The Florence boys’ team brought home the Western B championship on Saturday. They will open their state tournament play on Thursday, March 7th at 10:30am against the No. 3 seed team from the Southern B Division. That team will be determined this weekend.
Florence took on a familiar foe in the championship game Saturday, the Bigfork Vikings. Bigfork handed the Falcons their only loss of the season in January. Like the other two times these two played, the championship game was a ‘brawl’ according to coach Sam Baerlocher.
“It was a tough, physical game. They (the officials) let them play. Bigfork is a good team. There’s not many secrets between us,” he concluded.
The first quarter saw only seven points between the two teams with Florence in the lead. The low scoring continued until the fourth quarter when Florence broke lose for 25 points and went on to win, 48-38. Aaron Ward, Florence’s top scorer scored all of his points at the free throw line where he sank 10 of 11 shots. He also pulled down eight rebounds.
Florence 48, Bigfork 38
Bigfork – Jordt 10, Trent 9, Landon 4, Evans 6, Roessman 2, Sandry 5, Nissen 2.
Florence – Ryno Baerlocher 11, Rhett Baerlocher 22, Chantz Hotsinpiller 1, Mike Finlay 4, Aaron Ward 10.
Florence opened their tournament play against Eureka, the No. 4 seed from the north. Eureka held the ball for much of the first half and only scored four points while the Falcons put up 22 points. Florence cruised to a 44-13 win. Ten Falcons scored in the game with Ryno Baerlocher leading the way with 10 points.
Florence met Deer Lodge in the semi finals. Coach Baerlocher said it was a good battle for three quarters before Florence took control and went on to win, 59-30. Ward hit three of four treys and finished with 16 points. Rhett Baerlocher also had 16 points and Ryno Baerlocher had 11 points