By John Robbins

Butte Central VS 53 Columbia Falls 44

Butte Central started fast and looked primed to make another deep tournament run, Zane Moodry started the scoring off a great assist from Eric Loos. Kyle Holter and Eric Loos really played well to start the game, and both looked really fresh.

Dougie would pull up from about 25ft away and cash in a triple and Butte Central would lead 20-10 after 1 quarter of play.

The Maroons were looking to stay focused and buckle down on defense as they gave up an average of 14 extra points per game in divisonals than they did in the regular season. Columbia Falls made sure Central knew they were there as they did not make it easy in the first half, bouncing from man to zone defenses during the duration of the first half.

Defense and rebounding were a big key to success early on leading to an Owen “Big Shot” McPartland triple from long distance, and the Maroons would take a 29-19 lead to the half.

Columbia Falls came out and sharp and never let Central blow them out at any point, Columbia Falls would hit a three and bring the lead to 31-25 Butte Central midway through the 3^rd and Butte Central couldn’t get flowing offensively allowing Columbia Falls to hang around.

35-27 with 3:22 Remaining after an Eric loos put back bucket, Columbia Falls would nail another triple to bring it within five points, as Butte Central really struggled to find the bottom of the net.

Jack Keeley hit a big triple of his own keeping his team in front heading to the final frame 40-32.

Columbia Falls stayed in a 1-2-2 zone making it tough for Central, Central continued to knock the rust off after the two-week layoff and found ways to score keeping and 8-point cushion midway through the final quarter.

After 4 consecutive turnovers Butte Central let Columbia Falls crawl right back in it but could never capture the lead. Owen McPartland would quiet the Columbia Falls run with another triple and make it 49-41 with just under 4 to go in the game.

Although they were rusty offensively tonight the Maroons found a way to win and will be moving on to play the Dillon Beavers for a 4^th time this season, tipoff is tomorrow night at 6:30.

Dougie led the way with 14 points, Kyle Holter had 12, Eric Loos had 10, Owen McPartland had 8, Zane Moodry had 6 and Jack Keeley had 3. 1 comment