HELENA — Butte High’s girls’ basketball team once again dug itself too big of a hole early.
Helena Capital took a 15-5 first quarter lead Tuesday night, and the Bruins held on for a 48-41 Western AA victory over the Bulldogs.
Jada Clarkson scored 14 points to pace the Bruins, who improved to 5-4 overall and 2-3 in league play. Megan Swanson poured in 11 points for Capital, which got six apiece from Rachael Stacey, Parklyn Heller and Kayla Almquist.
Laura Rosenleaf tossed in 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Bulldogs, who fell to 5-5 and 2-4. Tylar Clary scored seven points for Butte High, while Emmarie Richards and Brooke McGrath followed with seven and six.
The Bulldogs also got five points from Kodie Hoagland and four from Ashley Olson. Payton Clary, Pieper Joseph and Rian Ferriter contributed for the Bulldogs, too.
Butte High will be back at home Thursday to take on Helena High. That game will be played at the Richardson Gym.
BUTTE HIGH (5-5, 2-4) — Kodie Hoagland 2 1-2 5, Laura Rosenleaf 5 1-2 11, Tylar Clary 3 1-2 8, Brooke McGrath 2 0-0 6, Ashley Olson 1 2-4 4, Payton Clary 0 0-0 0, Pieper Joseph 0 0-0 0, Emmarie Richards 2 1-2 7, Rian Ferriter 0 0-0 0. Totals 15 6-12 41.
HELENA CAPITAL (5-4, 2-3) — Jada Clarkson 6 0-2 14, Kathryn Emmert 0 0-2 0, Rachael Stacey 1 3-4 6, Parklyn Heller 1 4-4 6, Megan Swanson 5 0-0 11, Anna Cockhill 0 0-0 0, Brandy Carlson 1 0-0 3, Kayla Almquist 2 1-4 6, Taylor Sayers 1 0-0 2. Totals 17 8-16 48.
Butte High 5 8 10 18 — 41
Helena Capital 15 10 11 11 — 48
3-point goals — Butte 5 (McGrath 2, Ricahrds 2, T. Clary 1), Capital 6 (Clarkon 2, Stacey 1, Swanson 1, Carlson 1, Almquist 1). Fouls — Butte 16, Capital 17. Fouled out — none. Technicals — none.
