Vikings look strong heading into District Tourney
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CHARLO – After picking up a pair of wins against Hot Springs and Arlee, the Charlo Vikings boys’ basketball team improved to 13-4 on the season, and are sitting in third place in a talent-filled district. Head coach Mike Brown says he’s pleased with his team’s effort on the court, but he’ll be fully satisfied when his boys are playing in the District Championship Saturday.
“We’re sitting in third right now, which is about right for us,” Brown said. “(But) the goal is to be playing on Saturday night.”
It won’t be easy, though, as District 14-C is packed to the brim with talent this season, making the championship title anyone’s game.
“It’s gonna be a tough tournament,” Brown noted. “Anyone’s got a shot at winning. It comes down to who’s hot and making shots.”
The Vikings got their final preparation for postseason play last week, traveling to a hostile Hot Springs where Charlo picked up a 54-44 win, before downing Arlee on the road the following day, 59-49.
Against Hot Springs, the Vikings not only had to take on a talented team, but they also had to contend with inspired seniors and fans during the Savage Heat’s senior night.
“They hit us hard and kept comin’,” Brown said. “It was like we walked into a hornet’s nest.”
Hot Springs shot out to an 18-12 lead after the opening frame and led the Vikings 27-19 at the break. In the locker room, Brown told his team to pick it up and quit whining about bad calls from the referees. The talk worked, as Charlo came out firing on all cylinders in the second half.
“We were flying around, wore them down and took control,” Brown said.
The Vikings outscored the Savage Heat 18-5 in the third and went on a 17-12 run in the fourth to win by 10, 54-44.
Charlo was led by Webb O’Neill’s game-high 19 points, while Kolten Andrews added 12.
On Friday, Charlo took on cross-county rival Arlee on the road, where Andrews’ three 3-pointers helped pace the Vikings past the Warriors, winning 59-49.
“It started out kinda lopsided,” Brown said. “We jumped right on ‘em and got ‘em down 14 points at the half.”
Despite the early lead, Arlee rallied in the second half, outscoring Charlo 16-14 in the third, followed by a 19-13 run in the fourth. The late push wasn’t enough to topple Charlo, though, as the Vikings pulled out a 10-point victory, winning 59-49.
Andrews led the way with 18 points, while Dillon Delaney contributed 12.
For the Warriors, Junior Sansavere tied for the most points in the game, finishing with 18, while Mark Fullerton added 10.
The Vikings now must wait until Feb. 16, where they begin fighting it out with other 14-C teams for the District Championship. The tournament will run Feb. 16-18, and will be held in Ronan.
SUMMARY
Charlo 59, Arlee 49
Charlo 18 14 14 13 - 59
Arlee 4 10 16 19 - 49
CHARLO - Dillon Delaney 12, Tra Ludeman 12, Web O’Neill 4, Stephen Delaney 9, Kolten Andrews 18, Tristan Santee 2, Tyler Delaney 2.
ARLEE - Christian Haynes 5, Mark Fullerton 10, Junior Sansavere 18, Brandon Hergett 3, Justin Adams 5, Josh Reed 5, P.J. Haynes 1, Poncho Torres 2.
Charlo 54, Hot Springs 44
Charlo 12 7 18 17 - 54
Hot Springs 18 9 5 12 - 44
CHARLO - Dillon Delaney 9, Tra Ludeman 6, Webb O’Neill 19, Stephen Delaney 8, Kotlen Andrews 12.
HOT SPRINGS - Wyatt Nagy 7, Mike Gray 9, Dave Cross 16, Jonas Pahlke 4, Shane Hoff 4, Tanner Hoff 2, Jimmy Holland 2.
