District Tournament Wrapup

The boys' District 1B tournament featured three teams ranked in the top ten of the Associated Press Power Poll. Fairfield, ranked 11th, bit the dust this weekend by losing out in two games.

This past weekend, a majority of Montana's Class B and C boys' and girls' basketball teams began postseason play. Along the way some upsets occurred, but for the most part things shook out the way most people expected it to.

Here's what we learned from the District Tournament weekend.

CLASS B BOYS:

District 1B is very talented, and very deep. Cut Bank, Fairfield, Rocky Boy and Shelby have all been ranked in the Associated Press Top 10 throughout the season, and beat up on each other during the regular season. Add in the fact that Conrad and Choteau each scored upsets over the top four during the regular season, and last week's District tourney was dripping with excitement in each matchup. Fairfield was upset by Choteau in the 1st round, then lost to Cut Bank in an elimination game, which means despite finishing the year with double digit wins, the Eagles were sent packing.

CLASS B GIRLS

Unlike past years, there is no one dominant team. 5 or 6 squads could make legitimate arguments for being the top team in the state, but for now that distinction belongs to Fairfield, District 1B champ. The Lady Eagles are undefeated, but have had their fair share of close encounters. Malta from District 2B, Shepherd from District 3B, Loyola from District 6B, and Bigfork from District 7B are all solid contenders as well.

CLASS C BOYS

The Western C is a little crowded right now. District 11/12 C, 13C and 14C comprise the Western C division, and top to bottom the bracket looks stacked. 19-2 Twin Bridges and 17-3 Shields Valley are the frontrunners from District 11/12 C. 16-3 Arlee and 17-3 Charlo grabbed the two berths available from District 14C. And a very talented team will not advance to divisionals from District 13C. Just two berths are available, and 16-4 Drummond clinched one by winning the district championship. 14-6 Lincoln and 17-5 Victor will decide the other spot tonight in a challenge game.

CLASS C GIRLS

As the state tournament draws near, five teams are still undefeated. Fairview from District 2C, Terry from District 4C, Harlowton-Ryegate from District 6C, Winnett-Grass Range from District 7C and Belt from District 8C all sport unblemished records as we approach Divisionals.

Filed Under: Basketball

Categories: Missoula News