Conference play begins immediately — and it begins on the road.
The Butte High boys and girls open conference action this weekend in Kalispell, taking on Flathead Friday night before closing the trip Saturday against Glacier in a demanding back-to-back.
Boys: Bulldogs (5–0) open conference slate with momentum
The Bulldog boys head west to open conference play unbeaten at 5–0, carrying confidence and continuity into a challenging weekend.
Butte High will continue to adjust without Josh Liston, who was sidelined prior to the Gallatin game with turf toe. The response to that absence could not have been stronger.
Rhett Arntson earned his first career start and delivered a breakout performance, erupting for 19 points and five three-pointers, providing spacing, confidence, and energy from the opening tip. His emergence gives the Bulldogs another dangerous perimeter weapon as conference play begins.
Everything continues to flow through Hudson Luedtke, the program’s all-time leading scorer and steady presence in big moments. Luedtke’s control of tempo and ability to create offense late in possessions anchors the Bulldogs, particularly in road environments.
Inside, Brady Hanson provides a physical edge around the rim as both a finisher and rim protector. Mike Verlanic and Cayde Stajcar bring toughness, rebounding, and defensive intensity that will be critical as conference play ramps up.
Friday’s opener comes against Flathead, a Braves team sitting at 1–3 but capable of quick runs on its home floor. Guards Sam McConnell and Benny Forman lead the way, with Eli Coopman and Ben Reichner providing size inside. Lance Schneller and Karson Johnston bring energy that can swing momentum if the Bulldogs lose focus.
Saturday night raises the bar.
Glacier brings depth, size, and balance, led by Cooper Pelc, Liam Ells, and Ethan Kastelitz, with Easton Kauffman, Asher Knopik, and Luke Nikunen rounding out a physical lineup. Managing minutes and maintaining defensive focus on night two will be key as the Bulldogs look to keep their perfect start intact.
Girls: Bulldogs (2–3) open conference play in Kalispell
The Butte High girls begin conference play at 2–3, facing the same two-night road test to open conference action.
Friday’s matchup comes against a Flathead team still searching for its first win at 0–4, but the Bravettes play with effort and confidence at home, making focus and execution critical from the opening tip.
Everything starts with Cadence Graham, the Bulldogs’ leading scorer most nights and the offensive catalyst. Graham’s ability to score in transition, attack off the catch, and take over possessions under pressure makes her the focal point of opposing defenses.
Emma Johnson gives the Bulldogs a strong interior presence, capable of scoring around the basket, finishing through contact, and battling on the glass. When Johnson establishes herself in the paint, it opens the floor for Butte High’s perimeter attack.
Alli Becker and Kendalyn Shad provide toughness and rebounding, while Autumn Clary is a defensive menace and relentless hustler, impacting games with pressure defense, loose-ball wins, and effort plays that don’t show up in the box score. Elli Graham adds shooting and energy that can swing momentum quickly.
Flathead is led by Brynn Kossman, with Caitlin Converse, Cheyenne Heino, and Grace Gall providing balance and pressure. Limiting second-chance points and controlling tempo will be priorities Friday night.
Saturday’s matchup brings Glacier, a Wolfpack girls team sitting at 1–4 but more competitive than the record suggests. Glacier relies on balance, physical play, and pressure defense, spreading scoring across the lineup and leaning on rebounding and transition to create offense.
For the Bulldogs, success against Glacier will come down to composure and discipline. Valuing possessions, staying locked in defensively, and leaning on Graham’s scoring while establishing Johnson inside will be critical in the second night of conference play.
The outlook
Conference play opens with no easing in.
Flathead tests focus.
Glacier tests depth and physicality.
For both Bulldog squads, the opening conference weekend will reveal plenty — and it all starts on the road.
