Florence battles rival Loyola

by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor

Mention sports rivalries and people instantly think of classics like Ohio State vs. Michigan, Yankees vs. Red Sox, Real Madrid vs. Barcelona and, in Montana, the Cats vs. the Griz.

Closer to home, the rivalry between Florence and Missoula Loyola runs deep. Loyola is the team Florence fans most enjoy beating, a sentiment fueled by the success of both schools’ strong athletic programs over the years.

On Saturday, January 24, another chapter in the rivalry was written as the two schools’ basketball teams met for the first time this season in Florence. The doubleheader featured two high-stakes match-ups: the girls’ game pitted two top-5 ranked Class B teams (Florence #4, Loyola #2), while the boys’ game was a Class B top-10 contest (Florence #9, Loyola #4). 

The games did not disappoint.

#4 Florence 59, #2 Loyola 48

The Florence girls hosted Missoula Loyola on Saturday, January 24 in a heavyweight match between two of the top Class B girls teams in the state. 

The game was back and forth early and Florence led 29-27 at halftime. Florence started to pull away in the second half and took a 38-34 lead into the fourth quarter where the Falcons broke the Breakers. A strong full court press helped Florence outscore Loyola 21-14 in the fourth, and Florence earned a satisfying 59-48 victory. 

For Florence, Emory Ralston had an excellent game. The junior forward led Florence with 17 points and was seemingly everywhere: grabbing rebounds, making steals, and causing havoc all over the court. Also for Florence, Maggie Schneiter had 14 points, Jaden Fisher had 10, Ali Meinhold had 9, Kendyl Meinhold had 6 (Meinhold played solid individual defense against Loyola star Spencer Laird), Shelby Crocker had 2, and Madigan Hurlbert added 1.

#9 Florence 45, #4 Loyola 55

The Florence boys hosted Missoula Loyola on Saturday, January 24 in a boys top-10 Class B match-up. This was a close game with a lot of momentum swings. Loyola jumped out early and Florence trailed 8-16 after the first quarter and 19-22 at halftime. Florence owned the third quarter and took a 37-36 lead in the fourth. Then Loyola came alive to finish the game strong and Florence lost 45-55. 

#4 Florence 96, Darby 16

The Florence and Darby girls basketball teams met in Darby on Friday, January 23. This was an uneven match-up as the Florence girls are one of the top Class B teams in the state, and while Darby is a tough, scrappy team, they have a limited number of players. Darby couldn’t break Florence’s defensive pressure as Florence led 24-0 after one quarter and 61-6 at halftime and Florence won 96-16.

Florence’s two standout guards led the way, as Ali Meinhold scored 25 points and Maggie Schneiter scored 19 points. Emory Ralston had 13, Sheldy Crocker had 8, Jaden Fisher had 7, Alyx Monaco and Alex Nelson each had 6, Madigan Hurlbert had 5, Kendyl Meinhold had 4, and Taylor Pyette added 3. 

For Darby, Hadley Heiland had 6 points, and Austin Hackel and Natalie Anderson each had 5.

#9 Florence 59, Darby 48

The Darby and Florence boys basketball teams played in Darby on Friday, January 23. This was an even match-up between two similar teams and was a close game throughout, but Florence had a bit more firepower down the stretch and won 59-48.

For Florence, Brennan Meinhold led the scoring with 20 points. Brody Duchien had 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Bridger Alexander had 12 points and 7 rebounds. Donnie Brooks had 8 points. Levi Winters had 5 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. And Koa Laasch added 2 points.

For Darby, Leif Nelson had a standout performance with 32 points and 3 rebounds. McCoy Townsend had 5 points and 4 rebounds. Jordan Browning had 4 points and 7 rebounds. Oliver Long had 3 points and 5 rebounds. Daniel Stewart had 3 points. Quintin Woirhaye added 1 point. Gavin Anderson had 2 rebounds and 3 steals.