When it came down to the game changing moment for the Florence Falcons in Saturday night’s championship game, it wasn’t the 6’9” senior who swats shots like they were flies, and it wasn’t the 6’5” senior who can normally hit a basket from any where on the court. No, it was a scrappy sophomore, Aaron Ward, who stood up to a Loyola player who was driving to the basket and took the charge. There was 50 seconds left in the second overtime period. Another sophomore, Chantz Hotsenpiller sank a field goal to pad the lead and Florence went on to win, 74-71.

“Aaron knows what to do,” said Adam Greger, the 6’5” senior leader for Florence. “It was awesome.”

Quinn Smith, at 6’9”, altered the shots of the Rams early in the game. He then countered by making himself at home under both baskets, pulling down rebounds and making his shots count.

“For the past couple of games coming into this I didn’t really play as well as I know I could,” said Smith. “My confidence got down a little bit. My coaches kept after me, telling me to keep shooting while I was in the paint.”

Florence’s Quinn Smith blocks a Loyola lay-up during the District 6B championship game. Smith had six blocks for the night. Jean Schurman photo.

Smith finished with 23 points. He went on to say he didn’t want to have a bad game against his brother, Everett Johnston, who is the leading scorer for Loyola. The two matched up a couple of times but neither backed down.

Florence jumped out to an early lead in the championship game and let by as many as 13 points but every time, the Rams got back into the game. Florence took a five-point lead into the locker room at halftime and was up by 13 points at the end of three quarters. But then Loyola caught fire and Florence picked up some foul trouble. A couple of turnovers by Florence put the Rams only four points behind.

“Their defensive pressure was really good this time. They did a really good job pressuring the ball and making me work for the shots,” said Greger.

It was freshman Justin Anderson of Loyola who pulled through as the clock ticked down in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. He sank a short jumper with about 10 seconds remaining to pull the Rams within a point. Greger was fouled and sank both of his free throws, giving the Falcons a three-point lead. But it was Anderson again at the buzzer. He hit a shot from almost half court to tie the game at the buzzer.

Ryne Baerlocher hit a pull-up jump shot to give the Falcons a two-point lead with two minutes remaining in the first overtime. Smith committed his fifth foul and sent Shiloh Kerr to the line for two free throws. Kerr sank them both and the game was once again tied.

Although he was visibly tired, Greger stepped up and pushed his team in the second overtime period. He sank three free throws and a basket in the 74-71 win.

Florence 74, Loyola 71

Loyola – Josh Gilligan 9, Everett Johnston 26, Andrew Sopko 7, Joshua Janssen 9, Shiloh Kerr 10, Andy Gregory 4, Justin Anderson 6.

Florence – Ross Mangun 8, Ryne Baerlocher 5, Adam Huot 4, Adam Greger 22, Quinn Smith 23, Mike Finlay 4, Aaron Ward 2, Chantz Hotsinpiller 4, Jon Johnson 2.

Florence 62, Deer Lodge 37

The Florence Falcons romped over the Deer Lodge Wardens, 62-37, in their opening game of the District 6B tournament in Hamilton on Thursday. Florence relied upon the inside height and strength of Quinn Smith and Adam Greger to out rebound and score from inside the paint. Florence finished with 36 rebounds compared to the Wardens’ 26. Smith had seven boards and six blocked shots.

Florence held Deer Lodge to only two points in the first quarter. All of the team saw time on the court. Adam Greger had 18 points to lead the Falcons. Ross Mangun added 11. He hit three of four shots from beyond the three-point line.

Florence 62, Deer Lodge 37

Deer Lodge – Conner Meagher 4, Jesse Vasques 3, Rodney Hunter 2, Bo Antila 5, Lucas Finlay 1, Robert Stone 6, Brandon Forson 7, Reno Ward 2, Malik Parham 7.

Florence – Ross Mangun 11, Ryne Baerlocher 5, Chantz Hotsinpiller 4, Jon Johnson 4, Adam Huot 2, Adam Greger 18, Quinn Smith 10, Mike Finley 2,Aaron Ward 6.

Florence, Darby finish season

Florence’s Rosie O’Brien hit two of three long-range shots as she led the Lady Falcons to a 48-16 victory over Darby. O’Brien finished with 16 points. Florence jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Coach Bryan Neuman was pleased with his team’s play and said that playing in the opening round of the tournament helped the team get over any nerves or jitters they may have had.

Florence 48, Darby 16

Darby 4 5 2 5 - 16

Florence 10 11 9 18 - 48

Darby - Halie Rennaker 4, Julie Abrahamsen 2, Sarah Jakober 5, Brianna Massey 2, Latisha Smith 2, Sydney 1. Totals 5-28 6-14 16.

Florence - Brittany Heinz 6, Kayla Johnson 7, Rosie O'Brien 16, Carli O'Brien 4, Courtney Byrne 4, Paige Bodner 4, Mariah Richtmyer 5, Cassandra Skeers 2. Totals 18-39 9-22 48.

The Darby girls and Florence girls battle for a loose ball in the opening game of the district tournament. Pictured are Kayla Johnson, Grace Zeiler, Sarah Jakober, Brianna Massey, Cassandra Skeers and Julie Abrahamsen on the floor. Jean Schurman photo.

Sometimes a coach just gets out coached. That’s what Florence girls coach Bryan Neuman said after the Florence/Deer Lodge game. The Lady Falcons lost to Deer Lodge in a close 39-35 match in their second game of the District 6B tournament.

“We worked a lot on the triangle and two (defense). Valley Christian used that against us and it was effective.” He went on to say that Deer Lodge’s coach, Kurt Walker, had been at that game and Neuman just felt that would be the defense the Lady Wardens would use. He was wrong. Walker, a Darby standout who played for the University of Montana Grizzlies, went with a box and one defense which was tough for the Lady Falcons work against. Deer Lodge had a nine-point lead at the half.

Neuman made adjustments and for a time and by the start of the fourth quarter had pulled to within a field goal. Senior Post Kayla Johnson had an outstanding game, pulling down five rebounds, blocking two shots and scoring 18 points.

Deer Lodge 39, Florence 35

Florence - Courtney Byrne 6, Brittney Heinz 3, Jill Harris 2, Carli O'Brien 2, Rosie O'Brien 4, Kayla Johnson 18.

Deer Lodge -, Marisa McKee 3, Shelby Applegate 11, Kristin Schalk 3, Bailee Senecal 12, Michelle Christnacht 7, Dani Walker 3.

The Lady Falcons fell to Superior, 51-38, in loser out action on Friday night. It was a difficult game for the Florence team after watching teammate Kayla Johnson being taken out on a gurney after sustaining a neck injury early in the game. The team rallied in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough.

“Losing Kayla, that was huge,” said Neuman.

Heinz and company did their best to overcome the lack of size in the middle but couldn’t overcome the height advantage Superior had. Heinz finished with 13 points.

Superior 51, Florence 38

Florence - Courtney Byrne 6, Brittany Heinz 13, Jill Harris 2, Grace Zeiler 5, Carli O'Brien 4, Rosie O'Brien 5, Cassandra Skeers 3,

Superior - Kelsey Stenberg 24, Nicole Stroot 7, Cary Chamberlain 6, Kaitlynn Koke 3, Malinda Steinebach 3, Ashley Blaylock 8.

Valley Christian 48, Darby 27 (Loser out)

The Darby Lady Tigers lost to Valley Christian in loser out action Friday in Hamilton. The Lady Eagles came out and quickly got control of the game and never allowed Darby a chance to build momentum. Julie Abrahamsen finished with eight points to lead Darby.

Darby bows out

Although they couldn’t seal the win, the Darby boys put up a valiant fight against Deer Lodge and held the Wardens off for three and half quarters but just couldn’t get the win. They fell, 51-43. Deer Lodge sank five free throws in the last two minutes along with a trey and put back bucket to take the win.

Darby’s Sherman Smith had a tremendous game. He opened with eight straight points including two three pointers. The Darby senior finished with 24 points and shot 91 percent from the charity line. Deer Lodge had a player on Smith’s back the entire game, which wore the 5’10” senior down.

Darby led by as many as six points in the game but inexperience at holding on to the lead was their downfall according to coach Scott Marsh.

“We haven’t been in those situations very often and the more you get in that situation, the better you will be at it,” he said. “I hope they will be able to learn from it. I got out-coached those last four minutes.”

Deer Lodge trailed by two points with three and a half minutes remaining in the game when Darby’s Jeremy Campbell picked up his fifth foul and sent Brandon Forson to the line. Although he missed the free throw, Darby was unsure of how to handle the situation. They had a couple of turnovers while the Wardens executed their free throws and their shots. Jesse Vasquez hit a long shot from the corner to break the tie and give Deer Lodge the lead. Although Darby had their chances, they could not pull out the win.

Deer Lodge 51, Darby 43.

Darby – Sterling Kim 2, Sherman Smith 24, Jeremy Campbell 8, Dylan Leidner 1, Luke Meuchel 3, Devin Thomas 5

Deer Lodge – Conner Meagher 4, Jesse Vasquez 11, Bo Antila 6, Lucas Finlay 1, Robert Stone 13, T.J. Thomas 2, Jake Davenport 2, Brandon Forson 10, Malik Parham 2.

It was a tale of two halves for the Darby Tigers in their opening game against Valley Christian on Wednesday night. The Tigers played a tough first half and had a one-point lead at the break. Utilizing Devin Thomas in the paint, the Tigers were able to control the boards. They played unselfish ball and looked for the open man for the score.

The Eagles made some adjustments in the second half and found their long-range shot. The team hit six bombs that was the undoing of the Tigers. Jeremy Campbell paced Darby with eight points and Sherman Smith with 10 points.

Valley Christian 49, Darby 34

Darby - Sherman Smith 10, Jeremy Campbell 8, Dylan Leidner 7, Devin Thomas 2, Storm Wanstrath 4, Luke Meuchel 3.

Valley Christian - Christopher Wiley 8, Matthew Bohlken 10, Lincoln Palmer 4, Josiah Peterson 6, Coty Becker 5, Lane Norberg 13, Alex Love 3.

Victor earns a challenge berth

The Victor Pirates rolled over Seeley-Swan in their opening game of the District 13C tournament in Frenchtown on Thursday. The boys in blue and gold jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they avenged an earlier regular season loss. Dalton Buker led the team with 26 points including four treys.

Victor 62, Seeley-Swan 35

Victor - Dennis Mitcham 8, Randy Lewis 4, Kyle Ball 9, Dalton Buker 26, Kurt Manely 1, Corey Deering 4, Matt Kittel 3, Tanner Sacks 2, Randy Miller 5.

Seeley-Swan - Bobby Russell 10, Tucker Clark 2, Jacob Smith 6, Jacob Casebolt 2, Leland Hatten 6, Christian Cahoon 8, Conor Marlatt 1.

3-point goals - Victor 7 (Buker 4), Seeley-Swan 4 (Russell 2, Hatten 2). Total fouls - Victor 13, Seeley-Swan 16.

The win set up semi final action against Drummond on Friday night. Victor took an early lead and let by three at the end of the first quarter. The Pirates were able to limit Drummond’s big Nate Bignell underneath but they didn’t count on another Trojan, Darrius Pool. Pool had been ineligible for the second half of the season and just regained his eligibility on Friday. He drained 20 points for Drummond.

“They really keyed on Dalton (Buker),” said coach Jay Jagelski. “But Kyle Ball really stepped it up.”

Ball finished with 19 points as the Pirates fell, 56-43.

Drummond 56, Victor 43

Victor – Dennis Mitcham 8, Kyle Ball 19, Dalton Buker 6, Kurt Manely 5, Corey Deering 3, Tanner Sacks 2.

Drummond - Ben Lyons 3, Joe Mannix 15, Bryan Mannix 5, Nate Bignell 8, MacLane Bignell 5, Darruis Pool 20

With the late Friday night loss, the Pirates had to turn around and play Philipsburg at 10:30 on Saturday. Jagelski said his team shot well and he had a chance to play everyone so the starters could rest a bit. Victor poured in 23 points in the first quarter and limited the Prospectors to only five on their way to a 72-42 win. Dennis Mitcham had 15 points and Buker added 16.

Victor – Dennis Mitcham 15, Lewis 8, Matt Kittel 4, Ball 9, Buker 16, Manely 6, Deering 8, Sacks 6.

Philipsburg – Metesh 6, Hogue 16, Pergande 2, Goff 15, Dunkerson 2, White 1.

Four hours later, the Pirates were back on the court for the consolation game against Seeley-Swan once again. Both teams had rubbery legs but Victor built up a 20-point lead in the first half. The Blackhawks came back and closed the gap but the Pirates held on to take third with a 58-40 win.

“We went to a control style game, using up the clock,” said Jagelski. “We told them to calm down and play their game.”

Victor 58, Seeley-Swan 40

Victor – Mitcham 21, Lewis 4, Deering 1, Ball 15, Buker 11, Sacks 6.

Seeley-Swan – Russell 5, Clark 10, Cahoon 6, Smith 6, Hatten 7, Stevenson 2, Marlatt 4.

Drummond went on to defeat Lincoln in the championship game. That loss by Lincoln set up a challenge game on Monday night with Victor to determine who will advance to the Western B Divisional in Butte.

Victor Lady Pirates win two

The Lady Pirates topped Lincoln by 10 points for their first tournament win in about four years. The Lady Pirates had to come from behind and play tough defense to get the win. They held the Lynx to just one point in the third quarter as they went on to win, 47-37. Victor’s Liz Taylor had four three point bombs and finished with 20 points. Sophomore Shai Scheffer added 12 more.

Victor 47, Lincoln 37

Victor – Shai Scheffer 12, Haley Tillotsen 5, Ryanne Tracey 5, Rachel Boroweic 2, Kaylene Munson 3, Taylor 20.

Lincoln – Taylor Wellenstein 2, Jessica Denboer 3, Katie Menard 6, Annah Gardner 9, Sarah Eisenzimmer 3, Karissa Fox 14.

Victor advanced to the semi finals where they met a powerful Drummond team on a mission. Their coach, Mike Bradshaw (Corvallis coach Dave Bradshaw’s brother) was only three games shy of winning 600 games in his career. The Lady Trojans held Victor to only 20 points while scoring 65 themselves.

Victor then had to turn around and play Philipsburg in loser out action early Saturday morning. The two teams were evenly matched but Victor gradually pulled away to a 56-42 win. Tillotsen had 11 points and Taylor had a season high 29 points.

Victor 56, Philipsburg 42

Victor – Scheffer 8, Tillotsen 11, Tracey 5, Munson 3, Taylor 29.

Philipsburg – Pence 14, Shields 3, Struna 9, Comings 6, Johnson 8, Ogden.

The win gave Victor a chance to play Saturday night. Alberton had given Victor fits all season and the Lady Panthers did so again. The young Victor team’s legs wore out as Alberton went on to win, 42-27.

Alberton 42, Victor 27

Victor – Scheffer 3, Tillotson 2, Tracey 7, Munson 5, Taylor 9, Charleton 1.

Alberton – Clark 3, Vicek 2, Hanley 24, Rausch 7, Turnbull 4, Webb 2.

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