Perfect 10: Warriors win 10th straight to earn district 14C title
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The Warriors appear to be peaking at just the right time.
Arlee pushed its winning streak to 10 games this week, capping the District 14-C Tournament with another win over sixth-ranked Charlo to secure the tournament championship.
Just two weeks after handing the Vikings their first loss of the season, the Warriors toppled Charlo once again in the 14-C Tournament Final before a packed gym in Ronan Saturday. As expected, the teams fought a close battle for four quarters, but the Warriors used double-digit scoring performances by a quartet of players to earn a 59-51 victory.
Trae Burland led the Warriors with 15 points in the victory as Jesse Pfau added 13 and Junior Sansavere and Kasey Bridgewater each added 12. Pfau and Sansavere each had five rebounds to lead Arlee in that category.
In a show of team unity, most of the Warriors sported new Mohawk hairdos for the title game, and their teamwork showed early as Arlee grabbed a 12-10 lead after one quarter of play.
Charlo quickly closed the gap in the second frame, but the Warriors countered with a strong run to close out the half and took a 29-23 lead into the break.
The Vikings put up a strong fight again in the third quarter, cutting the Arlee lead to 38-34 heading into the fourth, but the Warriors never surrendered the lead.
A late surge of threes and defense helped Charlo keep within striking distance, but the Warriors put the game away at the free throw line late in the contest as the Viking comeback fell short.
Dillon Delaney led the Vikings with 15 points in the loss.
Both teams will advance to the Divisional Tournament in Butte this week.
The Warriors survived a strong upset bid from a determined Two Eagle River squad in the semifinals Friday, pulling out a 53-51 victory.
The Eagles struck early and struck often at the beginning of the contest, grabbing a 17-12 lead after eight minutes of play. The Warriors answered in the second quarter, though, using a 14-4 run to take a 26-21 halftime lead.
The Warriors continued to roll in the third quarter, pushing their lead to 39-26 heading into the final eight minutes of action.
The Eagles made a valiant charge in the final frame, outscoring the Warriors 25-14 only to come up just short.
Pfau led the Warriors with a double-double in the win, pouring in 18 points and 10 rebounds. Thomas McClure added 12 points.
Artie Mendoza led the Eagles with 14 points in the loss.
The season continues for the Warriors this week as they play in the Western C Divisional Tournament beginning Thursday in Butte.
Summary
Championship
Arlee 59, Charlo 51
Charlo 10 13 11 17 - 51
Arlee 12 17 9 21 - 59
CHARLO - Dillon Delaney 15, Chico Stipe 11, Chance Rosenbaum 8, Stephen Delaney 7, Kolten Andrews 6, Garrett Herron 4. Totals 16 16-21 51.
ARLEE - Trae Burland 15, Jesse Pfau 13, Harvey Sansavere 12, Kasey Bridgewater 12, Beau Couture 3, Eneas Inmee 2, Thomas McClure 2. Totals 18 19-28 59.
Semifinal
Arlee 53, Two Eagle River 51
Two Eagle 17 4 5 25 – 51
Arlee 12 14 13 14 – 53
TWO EAGLE – Artie Mendoza 14, Skyler Rossbach 10, Clayton Malatare 9, Marcus Brown 7, Trevor Butterfly 6, TJ Cutfinger 5.
ARLEE – Jesse Pfau 18, Thomas McClure 12, Kasey Bridgewater 7, Harvey Sansavere 6, Trae Burland 6, Eneas Inmee 2, Beau Couture 2.
