Arlee teams clinch Western C Divisional titles, head to State
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HAMILTON – The Arlee girls and boys basketball teams put on impressive postseason shows as they pushed through competition at the Western C Divisional Tournament to win divisional titles and advance to state competition.
Warriors
The Arlee Warriors continued their 22-game winning streak Saturday, Feb. 27, in the championship game against Manhattan Christian. The title game started out competitively with the first quarter ending 20-20, however it was Arlee’s Tyler Tanner who surged the Warriors ahead by scoring 10 of his total 30 points in the second quarter. The Warriors won the championship game 67-54. Tanner led the team with 30 points and Patrick Bigsam added 10.
The night before, the Warriors found themselves in the semifinal game after tromping Shields Valley 85-30 in the first round of the tournament. Arlee played Ennis to earn a spot at the State C Tournament. The Warriors locked in their win by scoring 35 points in the second quarter. Tanner and Philip Malatare combined for 41 points, which was enough to push past Ennis 69-51 and locked down a State C berth. Malatare also contributed nine steals and eight assists for an impressive night.
The Warriors will start their State C tournament in Great Falls on Thursday, March 3.
Scarlets
The Arlee Scarlets had the chance to redeem themselves in the Western C Divisional Championship game against Plains. The Trotters beat Arlee a week prior in the 14-C District Tournament title game in overtime, but the Scarlets were looking for a different outcome this time. In the first half the Scarlets were leading 20-6, but the Trotters put up a fight in the second half to reign in Arlee’s lead. Yet, their efforts were not enough. Arlee got their revenge and won the game 37-31, which gave them a one-way ticket to the State C Tournament. Alyssia Vandeburg led the team with 18 points while Becca Whitesell and Carly Hergett combined for 13.
On Friday, Feb. 26. the Scarlets took on Seeley-Swan in the semifinal game after beating Twin Bridges 47-43 the night before. Arlee was leading the game 23-22 in the third quarter, but it was a fourth quarter surge that put the game in Arlee’s hands. The Scarlets won the game 42-29 which put them in the title game. Arlee Scarlets’ Head Coach Bill Stockton contributes their success to his teams’ ability to defend their hoop.
“Our defense was solid all weekend limiting Plains to 6 points in the first half and Seeley who had been scoring a lot of points all year to 29 total points,” Stockton said. “It is exciting to see us peaking at the right time.”
The Scarlets start their State C Tournament Thursday, March 10 in Great Falls.
BOYS RESULTS
Feb. 25
Arlee 85, Shields Valley 30
Arlee 23351116-85
Shields Valley11784-30
Feb. 26
Arlee 69, Ennis 51
Arlee2491818-69
Ennis13121016-51
Feb. 27
Arlee 67, Manhattan Christian 54
Arlee20171317-67
Manhattan Christian 2011149-54
GIRLS RESULTS
Feb. 25
Arlee 47, Twin Bridges 43
Arlee 914816-47
Twin Bridges1251214-43
Feb. 26
Arlee 42, Seeley-Swan 29
Arlee69819-42
Seeley-Swan51077-29
Feb. 27
Arlee 37, Plains 31
Arlee91189-37
Plains331114-31
