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Wednesday, March 14, 2007 Sports at a GlanceAll stories by Jean Schurman Tough road for 'Jackets at StateGirls' All-Conference and All-State Selections 2006-2007Tough road for 'Jackets at State"All things come to an end," said coach Keith Chambers after Stevensville lost to Hardin at the Class A State Tournament in Belgrade this weekend. "The experience that we were able to gain, and to get a win and have another chance at a win, we have nothing to be ashamed of." The Yellowjackets began their basketball season picked in the number four spot of the Southwestern A Conference. They finished on Saturday at the state tournament after losing to a tough Hardin team, 62-52. Determined to play Saturday night, the Yellowjackets came back time and time again against Hardin. The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead and quickly had nine points on the board before Logan Creech hit his patented three-point shot to put Stevi on the board. Another trey from Drew Zeiler, followed by another from Creech had the 'Jackets knocking on the door. However, Leo Hugs of Hardin kept the lead for his team. By the end of the first quarter, Hardin had a comfortable eight-point lead. But the young Stevensville team was determined. They didn't back down but each time they drew close, Hugs and company would pull ahead again. The Bulldogs led by as many as 11 points in the second half but a trey at the end of the quarter by Bridger Chambers had the 'Jackets back within six points. Like their namesakes, the Yellowjackets were busy in the first few minutes of the third quarter. They closed the gap between the two teams to only one point, but in the process notched six fouls in the first four minutes of the quarter. Ryan Grove picked up his fourth foul and then Ethan Pateman got nailed for his third foul. It was not looking good for Stevi. But then up steps Zeiler - no freshman nerves here - who sinks a long trey, and then another. A charge on Hugs gave the ball back to the 'Jackets who took two quick shots, missing both with the second rebound going to Hardin. The long pass down the court skipped out of bounds and it was Stevi's ball with only .4 seconds on the clock and the ball out under Hardin's basket. Zeiler in bounded to Bridger Chambers who rifled the ball to Creech who was two feet inside the half court line. Creech calmly shot the ball and swish, the Yellowjackets had the lead at the buzzer. But try as they might, every shot and bucket Stevensville took, so did Hardin. "We had our shots inside," said coach Chambers. "Uncharacteristically, we missed some easy shots." The missed shots and foul trouble were more than the Yellowjackets could overcome and Hardin took the 62-52 win and advanced to the consolation game. Hardin 62, Stevensville 52 Stevensville opened their tournament play against a very speedy and athletic Browning team. The Indians came into the tournament undefeated and they were not going to let anything stop them. Although Stevi had some good plays and runs, they couldn't keep up with the Indians. "Browning is just what we thought they were, long, lean and talented," said coach Chambers. "They forced us out of everything." Browning was up by 13 points at the end of the first quarter. Stevensville shook off some of the state tournament nerves in the second quarter and made a few good steals but they couldn't convert on free throws. "We couldn't execute our offense and make the shots when we had them," said coach Chambers. "We didn't play the type of defense that got us here. If you're going to come to the state tournament, you have got to pack your 'A' game because you're running with the big dogs. You can't be mounted on a little bulldog when you're running with the greyhounds." Bulldog or greyhound, the Yellowjackets just couldn't contain Browning. Chambers said there was nothing his team could do in practice that would prepare them for the Browning team. "We just didn't play well," finished Chambers. "We won as a team getting in and tonight we lost as a team." Browning won, 70-55. Browning 70, Stevensville 55 With the loss, Stevensville advanced to loser out action on Friday afternoon where they met Libby. The two teams matched up well in both size and speed. Only two points separated the two at the first buzzer. Bridger Chambers went to work in the second half, playing tough defense, making steals and making baskets. By the end of the second quarter, Stevi was up by one and Libby's Kyle Baker was in foul trouble. "We got on the greyhound," said coach Chambers, who made some offensive changes at the half but stayed with his defense. The changes worked. After being tied at the end of three, the 'Jackets started pulling ahead, not by much but enough for some breathing room. Stevensville won, 55-48, and moved on to play Hardin. "I knew we had a shot and I knew it could be our last game," said Bridger Chambers. "It was a direct contrast of yesterday," said coach Chambers. "From one extreme to the other." Stevensville 55, Libby 48 Coach Chambers was very proud of his team's efforts in Belgrade. "We had a young group of kids that came together at the right time. It was really satisfying to see that hard work pay off. With the kids that we have coming back [Stevensville only loses three seniors], they will be able to draw on this experience." But, all things do come to an end. Girls' All-Conference and All-State Selections 2006-20072nd Team Honorable Mention |
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