The Florence Falcons repeated as the Western B champions on Saturday and will advance to the state Class B tournament in Great Falls next weekend. They will play the No. 4 seed from the Southern B Conference. The Southern B Divisional will be played this weekend.

Florence opened against Plains on Thursday. The Falcons defeated the Horsemen, 62-44. Adam Greger had 18 points and Quinn Smith added 11 in the win.

Florence took on Thompson Falls in semi final action on Friday. After being tied at the end of the first quarter, Florence went on a run in the middle two periods and cruised to a 60-39 win. Greger finished with 23 points and junior Ross Mangun added 10.

The win put Florence in the championship against the big team from Bigfork. The two teams battled back and forth in the first three quarters but the Falcons went to town in the fourth quarter and scored 30 points. They went on to win, 72-57. Greger finished 19 points, Smith with 17 points and Mangun with 15.

Florence sophomore Ryne Baerlocher looks for an open teammate in the championship game against Bigfork at the Western B Divisional. Photo courtesy of Mike Ward.

Corvallis falls in Championship

The Corvallis Blue Devils and Dillon Beavers have met in the championship game for the past three years. And for the past three years, the Blue Devils have come out on the short end of the scorer’s sheet. This year was no different. Dillon won the chipper, 65-57.

“We didn’t do enough small things here and there,” said coach Dave Bradshaw. “This happens in sports all the time, two good teams play each other, one of them is going to lose.”

Although only four points separated the two teams at the end of the first quarter, the Blue Devils seemed to be a little tight and were missing shots they normally hit. Corvallis stayed with the Beavers in the second quarter and only trailed by five points at the break.

A trey by Logan Connors from the corner and then two free throws by Colby Henderson tied the game at 28 just seconds into the third quarter. Riley Bradshaw hit two long shots to add to the momentum and Corvallis had the lead.

However, Corvallis was in foul trouble. Stu Landis fouled out early in the fourth quarter and Connors soon followed him. Dillon took the lead when J.T. Linder stepped out and hit a three-pointer. With size on their side, the Beavers crashed the boards and kept the pressure on. Several Blue Devil shots rimmed in and back out, adding to the frustration as the time ticked down.

“These rims are just tight,” concluded Bradshaw. “Hats off to Dillon. They are a good team.”

The loss set up a challenge game on Monday night between Corvallis and Stevensville. The results were unavailable at press time.

Dillon 65, Corvallis 57

Dillon – Austin Williams 9, Chevy Reed 7, Wes Knox 23, J.T. Linder 16, Monte Folsom 6, Ben Folsom 4,

Corvallis – Logan Connors 6, Colby Henderson 6, Rodee Anderson 18, Riley Bradshaw 18, Joel Connolly 2, Trevor Brown 7.

The Dynamic Duo of Rodee Anderson (23) and Riley Bradshaw (24) combined for 36 points in the championship game against Dillon on Saturday but it was not enough as Corvallis lost, 65-57. Jean Schurman photo.

Brad Palin Jean Schurman photo.

It’s always a battle when Hamilton and Corvallis meet on the hardwood. It was two weeks ago when the two met in Corvallis with the Blue Devils winning that match up. When the two met Friday in semi final action at the Southwest A, it was a battle again. Although Hamilton gave Corvallis a run for a half, the Blue Devils prevailed and moved into the championship with a 68-48 victory.

“One thing I told these guys is we just played them six days ago and put it to them at our place. Sometimes kids think that’s just automatically going to happen,” said Corvallis coach Dave Bradshaw.

With only a four-point lead at the half, Bradshaw challenged his team and asked them how they were going to handle the pressure if Hamilton continued to make a run at them. The Blue Devils came out focused and stepped up their game from the onset of the third quarter.

“I was real proud of them,” said Bradshaw. “I wasn’t proud of the way they played but thought that they handled it well.”

Riley Bradshaw, who had struggled somewhat with his shooting in the first half, came out and hit a long three from the corner to get the Blue Devils scoring on track. Two free throws by Logan Connors and the Blue Devils’ lead was in the double digits.

Corvallis battled foul trouble for most of the game. Just a few minutes into the third quarter, Riley Bradshaw picked up his third foul on a player control foul. With Connors and Connolly already in trouble, the Blue Devils had to step back a bit on their tenacious defense.

“A lot of our key guys were in foul trouble,” said coach Bradshaw. “I would have never dreamed that Riley would be in that situation. Riley hasn’t been in foul trouble all year.”

But the Broncs were also picking up fouls and had to step their defense back as well. Beau Maus and Dace Moerkerke were forced to back off a bit and that slowed the Hamilton defense down. Tyler Pigman stepped up and picked up the slack for Hamilton. He finished with 10 points and eight rebounds.

Corvallis 68, Hamilton 48.

Hamilton – Brad Palin 6, Eli Rogers 1, Cody Lewis 8, Dace Moerkerke 5, Beau Maus 11, Deny Hoselton 3, Graham Silcher 4, Tyler Pigman 10.

Corvallis – Logan Connors 4, Tanner Palin 1, Trevor Brown 2, Colby Henderson 15, Rodee Anderson 22, Riley Bradshaw 22, Joel Connolly 2

The words epic and hero came to mind after the semi final game between Stevensville and Dillon. The comeback Stevensville made was nothing short of epic. Stevensville was down by as many as 16 points before coming back to take the lead with two and a half minutes left in the game. But the hero of the game was Dillon’s Chevy Reed who hit a long three-point basket for the 50-49 win as the buzzer sounded.

Coach Keith Chambers was pragmatic about the loss, saying the Yellowjackets have been on the other end of that as well. “I was really proud of our boys’ resiliency. You have 1.1 (seconds) on the clock. They have no time outs, so do you call a time out and let them set up a play or kind of let it go and let them try and shoot. We tripped, fell down and - game over.”

Dillon 50, Stevensville 49

Stevensville – Jared Schultz 6, Caleb Vance 2, Austin Kelling 8, Josh Haynes 1, Kadin Beller 5, Josh Schultz 19, Tyler Gavlak 4, Zach Gavlak 4.

Dillon – Ben Folsom 17, Chevy Reed 8, Wes Knox 6, Tyson Reese 8, J.T. Linder 7, Monte Folsom 4.

Stevensville 69, Anaconda 50

The Stevensville Yellowjackets poured in 20 points in the first quarter on their way to a 69-50 win over Anaconda in loser out action Saturday morning. Freshman Zach Gavlak started strong in the paint and after some initial give and take, kept the pressure on the Copperheads inside. He finished with 20 points and five rebounds.

“When you come out after what happened last night,” said Chambers, “you have to get tough and push through it.”

Anaconda made a run at Stevensville in the third quarter and dropped in 22 points. But the ‘Jackets switched up their offense and continued to play their up tempo game.

Stevensville 69, Anaconda 50

Anaconda – Kyle Moore 18, Jade Green 2, John Stoppler 3, Jayde Thompson 2, Jayce Barkley 2, Jackson Wagner 9, Dallas Cook 8, Joey Orrino 2, Jon Allick 2, Nate Staedler 2.

Stevensville – Jared Schultz 2, Caleb Vance 5, Austin Kelling 10, Austin Lords 4, Kadin Beller 2, Josh Schultz 17, Tyler Gavlak 9, Zach Gavlak 20.

Stevensville had a strong first half in the consolation game and went on to cruise to a 76-44 victory over Frenchtown. The Yellowjackets built up a 30-point lead at the half.

“We’ve played them three times in a week and a half,” said Chambers. “We had some pressure on them. I knew if we could keep the pressure on them, we’d be alright.”

Stevensville played Corvallis in a challenge game on Monday night for the chance to advance to the state tournament in Bozeman this weekend.

Stevensville 76, Frenchtown 44

Stevensville – Jared Schultz 2, Austin Kelling 7, Josh Schultz 18, Tyler Gavlak 13, Zach Gavlak 10, Josh Lords 2, Caleb Vance 2, Brendan Jones 10, Josh Haynes 8, Austin Lords 2, Kadin Beller 2.

Frenchtown – Daniel Lebsock 7, Austin Blank 4, Matt Price 1, Braydon Peacock 5, Jackson Mahlum 2, Ryan Anderson 11, Dustyn Tucker 10, John Chapman 2, David Diehl 2.

Every time Hamilton made a run at Frenchtown in the loser-out game Saturday morning, Frenchtown came back pulled ahead.

“I thought Frenchtown kind of established themselves early,” said coach Toby Stack. “We did get into some foul trouble and that hurt us. I bet you we were under 30% once again and that’s awful tough.”

Dace Moerkerke had 17 points to pace the Broncs.

Frenchtown 52, Hamilton 46

Hamilton - Brad Palin 2, Cody Lewis 3, Dace Moerkerke 17, Beau Maus 16, Reese Isherwood 3, Graham Silcher 3, Tyler Pigman 2.

Frenchtown - Daniel Lebsock 7, Jackson Mahlum 16, Austin Blank 20, Dustyn Tucker 2, Brydon Peacock 7.

Corvallis wins challenge game

There was no doubt about it, ‘Red’ was going to win the Southwest A Challenge game between Corvallis and Stevensville on Monday night. The loser was done for the season but the winner moved on to the Class A state tournament at MSU in Bozeman.

‘Red’ is Corvallis’ Riley Bradshaw. The 6’2” junior had one purpose in mind Monday night, to put the ball in the basket. He had 19 points at the half and went on to score 41 for the night. He was 12 of 19 from inside the three-point line and six of seven from three-point land. Add to that, he hit 11 of 13 free throws.

Coach Dave Bradshaw, who is also Riley’s dad, said, “The kid can shoot and play ball.”

Stevensville slowed down their offense in the third quarter and made some headway. They pulled within seven points a couple of times after Josh Schultz found his range. Shultz finished with 19 points.

But the Blue Devils responded with a basket every time and went on to win, 71-56. Corvallis will play Laurel at 2 pm on Thursday in the second game of the tournament.

Corvallis 71, Stevensville 56

Stevensville - Jared Schultz 5, Austin Kelling 4, Josh Schultz 19, Tyler Gavlak 9, Zach Gavlak 12, Brendan Jones 5, Kadin Beller 2.

Corvallis - Logan Connors 3, Colby Henderson 3, Rodee Anderson 16, Riley Bradshaw 41, Joel Connolly 4, Stuart Landis 4.

Riley Bradshaw led his Blue Devils to a 71-56 win over Stevensville in the challenge game Monday night. Bradshaw, known as ‘Red’ to his teammates, finished with 41 points. Jean Schurman photo.

Austin Kelling Jean Schurman photo.

Lady ‘Jackets finish third

The consolation game is never really very pretty. Both teams have had just a few hours to rest their legs and reflexes are usually a little bit slow. Such was the case for the girls’ consolation between Hamilton and Stevensville. After trading two baskets in the first quarter, the two teams found their legs and their range. Rebecka Hood opened the quarter with a long three and for most of the quarter the Lady Broncs maintained a slim lead. With 1.1 seconds (again, see boys’ story), McKenzie Sebastian sank two of three free throws to give Stevi a two-point margin going into the half.

“The first half we were right there,” said Hamilton coach Don Faris. “We did everything we needed to do.”

He went on to say the second half was a different story. “They’re big, strong. They wear on you. Our margin of error is so thin that if we’re not exactly where we’re supposed to be every time, they take advantage of it.”

The Lady ‘Jackets doubled their score in the third quarter and went on to win, 52-35. Alycia Sims finished with 17 points and Blaire Brookshire added 10 points.

“It was a long day,” according to coach Brandon Day of Stevensville. “It was definitely a gut check for the girls. They came out a little sluggish in the first half, a little tired and then they picked up and finished strong.”

Stevensville 52, Hamilton 35

Stevensville – Bailey Vercruyssen 3, Baylee Bergman 2, Francesca Farr 2, McKenzie Sebastian 5, Alycia Sims 17, Lindsey Thorstad 2, Britney Chilcott 8, Blaire Brookshire 10, Kyla Paulsen 3.

Hamilton - Rebecka Hood 11, Kennedy Chadwick 5, Presley Chadwick 4, Kaurie Albert 8, Kara Wetzsteon 2, Mary Conwell 5,

After the game, the Stevensville team had to sit and wait to find out if they would have a challenge game and possibly make the trip to the State A tournament. If the Dillon Beavers won, Stevensville could challenge Anaconda. However the Anaconda team came from 11 points down to win, 36-31, ending Stevensville’s tournament dreams.

Stevensville’s Blaire Brookshire makes a lay up as Dillon’s Greer Crabtree tries to block her in the semi final game Friday night. Dillon won, 56-42. Jean Schurman photo.

Kaurie Albert Jean Schurman photo.

The Stevensville Lady ‘Jackets had two goals in their play on Saturday morning. Their first goal was to win and advance to the consolation game. Their second goal was to stop Frenchtown ace Sarah Lester. They accomplished both, topping the Lady Broncs, 51-21, and they held Lester scoreless. Day said their game plan was to limit Lester’s scoring since she was the second leading scorer in the conference. “We figured if we keep her down, we’re going to be alright.”

“Alycia (Sims) is an amazing defender,” said Day. “That’s one thing I think gets overlooked with her, her defense. She played great defense on Lester.”

Stevensville allowed only three points in the first half and cruised to the win. They shot a respectable 78 percent in the second half and sank 16 of 23 free throws on their way to the win. Alycia Sims had 17 points and two rebounds to lead the Lady ‘Jackets.

Stevensville 51, Frenchtown 21

Frenchtown – Jaylynn Garrison 2, Angel Lowry 2, Abby Indreland 2, Emma Oostdyk 4, Brittnee Richarson 7, Jessica Tucker 2, Kayla Blood 2

Stevensville – Bailey Vercruyssen 6, Baylee Bergman 2, Francesca Farr 2, Alycia Sims 17, Lindsey Thorstad 2, Britney Chilcott 3, Blaire Brookshire 6.

The Lady ‘Jackets had a slow beginning in their opening game against Corvallis. Each team scored only once in the first quarter but then Stevensville found their range and went on to win, 42-23. Freshman Kyla Paulsen pulled down seven rebounds to lead Stevensville in the paint. Alycia Sims led the team in scoring with 12 points. Corvallis’ Korie Conder had to leave the game with an injury and only saw limited time on the court.

Stevensville 42, Corvallis 23

Corvallis - Sadi Henderson 4, Jen Mosbrucker 4, Anne Jessop 2, Lakyn Connors 3, Amanda Butt 4, Carlie Jessop 2, Marissa Powell 4,

Stevensville - Bailey Vercruyssen 3, Baylee Bergman 4, McKenzie Sebastian 5, Alycia Sims 12, Shelby Engebretson 2, Britney Chilcott 6, Blaire Brookshire 8, Kyla Paulsen 2.

The action was close between Stevensville and Dillon in the semi final game but as the game went on, Dillon gradually wore the Lady ‘Jackets down. Dillon won, 56-42, and advanced to the championship game.

In the first half, 15 of Stevi’s 19 points were from free throws with only Sims and Sebastian making field goals. Sims went on to finish with 25 points in the game. Stevensville had no answer for point guard Alex Brammer who poured in a career high 31 points in the game. Although they only trailed by six points at the end of three quarters, Brammer and company kept the pressure on for the win.

Dillon 56, Stevensville 42

Stevensville - Baylee Bergman 4, McKenzie Sebastian 2, Alycia Sims 25, Lindsey Thorstad 3, Britney Chilcott 2, Blair Brookshire 6,

Dillon – Greer Crabtree 2, Kate Ferris 4, Alex Brammer 31, Kansas Suenram 5, Carly King 6, Susan Tangmo 2, Charlee Hahnkamp 6

The Hamilton Lady Broncs came from behind to top Frenchtown in opening round action at the Southwest A Tournament on Thursday and it was the efforts of senior Kaurie Albert that gave the Lady Broncs the will to win. Hamilton topped Frenchtown, 32-31.

“I was like, we’re not losing this game,” said Albert. “Everything was on the line there. I’m a senior so I only have two or three more games. So I sent for it.”

Hamilton never led in the game until the final minute when Albert picked off a Frenchtown pass and made the lay up for the basket. Hamilton had a one-point lead. A foul by Presley Chadwick sent Frenchtown’s Jaylyn Garrison to the line. She missed the charity shot creating a scramble for the ball under Frenchtown’s basket. It was Albert who tied up the ball for a jump ball with less than three seconds remaining. Hamilton got the ball and the win.

The two teams were tied at the end of the first quarter after trading baskets back and forth. By the end of the half, Frenchtown had built a five-point lead with Sarah Lester having 10 of the 15 points. However, Hamilton never scored a point in the second quarter. A steal by Rebecka Hood gave the Lady Broncs a boost. That was followed by a technical on the Frenchtown bench. Albert sank the second of two free throws to pull Hamilton within two points. In the final stanza, the two teams traded baskets. Frenchtown never led by more than four points in the final period.

Albert’s 15 points paced Hamilton. Lester had 19 points for Frenchtown.

Hamilton 32, Frenchtown 31

Hamilton – Rebecka Hood 4, Presley Chadwick 4, Kaurie Albert 15, Kara Wetzsteon 3, Meghan Kratofil 6.

Frenchtown – Jaylyn Garrison 2, Vanessa Stavish 2, Sarah Lester 19, Abby Indreland 2, Emma Oostdyk 3, Brittnee Richardson 3.

After defeating Frenchtown, the Lady Broncs took on the top seeded Anaconda Copperheads. Although they had the lead at the end of the first quarter, the Lady Broncs of Hamilton couldn’t overcome the stronger shooting of the Anaconda Copperheads and fell, 43-24. Hamilton couldn’t find their long-range shots and had trouble working the ball inside.

Anaconda had 17 steals. They also made 11 second chance points while Hamilton was only able to make two on second chances. Rebecka Hood had eight points for Hamilton and three rebounds. The second quarter was once again a problem for the Lady Broncs. They only scored two points while Anaconda built up their lead.

Anaconda 43, Hamilton 24

Hamilton – Rebecka Hood 8, Kennedy Chadwick 3, Presley Chadwick 5, Kaurie Albert 3, Meghan Kratofil 5

Anaconda – Nicole Schafer 5, Abby Stanbery 6, Courtney Moodrey 12, Emily Morani 1, Jacqueline Verlanic 5, Vanessa Jense 7, Teryn Green 7.

The loss sent the Lady Broncs to the dreaded Saturday morning loser out games. They were up against Corvallis who lost to Stevensville in their opening round. Hamilton jumped out to an early lead and held on to advance to the consolation game later Saturday afternoon. Albert once again powered her team, finishing with 16 points. Hamilton won, 44-33.

Korie Conder came back to finish her high school career after being injured on Thursday in Corvallis’ opening game. She finished with 10 points for the Blue Devils.

Hamilton 44, Corvallis 33 (Loser out)

Corvallis – Sadi Henderson 6, Jen Mosbrucker 6, Anne Jessop 4, Lakyn Connors 6, Korie Conder 10, Sami Stoker 1.

Hamilton – Rebecka Hood 7, Presley Chadwick 8, Kaurie Albert 16, Kara Wetzsteon 6, Meghan Kratofil 7.

Elks Hoop Shoot winners

Keely Ehmann of Darby took first place in the Girls 12-13 year age group at the Elks State Hoop Shoot in Livingston on February 5. Keely made 22 of 25 shots. She and her parents will not proceed to Rapid City, South Dakota on March 5 to compete at the District Hoop Shoot. The competition in Rapid City will be against contestants from North and South Dakota. Winners from Rapid City will go on the National Hoop Shoot in Springfield, MA. The Hamilton Elks Lodge #1651 congratulates Keely on her recent win and wishes her well in her future competitions.

Page One •	Valley News •	Op/Ed •	Sports •	Calendar •	Classifieds •	Legals •	Links •	About Us •	Back Issues •	Email Us •	Home
©2011 Bitterroot Star This site was Done By Dooney