The Search For Montana’s Best

Today is the first day of February, the month where Montana's high school basketball contenders are separated from the pretenders.

• CHARLO (13-0, CLASS C)
• COLUMBIA FALLS (12-0, CLASS A)
• DUTTON-BRADY (12-0, CLASS C)
• ROY-WINIFRED (12-0, CLASS C)
• WOLF POINT (13-0, CLASS B)

• BELT (13-0, CLASS C)
• BILLINGS WEST (12-0, CLASS AA)
• BOZEMAN (12-0, CLASS AA)
• FAIRFIELD (14-0, CLASS B)
• FAIRVIEW (14-0, CLASS C)
• HARLOWTON-RYEGATE (14-0, CLASS C)
• TERRY (12-0, CLASS C)
• WINNETT-GRASS RANGE (13-0, CLASS C)

Based on those numbers, two things are clear; more girls' teams (8 of 13) are enjoying undefeated success this year than their male counterparts. Also, the Class C level of play (8 of 13) has seen success, in part because there are more teams spread out all over the state.

So at the end of the day, which team has the best chance at staying undefeated throughout? History tells us it's very hard to complete the sweep at the Class C or B level, thanks in part to three postseason tournaments (Districts, Divisionals, and State). It's also easier to run the table in girls' basketball, because the drop off in talent is more significant than in boys' basketball.

So after gazing into the crystal ball, there are two clear choices in my opinion. I believe the Columbia Falls boys and Fairfield girls have the best chances to finish off the perfect season.