Basketball roundup

by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor

Darby defeats Victor

The boys and girls basketball teams from Victor and Darby squared off in Victor on Thursday, December 18. The two teams were once Class C foes, but Darby now plays in Class B, while Victor remains in Class C. 

Darby dominated in the boys game, winning 73-26. 

Darby’s defense was the difference as the Tigers stockpiled 34 total steals. For Darby, Gavin Anderson led the scoring with 16 points, Anderson also had 8 rebounds and 8 steals. Jordan Browning had 13 points and 6 steals, McCoy Townsend had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals, Abe Atkins had 11 points, Leif Nelson had 7 points and 4 steals, Quintin Woirhaye had 6 points and 5 rebounds, and Daniel Stewart had 6 points and 5 steals. 

In the girls game, Darby jumped out to a 25-4 halftime lead. Victor rallied in the second half to narrow the gap, but Darby held on and won 48-32. For Darby, Hadley Heiland led the way with 23 points and 9 rebounds, Natalie Anderson had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 steals. Brooklyn Janis had 3 points and 4 rebounds, and Brooklyn Rodgers and Austin Hackel each had 3 points.

Darby

The Darby boys and girls went to Missoula on Friday, Dec. 19 to play Valley Christian. In the girls game Darby won 51-42. For Darby, Hadley Heiland led the way with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 5 steals. Natalie Anderson had 16 points, 8 steals and 8 rebounds, Brooklyn Janis had 8 points and 6 rebounds, Austin Hackel had 2 points, and Ella Bush added 1. 

In the boys game Darby won 68-62. For Darby, Leif Nelson had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals, Jordan Browning had 20 points, 6 steals, and 5 assists, McCoy Townsend had 13 points and 4 rebounds, Oliver Long had 6 points and 3 steals, Daniel Stewart had 6 points, and Gavin Anderson had 2 points and 9 rebounds. 

Victor

The Victor boys and girls hosted Alberton on Friday, Dec. 19. In the girls game the Pirates pummeled the Panthers 56-11. In the boys game, Victor lost 50-73. 

Florence

The Florence boys and girls basketball teams went to Eureka on Friday, December 19 to battle the Lions. 

In the boys game, Florence jumped out to a 29-20 halftime lead and held on for a 66-57 victory. Florence’s Brody Duchien had a big game. The Falcon senior scored 27 points, had 10 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. Also for Florence, Bridger Alexander had 8 points and 4 assists, Jacob Grayson had 7 points and 4 assists, Wes Potter had 6 points and 2 steals, and Preston Ekstedt added 4 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. 

In the girls game, the Falcons overpowered the Lions, winning 70-18. For Florence, Kendyl Meinhold had 15 points and 7 steals, Taylor Pyette had 14 points and 3 steals, Ali Meinhold had 13 points and 4 assists, Emory Ralston had 8 points and 5 rebounds, Shelby Crocker had 8 points and 3 steals, Madigan Hurlbert had 6 points and 4 steals, Maggie Schneiter had 3 points, 4 steals and 4 assists, and Jaden Fisher added 3 points and 4 assists. 

Stevensville 

The Stevensville boys and girls basketball teams played Bigfork on Tuesday, December 16. The boys hosted Bigfork, while the girls traveled to Bigfork. In the boys game, Stevensville was defeated 23-62. In the girls game, Stevensville was defeated 35-82. 

Then on Saturday, both teams hosted Libby. In the boys game, Stevenville trailed 23-27 heading into the 4th quarter and wasn’t able to make a comeback and lost 29-40 in a defensive struggle. In the girls game, Stevensville was defeated 25-45.