Sacry.
The Corvallis boys and girls hosted Hamilton on Thursday, February 6 in a battle between Bitterroot neighbors.
The boys played first and Hamilton jumped out to an early lead as Hamilton’s Canaan Magness hit four early three-pointers and the Broncs led 17-2 after only 2 minutes. Corvallis settled into the game and started to close the gap, but they couldn’t make up the difference as Hamilton led 27-15 after the 1st quarter and 52-31 at halftime, then cruised to a 82-59 victory.
For Hamilton, Magness had a monster game. The Hamiton junior scored 44 points (including 8 three-pointers). He also had 16 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists. Landen Wetzel had a solid game with 14 points. Cash Lockhart had 6 points. Asher Griffin had 5 points and 4 steals. Kaeden Gum had 3 points, and Jake McCarthy had 2 points and 6 assists.
The girls played next. On January 16th, Hamilton defeated Corvallis by three points and this game played out much the same as the two teams are evenly matched. Corvallis led 23-20 at halftime, then after the half the game was back and forth with multiple lead changes and, like their January matchup, the game came down to the wire. The game was tied 39-39 with 3:30 to play, then Hamilton scored the next 5 points to take a 44-39 lead. Corvallis got close in the end, but couldn’t make it all the way back and Hamilton won 46-44.
Florence boys defeat Stevensville
The Florence boys hosted neighbor Stevensville on Thursday, February 6, and the Falcons defeated the ‘Jackets 66-46. The 2nd quarter proved to be decisive as Florence outscored Stevi 21-6 in the quarter to lead 40-17 at halftime and Stevi was not able to recover.
For Florence, Brody Duchien led the scoring with 19 points. Bridger Alexander and Mason Arlington each had 12, Jake Schneiter had 7, Levi Winters and Mose Smith each had 6, Caleb Katen had 3, and Schoenfeld Grant and Laasch Makoa each added 2.
The Florence boys hosted Deer Lodge on Friday, February 7. The Falcons blanked the Wardens 19-0 in the first quarter. Deer Lodge eventually righted the ship, but the Falcons kept the advantage and won comfortably 71-42.
For Florence, Jake Schneiter led the scoring with 16 points. Mose Smith had 12, Mason Arlington had 11, Levi Winters had 10, Brody Duchien had 8, Bridger Alexander had 6, Kade Anderson had 4, and Caleb Katen and Laasch Makoa each added 2.
Then on Saturday, the Florence boys played at Arlee. Florence came out of the gate fast and led 18-9 after the first quarter and 37-21 at halftime. Arlee made a push in the second half, but Florence held on and won 74-62.
For Florence, Bridger Alexander and Brody Duchien led the scoring with 18 points each. Mason Arlington had 13 points, Jake Schneiter, Mose Smith and Levi Winters each had 7, and Kade Anderson added 4.
The Florence girls played at Arlee on Saturday, February 8. Florence didn’t take long to establish their dominance as they led 28-4 after one quarter and 51-10 at halftime and coasted to the 71-12 victory.
For Florence, Ali Meinhold led the scoring with 12 points. Madigan Hurlbert and Taylor Pyette each had 11, Kenzy Pickering had 10, Kendyl Meinhold had 8, Maggie Schneiter and Emory Ralston each had 7, Alex Nelson and Shelby Crocker each had 2, and Jaden Fisher added 1.
Darby
The Darby boys and girls went to Anaconda on Thursday, February 6 in a conference matchup. In the girls game, Darby lost 37-62, and in the boys game Darby lost 33-49. Then on Saturday, the Darby boys hosted Deer Lodge and lost 31-49.
