Lady Pirate Basketball
McKenna Hanson
Photo Taken By: Ada G, PHS Yearbook Staff
Aleysia Black
Photo Taken By: Ada G, PHS Yearbook Staff
Ahrianna Rushing
Photo Taken By: Ada G, PHS Yearbook Staff
Julia Barnard
Photo Taken By: PHS Yearbook Staff
Results 2023-2024
Winter 2023-24 Girls Basketball Preview: NWA Polson Lady Pirates
by John Heglie
Preceding season recap
The Lady Pirates experienced exponential growth during the inaugural season of head coach Brandie Buckless. After languishing in the conference cellar just a handful of seasons ago that included back-to-back winless records, Polson built upon the foundation laid by previous coaches and leapfrogged to finish second in the Northwest A standings last season. Along the journey included a homecourt upset of the perennial contender WildKats of Columbia Falls in overtime along with a series sweep of Mission Valley rival Ronan that derailed a decade of dominance at the hands of both teams. The Lady Pirates came within a three-point triple of securing a berth to the State A tournament in a 57-59 loss to the WildKats during the fifth place divisional contest. Had Polson prevailed, it would have facilitated their return as part of the State A field after an absence for over a decade. Their overall record was the first time that the team posted more wins than losses in a dozen seasons spanning back to their last trip to state back in 2011-12.
Adaptations: Graduation and attrition
A quartet graduated from the 2022-23 Lady Pirate program. Foremost is Carroll College recruit, twice all-state (NWA, 14C) ambidextrous ball handler Mila Hawk, who made the transition from Class C to Class A competition look almost seamless. Another decorated veteran departure is twice all-conference honorable mention post Grace Simonich, who tallied dual century club credentials for both scoring as well as rebounding last season. Two others, Ilysia Adams and UM Lady Griz cross-country runner Ashtyn Wagner, collaborated to contribute just under a hundred points while reeling in over a hundred rebounds.
The Lady Pirates hardcourt will be further impacted by transfer. Addy Gallatin, who was sidelined by a knee injury early last season, returned to western Washington with the subsiding of the CoVid pandemic, while a pair of reserves migrated cross county to Rez rival Ronan.
Roster R's: returnees, resources and reconstruction
Though the LP roster is forced to recalibrate to compensate for numerous vacancies, the cupboard is far from bare with a handful of returning veterans.
Reprising the role of spoon that stirs the pot is all-conference second-team senior guard Julia Barnard, second leading team scorer last season who is anticipated to sparkle under the lights like many multi-faceted Jules.
Seasoned senior Mckenna Hanson returns to the hardcourt after a hiatus recovering from injury. Hanson has accrued over twelve dozen career points over the course of previous seasons and is anticipated to play in such a manner as to not only make up for lost time, but also aim for some level of athletic credential in her third sport.
Junior Samantha Rensvold, an accomplished pitcher over the course of many softball seasons who tends to hurl balls around the strike zone, will seek to refine comparable techniques so as to weave a larger version of similar sphericals through the confines of a net on the rim of a backboard. Rensvold competed in multiple seasons of Elks Hoop Shoot Free-Throw competitions, placing in many of the local events and advancing to regionals on other occasions.
Sophomore 5-8 forward Natalie Adams supplied valuable minutes off the bench as a strategic reserve last season, factoring into putting points on the scoreboard in multiple games of the divisional tournament.
Senior Zaylynn Morgan showed substantial improvement in developmental competition last season and is anticipated to fill in some of the gaps left by vacancies.
Junior Olivia Jore missed much of last season on account of concussion complications and will seek to make up for lost time.
After watching from the sidelines as part of the cheer squad last season, junior Sierra Perez reacquired that crucial itch that can only be scratched by taking part in play on the hardcourt, so will be seeking to make up for lost time in this regard.
Sophomore 5-10 post Josie Henriksen will be called upon to maximize her reach in a game of inches by picking up some of the slack on the boards created by vacancies.
Speedy freshman guard Rylee Taylor-Jefferson is anticipated to wreak some havoc on defense as she disrupts opponent ball handlers seeking to advance the ball.
Others are anticipated to emerge as the season progresses when acumen, aptitude and athleticism converge into A-game acquisition.
Prognosis P's: Prospects, penchants and potential
Former collegiate Montana State (MSU) guard Brandie Buckless embarks upon her second season at the helm of the Lady Pirates, assisted by Jami Hanson, Bill Buckless along with Ryan and Maribeth Thomas.
With the departure of substantial point productivity as well as board pounding last season, returnees as well as varsity newcomers will be called upon to take on expanded roles in both aspects. The Lady Pirates are in decent shape with a core of veteran returnees. Newer roles may feature aspects of works in progress until exposure to various levels of competition provides the necessary seasoning that will flavor the capabilities of players in development.
Despite some unknowns at such a nascent juncture of the schedule, there are a few components that are identifiable about what to anticipate to emerge during the course of the upcoming season. Though the Lady Pirates might not feature a lot in terms of height, their roster is plentiful when it comes to both speed and quickness. Opponents can expect to encounter difficulties attempting to advance the ball up the court with the application of a stiffling defensive pressure.
Head coach Buckless reset the school assist record twice when she played for Whitefish. Consequently, one can expect an emphasis upon the execution of crisp passing to facilitate optimal scoring scenarios. Since a passer doesn't notch an assist unless the recipient of their pass puts the ball through the hoop, focus will feature an emphasis upon shooting fundamentals to maximize such opportunities.
Given the Bobcat background of Brandie Buckless, one can anticipate a Binford-esque flavor to coaching emphases as she seeks to instill into the Lady Pirate roster various aspects of a successful collegiate program.
Assistant coaches Thomas infuse further ambience to an atmosphere endeavoring to elevate a heightening of expectations for the program. Maribeth (nee San Pedro) was part of the 1992-93 Lady Pirates that advanced to the State A championship and placed runnerup that season. Ryan is the son of the late former girls basketball coach Bruce Thomas, who guided the Lady Pirates for numerous seasons up through 2007.
Polson inaugurates their season at the Western A Tip-Off in Frenchtown the weekend of December 8-9, where they will face 6B Loyola and Corvallis. Their first home stand commences Tuesday, December 12, whene they will host State B champion Bigfork in the first round of their annual battle of the bays on Flathead Lake.
Wtr2022-23 Polson Lady Pirates NWA(7-3), nonconf (4-4), WesternA(1-3)6th
2022-23gbbPolson (22g) LP(951p,745r,228a,194s,44b) – Mila Hawk (231p,154r,78a,72s,5b), Julia Barnard (176p,62r,30a,24s), Grace Simonich (154p,116r,23a,17s,6b), Nikki Kendall (106p,114r,13a,19s,18b), Sam Rensvold (88p,71r,15a,14s), Addy Gallatin (85p,82r,23a,18s,6b), Ilysia Adams (51p,76r,31a,7s,10b), Ashtyn Wagner (38p,45r,5a,14s,1b), Natalie Adams (13p,5r,2a,1s,1b), Nevaeh Perez (7p,4r,1a,2s), Teyjah Beeks (1p,7r,1a,2s).
Accrued athletic accolade acknowledgements
Mckenna Hanson (VB a-s, 2x a-c: 1st-tm 2023, 2nd-tm 2021; SB 3x a-s, 3x a-c 1st-tm 2023-21), Julia Barnard (GBB a-c 2nd-tm 2023-22; VB 2x a-c: 1st-tm 2023, hm 2022; TN a-c: D3rd 2023div), Sam Rensvold (VB 2x a-c hm 2023-22; SB a-c 1st-tm 2023, USA MT JO State 14U champion 2022), Mila Hawk (GBB 2x a-s, 2x a-c 1st-tm NWA 2022-23, 14C 2021-22), Grace Simonich (GBB 2x a-c hm; VB 2x a-c hm 2022-21), Addy Gallatin (GSC a-c hm), Ashtyn Wagner (XC 2x a-s: 13th 2022, 10th 2021; 2x a-c: 2nd 2022, 3rd 2021, 16th 2020)
Breakers extract payback from Pirates to avenge last season upset
by John Heglie
At the opening contest of the NWA/SWA Tip-Off Tournament held in Frenchtown, the Lady Pirates got off to a sluggish start, while the Breakers of Loyola didn't wait around for their opponent to crank their engines over, vaulting ahead to a sizeable lead before Polson could craft an answer. Veteran returnee Gio Horner poured in 15 first half points, while teammate Spencer Laird also notched double figures in the first half by adding another ten, more than enough to counter Pirate point productivity.
For the Lady Pirates, Samantha Rensvold almost delved into the domain of double digits with nine, while Hinkley Moss was perfect from the field as she splashed all three of her attempts to add another six. The Lady Pirates were able to generate some competitive offense once the second half got underway, but erasing the deficit would have been a tall task had they shot the lights out from the field.
Loyola converted deuces among the mid-50th percentile in contrast to a low-30th percentile by Polson. When an opponent launches almost three times the number of opportunities with that kind of conversion rate, points tend to proliferate for the other side of the court. Loyola also had the additional incentive stemming from last season when the Lady Pirates hung an unanticipated 52-41 loss on them during which Ora Lindauer led the scoring with 14 and Horner added another ten for two dozen of their then 41.
Multiple factors likely contributed to the disparity in scoring. The Lady Pirates had a number of new pieces of the puzzle to fit into the picture. The pace and intensity of live competition tends to differ substantially from practice regimens, requiring degrees of adaptation that the team has now tasted. Biorhythms may have still been on wake-up mode that one intervention strategy, namely quadruple shot lattes to fire up those cortical synapses, may not have been an option due to the schedule of the contest. One game does not make a season. Team LP will make some adjustments as they prepare for their next opponent.
Loyola 54, Polson 20
NWA Lady Pirates (0-1), 6B Breakers (1-0)
Loyola 23 14 15 2 – 54
Polson 0 5 11 4 – 20
LOYOLA SACRED HEART – Gio Horner 10 4-6 26, Spencer Laird 8 0-1 16, Addie Nault 3, Sammy McHugh 3, Drew Lamb 1 0-2 2, Amalie Schneider 2, Caitrin Harrington 2, Ora Lindauer 0 0-2 0. 23 4-11 54(22r)
POLSON – Sam Rensvold 4 0-0 9(7r), Hinkley Moss 3 0-0 6(3r,1s), Natalie Adams 3(3r), Julia Barnard 1 0-0 2(3a,4s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 0(5r,2s), Mckenna Hanson 0(4r,1a,2s), Zaylyn Morgan (1r), Olivia Jore (1r). 9 0-2 20(24r,4a,9s)
3FGs – LSH4-14 (Horner 2, McHugh, Nault), P2-18 (Rensvold 1-6, Adams 1-6). (Fr09Dec23) venue:FHS
Lady Pirates clip Corvallis for first win of season
by John Heglie
At Frenchtown during second day action of the Tip-Off, the Lady Pirates put together a productive opening frame, then crafted comparable counters to Corvallis runs to match their output the remainder of the way to secure their first win of the nascent season. Senior guard Julia Barnard kickstarted the strong start by netting a half dozen in the opening frame as Polson dialed the operator long distance and completed the call on half of their six triples from beyond the arc over the course of the contest. The beaucoup backcourt of Barnard and Rylee Taylor-Jefferson combined for 14, while Sam Rensvold along with Natalie Adams collaborated on another dozen to lead LP scoring. Nine different players reeled in multiple rebounds over the duration of the game that included ten offensive boards that kept the ball alive for several second chance opportunities. Rensvold crested the century point plateau for varsity career scoring.
Polson 40, Corvallis 37
NWA Lady Pirates (1-1), SWA Lady Blue Devils (0-3)
Polson 14 8 10 8 – 40
Corvallis 9 8 10 10 – 37
POLSON – Julia Barnard 2 2-4 7(3r,2a,3s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 2 2-3 7(7r,2a,3s), Sam Rensvold 2 2-4 6(5r,1a,2s), Natalie Adams 2 0-0 6(3r), Mckenna Hanson 1 2-2 4(4r,3b), Hinkley Moss 1 1-2 4(4r), Aleysia Black 3(3r,1a,2s), Sierra Perez 2(2r,1s), Jaja Nichols 1(2r), Olivia Jore 0(1r). 12 10-17 40(34r,6a,11s,3b)
CORVALLIS – Ava Loran 4 1-2 11, Brecklyn Jessop 4 2-2 11, Ericka Jessop 6, Ella Varner 2 0-6 4, Autumn Benson 4, Jayde Venema 1. 15 4-12 37(24r)
3FGs – P6-23 (N.Adams 2-4, Black 1-2, Moss 1-2, Taylor-Jefferson 1-4, Barnard 1-6), C3-20 (Loran 2, B.Jessop). (Sa09Dec23)
IMG_2740.HEIC/IMG_2741.HEIC
Knot-Ted by Norse: Vals tangle, trip, topple Pirate gals
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the first round of the battle of the bays on Flathead Lake rowed by way of the harbor of the State B champion Bigfork Valkyries. The Lady Pirates turned in a respectable showing during first frame action as they stayed within single figures of their seasoned opponent. Had they been able to connect on a couple of long distance triples from beyond the arc, they might have kept a greater swath of the game within reach. But shooting woes would plague LP from midway through the second quarter and thereafter, while Bigfork continued to put up double figures each frame.
One bright spot for the Lady Pirates was their defense, which helped keep the lid on the all-state Gunlock scoring machine through three quarters. Leading scorer Braeden, who had just surpassed the millennial mark the weekend prior with career point 1000, had only scored five through three frames of action, while sister Paeten had yet to find net. That all changed the final frame as the tandem combined for 11 points that included a trio of triples from beyond the arc. The Valkyries were far from scoring at will. They had to reload on missed shots with 23 offensive boards, reaping the benefit from numerous second, third and sometimes fourth chance efforts to procure many of their points. By contrast, Polson was able to nab from the offensive glass a handfull of five gleans off misses.
In the early going, the Lady Pirates were threading the ball into traffic to facilitate higher percentage looks inside. But the spacing of the Valkyrie defense would often disrupt passes with deflections when they weren't picking pockets outright with steals.
The disparity in point spread somewhat mystifies, begging for explanation. Residual effects from a recent solar storm that hampered LP shooting like it disrupted electronics? Or might invisible gremlins be to blame for wreaking mogwai mischief on the rim?
Whatever might have been the case, the Lady Pirates will extract benefits from playing such a high caliber opponent as they seek to square their record before the Christmas break.
Bigfork 52, Polson 13
Lady Pirates (0-1, 1-2), Valkyries (1-0, 2-1)
Bigfork 17 10 11 14 – 52
Polson 8 4 0 1 – 13
BIGFORK – Ava Davey 7 0-1 15, Braeden Gunlock 4 1-2 10(9r), Callie Gembala 10(8r,1b), Paeten Gunlock 6(6a,7s), Afton Lambrecht 1 4-4 6, Keni Wade 5(1a,1s), Lillie Suffia (1r), Chloe Norred (1r), Haley Schara (1r). 21 5-8 52(38r,9a,15s,1b)
POLSON – Mckenna Hanson 2 2-6 6(11r,1a), Julia Barnard 2 0-0 4(3r,1a), Sam Rensvold 2(1r), Aleysia Black 1(1r), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 0(1r,1a,2s), Natalie Adams 0(2r,1a), Hinkley Moss 0(4r), Jaja Nichols 0(1r). 5 3-8 13(24r,4a,2s)
3FGs – B5-22 (P.Gunlock 2-10, Wade 1-3, B.Gunlock 1-4, Davey 1-5), P0-16 (na). (Tu12Dec23)
variants – P(esP:2r4a2s, jh:24r4a3s): Hanson(esP:11r, jh:9r), Rensvold(esP:1r, jh:3r), Ry.T-J(esP:1r2s, jh:3r3s)
Tis the season: Charity donations topple Maroons
by John Heglie
At Butte, the Lady Pirates seemed to tap into the holiday spirit of charity as they edged past the homestanding Lady Maroons of Butte Central. Polson used a big second quarter to shape the outcome with their highest point productivity of the season, then trumped that during the final frame as they matched Butte Central stride for stride down the stretch.. Trailing by two after the first frame, Polson surged ahead during second quarter action as they scored more points in the single frame than the entirety of their previous game against Bigfork.
Free-throw shooting loomed large in the outcome. Both teams combined for over fifty makes out of a mere handful under six dozen attempts. Polson converted an astounding 28 freebies with 60th percentile shooting fron the line, the most that can be recalled from recent memory. Sensational soph Natalie Adams rippled the net for ten of her varsity career high from the charity stripe, while Sam Rensvold was a pristine five for five. Polson spread the scoring wealth around to offset the Butte Central trio who scored double figures.
Polson 52, Butte Central 46
NWA Lady Pirates (2-2), SWA Lady Maroons (0-5)
Polson 10 16 8 18 – 52
ButteC 12 9 7 18 – 46
POLSON – Natalie Adams 3 10-16 16(6r,1s), Sam Rensvold 2 5-5 9(5r,1a,4s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 3 2-3 8(2r,2s), Hinkley Moss 2 3-7 7(3r), Julia Barnard 2 2-4 6(2r), Mckenna Hanson 0 4-6 4(7r,1a,3s), Aleysia Black 1(1r), Jaja Nichols 1(1r). 12 28-45 52(27r,2a,7s)
BUTTE CENTRAL – Kenzie McQueary 3 7-13 13, Kathryn Lalicker 5 2-6 12, Mollie Drew 5 1-5 11, Arika Stajcar 6, Zayonna OtherBull 3, Marley Mansanti 1. 16 11-29 46
3FGs – P0-18, BC3 (Ar.Stajcar 2, OtherBull). (Sa16Dec23)
variants – P(ButteSports:FT 26-37; esPbk:FT 28-45), BC(ButteSports:FTa23; Pbk:FTa29): McQueary(ButteSports:14p, Pbk:13p), Lalicker(ButteSports:14p, Pbk:12p). Some details may vary from official game summaries.
Lady Pirates repel pesky Lady Yellowjackets for third victory
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the Lady Pirates applied the basketball equivalent of a hefty dose of repellant during the opening frame that proved effective at deterring subsequent incursions by Lady Yellowjackets the remainder of the contest. Polson held Stevensville at bay with a combination of sharpshooting from beyond the arc in conjunction with a suffocating defense. After failing to make a connection on their long distant calls from beyond the arc in their preceding pair of contests, the Lady Pirates had the hot touch in the first frame as they splashed four triples from long range with Aleysia Black netting a pair, while Sam Rensvold and Natalie Adams splashed the others. Rylee Taylor-Jefferson would contribute a fifth triple during second quarter action.
Fab frosh Black would notch a career high among the mid-teens with 14 points. The Lady Pirates would have had a second player in double figures as Natalie Adams converted a deuce during second quarter action off an offensive rebound. But her reload putback effort was downgraded when it was dinged for an offensive charge, negating the play. Hinkley Moss and Rensvold collaborated on 19 rebounds with Mckenna Hanson gleaning the glass for another seven. Julia Barnard was the hostess with the mostest with three dishes for assists. In keeping with reputed pirating penchants associated with such mascot affiliations, Barnard and Rensvold picked opponent pockets when they pilfered three steals each.
Polson 47, Stevensville 32
NWA Lady Pirates (3-2), SWA Lady Yellowjackets (0-5)
S-ville 2 7 11 12 – 32
Polson 14 9 12 12 – 47
STEVENSVILLE – Shilo McLain-Lampi 5 3-7 13(9r,4b), Cheyenne Sannar 3 3-5 9(11r), Holly St.Germain 3 0-3 6(2s), Jana Puell 2, Emma McKoy 2, Alexia Perez 0. 13 6-16 32
POLSON – Aleysia Black 5 2-2 14(3r,1a,1s), Sam Rensvold 2 3-4 8(9r,3a,3s), Natalie Adams 1 5-6 8(5r,1a,1s,1b), Mckenna Hanson 3 0-0 6(7r,1s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 2 0-0 5(4r,2a,3s), Hinkley Moss 2 0-0 4(10r,2a,2s,1b), Olivia Jore 0 2-2 2(3r,1a,1s), Julia Barnard 0 0-2 0(3r,2a,2s). 15 12-16 47(44r,12a,14s,2b)
3FGs – S0-2, P5-29 (Black 2-3, Adams 1-10, Rensvold 1-7, Taylor-Jefferson 1-4). (Tu19Dec23)
P(MtHSAth: 44r10a12s3b, esP43r8a13s2b; jh:42r12a14s2b): #11 Aleysia (es:2r0a1s, jh:3r1a1s), #10Sam (es:9r2a3s1b, jh:9r2a2s0b), #20Nat (es:5r1a1s0b, jh:5r1a1s1b), #15Kenna (es:6r2s, jh:7r1s), #5Rylee (es:4r1a1s, jh:4r2a3s), #32Hinkey (es:10r1a1s1b, jh:8r2a2s1b), #33Olivia (es:3r0a1s, jh:3r1a1s), #2Jules (es:4r3a3s, jh:3r3a2s),
Aleysia 1a following Oreb dish to Hinkley 1Q deuce, 2nd Oreb 4Q w/putback
Rylee deserves 1a cred for 2a for two 3FG dishes 1Q
Hinkley deserves 2a cred, 1a p31 scored by Aleysi 3Q, another in 4Q
Olivia 1a dish to Rylee 3FG triple 2Q
Dillon 76, Polson 19
NWA Lady Pirates (3-3), SWA Lady Beavers (4-2)
Polson 7 4 3 5 – 19
Dillon 28 31 8 9 – 76
POLSON – Aleysia Black 2 0-2 6(1r), Sam Rensvold 2 0-0 4(2r,2a), Julia Barnard 1 0-2 3(1r,2a), Natalie Adams 0 2-2 2(3r,1b), Hinkley Moss 2(1r,1s), Olivia Jore 2(1r,2s), Mckenna Hanson 0(2r,1s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 0(3r,1a), Sierra Perez 0(1r). 7 2-6 19(15r,5a,4a,1b)
DILLON – Kenleigh Graham 7 4-6 19(11r,3a), Sydney Petersen 6 3-5 19(10r,4s), Halle Fitzgerald 7 3-3 18(10r,4s), Leila Stennerson 4 0-0 9, Sage Tash 8(2b), Kinzy Creighton 3. 29 10-14 76(43r,15a,16s,2b)
3FGs – P3-19 (Black 2-3, Barnard 1-3), D8-23 (Petersen 4-9, Fitzgerald 1-4, Stennerson 1-2, Graham 1-2, K.Creighton 1-3)
(Tu19Dec23) Dillon71-54Butte
variants – #22Fitzgerald(406mtsports/MtHSAth:18p, Pbk:21p), #23Stennerson(406mtsports/MtHSAth:9p, Pbk:6p)
Bitterroot Broncs unsaddle Bucs in girls hardcourt thriller
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the visiting Lady Broncs of Hamilton and the host Lady Pirates both wrapped up their nonconference slates for the season with flare. The contest featured multiple ties and lead changes, ensuring that fans in attendence of either persuasion kept their fingernails trimmed from chewing on them to help alleviate the uncertainty of the outcome. Polson would trail much of the first half, but never by much as they remained well within striking distance. The Lady Pirates had some early success threading rthe ball inside with crisp passing into the interior. But the Lady Broncs would make adjustments that limited the overall effectiveness of further incursions.
Embarking upon the second half, Polson would erupt for their highest point tally of the season thus far that included splashing a quintet of triples from beyond the arc along with a quartet of deuces as they erased the deficit and overtook the lead. Natalie Adams would net a pair of threes, Julia Barnard along with Hinkley Moss would both net treys along with deuces, while Rylee Taylor-Jefferson swished the fifth triple of the quarter.
Entering the final frame, Hamilton would cobble together a run of their own, erasing the deficit to tie at 44-all when Tricia Wilson netted her only triple of the season from beyond the arc, then overtaking the lead on a back end free throw by Madi Nelson. The Lady Pirates would counter with a Sam Rensvold deuce before she fouled out. Thereafter, the contest would see-saw back-and-forth. A final deuce from Barnard would give Polson a precarious edge 49-50 in the waning minute and change. But Ayda Griffin would counterstrike at the other end to flip her Broncs into the lead, 51-50. Polson's Adams would get jostled driving to the basket in an effort to reacquire the advantage for homecourt, which allowed Hamilton to pick her pocket for a pilfer of her prized possession. A backend free throw from Wilson for her first double-double of the season would provide the Lady Broncs with some additional insurance. With the final seconds on the clock waning, Polson had one last opportunity to either tie or overtake the lead. But Hamilton's defense would converge to deny an optimal launch sequence as time would expire.
Like many Jules that tend to sparkle under lights, Barnard netted a season high 18, giving the Lady Pirates their third player thus far into the schedule to delve into the domain of double digits. Adams also reached double figures with ten, her second foray into double digits this season..
Hamilton 52, Polson 50
NWA Lady Pirates (3-4) SWA Lady Broncs (4-4)
Hamilton 14 10 15 13 – 52
Polson 10 11 23 6 – 50
HAMILTON – Ashlyn McKern 7 6-8 21(4s), Tricia Wilson 4 1-6 10(12r), Madalyn Nelson 3 1-2 8, Ayda Griffin 2 3-4 7, Taylor McCarthy 2 2-2 6(3a). 18 13-22 52(28r,7a,10s)
POLSON – Julia Barnard 6 4-7 18(3r,3a), Natalie Adams 3 2-2 10(1r,2a,1s), Hinkley Moss 3 0-0 8(1r,2a,1s), Sam Rensvold 3 0-0 6(3r,1a,1s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 3(3a), Aleysia Black 2(4r,1a,1s,1b), Olivia Jore 2(2r), Mckenna Hanson 1(3r,2a,1s). 18 7-11 50(17r,14a,5s,1b)
3FGs – H3-16 (A.McKern 1-4, Nelson 1-2, Wilson 1-1), P7-21 (Adams 2-4, Moss 2-5, Barnard 2-7, R.T-J 1-3). (Tu02Jan24)
variants – re:3Q-p34: McCarthy(Pbk:8p, MtHSAth/jh:6p), Nelson(Pbk:6p, MtHSAth/jh:8p); Hreb(hudl:31r, jh:28r, MtHSAth:45r): Wilson(MtHSAth:23r, jh:12r). P(jh:17r14a5s1b, MaxP:16r12a5s1b): Black(jh:4r1b, MaxP:3r0b), Barnard(jh:3a, MaxP:2a) 1Q-t5p ast to Sam, 3Q-3FG ast early, 3Q-3FG ast late; Hanson(jh:2a, MaxP:1a)2Q-3FG ast off stl/3Q-p32 dish; Rensvold(MaxP:0s, jh:1s), Jore(MaxP:1s, jh:0s); Moss(MaxP:1b, jh:0b), cf.Black above.
(Sa16Dec23)MaxP:Laurel68-46Ham?/Ham68-56E.Hel (2gms?) sched says Laurel vs Browning
Unofficial game rendition. Some details may vary from official summaries.
Visitors plunder Lady Pirate productivity with applied pressure
by John Heglie
Though the Lady Pirates would find a measure of success weathering the visiting Browning Lady Indian press during first frame action as they stayed within two tallies of their opponent, the long reach and quick reflexes of the visitors began to take its toll over the course of the remainder of the contest as Browning expanded their lead each successive period. Jerel WhiteGrass and company wreaked havoc upon inbound plays as they converged upon ball handlers, picked their pockets of prized possessions, then capitalized upon the miscue misfortune with transition tallies. Polson's Natalie Adams and Sam Rensvold collaborated on 14 points. Despite the distasteful outcome, the Lady Pirates will benefit from the experience as they prepare to face Ronan in the opening round of their annual Rez roundball rivalry wrangle at the house of "R" in the Ronan Events Center.
Browning 59, Polson 30
Lady Pirates (0-2, 3-5), Lady Indians (1-0, 4-3)
Browning 15 17 16 11 – 59
Polson 11 9 6 4 – 30
BROWNING – Jerel WhiteGrass 9 4-4 22(9r,4s), Natalee St.Goddard 3 1-4 7(3s), Josey Michael 3 1-2 7, Tashlyn LazyBoy 5, Shaylee HeavyRunner 5, Sugar SpoonHunter 4(4a), Teslin Trombley 2 0-2 4(3s), Kalcie Connelly 4, Oceanna Arnoux 1, Peyton EagleFeathers 0 0-2 0.
POLSON – Natalie Adams 3 1-2 8(3r,2s), Sam Rensvold 2 2-2 6(3r,1a,3s), Mckenna Hanson 1 2-4 4(1r,2s), Hinkley Moss 1 2-4 4(6r,2s), Olivia Jore 1 1-2 4(2r), Aleysia Black 0 2-2 2(2r,1a), Julia Barnard 1(3r,1a,1s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 1(2r,1a,1s), Ahrianna Rushing (1r). 8 12-20 30(23r,4a,11s)
3FGs – B2 (S.HR, T.LB), P2-14 (Adams 1-3, Jore 1-1). (Fr05Jan24)
variants – P(jh:23r4a11s, MaxP:23r3a10s): N.Adams(MaxP:4r1s, jh:3r2s), Moss(MaxP:5r, jh:6r)tip reb to Nat,
Polson gals nip Bulldogs in overtime thriller
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the visiting Lady Bulldogs of Whitefish and the host Lady Pirates played an intense contest whose outcome would extend an extra period before it would be settled. Polson struck early as they netted back-to back triples, providing them with a two score margin that would extend into the final frame of regulation before evaporating. Yoli Krastev of Whitefish would get an offensive rebound putback to close the gap 28-30. Teammate Bailey Smith would follow with a pair of free-throws off a technical foul to tie at 30 apiece. Krastev would then strike again with another deuce, giving the visitors their first lead of the contest at 32-30 with 3:20 remaining in regulation. Polson's Natalie Adams would counter to tie at 32-all, followed by a triple from Samantha Rensvold that reacquired the advantage for the hosts. But the apparent breathing room would be short lived as Ainsley Scott of Whitefish would counter at the other end with her first triple of the season in the waning seconds from behind a screen at the top of the key to tie at 35-all, forcing the extra period.
In overtime, Whitefish would strike first as Jude Perry notched a layup. Lady Pirate Mckenna Hanson would counter to tie at 37. A Krastev deuce would flip the lead back to the visitors. A front end free throw by Polson's Julia Barnard, followed by a deuce by Rensvold would tilt the teeter-totter back in favor of the Lady Pirates at 39-40. Perry would counter with her second deuce of the extra frame with 39.2 seconds remaining to reacquire the lead at 41-40. Then a key hinge play would transpire after a miss at the Lady Pirate end of the floor. Polson's Aleysia Black would battle for an unsecured rebound, initially tying up the play, then poking the ball free. As both players went to the hardwood, Black pushed the ball out of traffic into the hands a Hanson, who dished an assist to an open Rensvold for the go ahead tally, 41-42. A clutch pair of free throws by Hanson, followed by a back-end conversion by Black would provide some additional insurance for the host team.
Both sides were plagued by turnovers, both forced and unforced, as each racked up in the vicinity of three dozen each while both squads combined for close to that figure in steals over the duration of the five frames. In terms of scoring, Rensvold claimed game high honors for the Lady Pirates with her first dabble into the domain of double digits this season with 16, followed by the third such outing of the schedule by Adams, who notched a dozen. Hanson just missed a double-double with ten boards to go along with nine points. Senior guard Julia Barnard crested the triple century point plateau for varsity career scoring with her deuce down under early into the second half.
Polson 45, Whitefish 41 (OT)
Lady Pirates (1-2, 4-5), Lady Bulldogs (0-1, 3-4)
Whitefish 3 7 14 11 6 – 41
Polson 9 7 12 7 10 – 45
WHITEFISH – Ainsley Scott 3 3-6 10, Yoli Krastev 9, Bailey Smith 3 2-3 8, Jude Perry 3 1-8 7(12r), Charlize Ullrich 2 1-4 5(3a,1b), Madi Gordon 1(5s), Carmelita Alfieri 0 1-4 1. 15 9-27 41(31r,8a,20s,1b)
POLSON – Sam Rensvold 5 5-7 16(2r,1a,1s), Natalie Adams 5 1-2 12(2r,2s,1b), Mckenna Hanson 3 2-2 9(10r,3a,1s), Julia Barnard 2 3-6 7(3r,1a,2s), Aleysia Black 1(4r,4s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 0(2r,1a,1s), Hinkley Moss 0(3r,2a,1b), Jaja Nichols 0(1r), Olivia Jore 0. 15 12-19 45(27r,8a,11s,2b)
3FGs – W2 (Krastev, Scott), P3 (Hanson, Adams, Rensvold). (Tu09Jan24)
Unofficial gm rendition. Some details may vary from official summaries once film is broken down.
Lady Pirates stave off late Lady Logger surge
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the visiting Lady Loggers demonstrated incremental improvement to their caliber of competitiveness as they held their own at the bookend quarters. But the Lady Pirates compensated by forging advantages during the middle frames as they toppled Libby by a handful. All-conference credentialed cross-country Logger guard Madison Vincent turned in a varsity career high 19, while forward Jossalyn White along with post Rachel Kosters collaborated on 16 points along with 17 rebounds that curtailed Polson second chance opportunities.
The Lady Pirates were paced by guards Julia Barnard and Rylee Taylor-Jefferson, whose collective efforts countered those of Vincent. The remainder of the lineup spread the wealth around.
Polson [44], Libby 38
Lady Pirates (3-3, 6-6), Lady Loggers (0-4, 1-9)
Libby 10 4 7 17 – 38
Polson [9] 10 9 16 – [44]
LIBBY – Madison Vincent 6 3-5 19(6r,2a,1s), Jossalyn White 2 4-5 8(10r,3s), Rachel Kosters 3 2-2 8(7r), Addy Gilden-Vincent 1 1-2 3(3r,2a,2s), Ellie Andreessen 0 0-2 0(2r,1a,4s), Rylee Delmas 0(3r), Kaydence Stanek 0(3r,1a,1s). 12 10-16 38(33r,8a,13s)
POLSON – Julia Barnard 4 2-2 10(5r,2a,3s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 2 4-6 9(1r,3a,2s), Sam Rensvold 2 1-2 5(4r,1a), Ahri Rushing 0 5-6 5(6r,3s), Aleysia Black 1 [1]-3 4(5r), Natalie Adams 1 0-2 3(1r,1s,1b), Hinkley Moss 0 2-4 2(2r,2s), Mckenna Hanson 0 2-2 2(4r), Olivia Jore 2(1r,1s), Josie Henriksen 1, Jaja Nichols (1r), rogue [1]. 11 18-29 43(30r,6a,11s,1b)
3FGs – L4-18 (Vincent 4-10), P3-15 (Black 1-1, Ry.T-J 1-3, Adams 1-4). (Tu23Jan24)
variants – L#32Kosters(Pbk:6p, LntHSath/jh:8p) 4Q-p32 58:45 w/knee brace, L#34Addy.G-V(Pbk:5p, LmtHSath/jh:3p)film substantiates; 1Q-p1: P#11Black(Pbk:5p, jh:4p)FTs
Late rally propels Lady Pirates past Maidens in Rez roundball rivalry wrangle
by John Heglie
At the Ronan Events Center for the opener of the Ballers & Brawlers combo cross county clash, the visiting Lady Pirates and the host Maidens engaged in a close contest that would hang in the balance until the final minutes.
During final frame action, Polson would take a 34-29 lead off a pair of Julia Barnard free-throws, followed by a delictible dish to Mckenna Hanson for a deuce down under. The Maidens would craft comparable counters with a Kylee Kelch deuce off an offensive rebound, followed by the second triple of the night by Maddy Illig to tie at 34. A deuce and one by Zailee Hewankorn flipped the lead over to the Maidens, followed by an Illig field goal as Ronan went up by five, 34-39. With two and a half minutes remaining, Polson would ride the shoulders of Aleysia Black, who splash a trio of sequential triples. Her first of the final frame came off an inbound that would close the gap 37-39. The second would flip the lead back over in favor of Polson, 40-39. A putback off an offensive rebound by Maiden Arianna Zepeda would tilt the lead back in favor of Ronan, 40-41. Black would then bury her third three of the quarter to reacquire the lead in favor of the Lady Pirates, 43-41. Thereafter, Ronan would get three chances to tie: a pair of free-throws would come up empty. Zepeda would snare the offensive rebound and attempt a putback that failed to acquire its target. Hewankorn corralled the second offensive rebound, but the wascally wabbit bunny couldn't be coaxed to hop down the rabbit hole. Lady Pirate Sam Rensvold would snare the defensive rebound and get fouled. She would make the front end of that trip to the charity stripe as well as another set that would solidify the margin.
The Lady Pirates placed a trio in double figures with Barnard, Black and Rylee Taylor-Jefferson each with a dozen. The Maidens had Illig notch ten, followed by Ally Luedtke with a half dozen. The freshman factor played a significant role in the outcome of this wrangle. The Lady Pirate contingent converted nine field goals along with associated contributions, while the Maiden contingent notched three field goals along with going 4-5 from the charity stripe.
The second reduex round is slated for Saturday, February 10 at Polson.
Polson 45, Ronan 41
Lady Pirates (2-2, 5-5), Maidens (1-2, 4-5)
Polson 10 10 10 15 – 45
Ronan 10 10 9 12 – 41
POLSON – Julia Barnard 4 3-5 12(4r,2a,1s), Aleysia Black 4 0-2 12(6r,1a1s), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 4 0-0 12(2r,3a,3s), Mckenna Hanson 1 1-2 3(2r,2a,2s,1b), Sam Rensvold 0 2-4 2(2r,2a,1s), Natalie Adams 0 2-2 2(4r,3s), Ahrianna Rushing 2(2r,1a), Hinkley Moss 0(1r,1a). 14 8-15 45(22r,12a,12s,1b)
RONAN – Maddy Illig 4 0-0 10(4r,1a,1s,1b), Ally Luedtke 2 2-2 6(5r,3a,3s), Lauryn Buhr 2 1-8 5(4r,2a,3s), Zailee Hewankorn 2 1-1 5(11r,2a,1s), Kailyn Marengo 1 3-4 5(7r,1s,1b), Nevaeh Perez 2 0-1 4(2r,1b), Kylee Kelch 2 0-0 4(4r,1a), Arianna Zepeda 1 0-2 2(2r,2a,6s), Ernie Tapia-Torosian (1s). 16 7-18 41(39r,11a,16s,3b)
3FGs – P9-18 (Ry.T-J 4-5, Black 4-5, Barnard 1-2), R2-10 (Illig 2-3). (Tu16Jan24)
Unofficial game rendition. Some details may vary from official summaries.
Kat-astrophic complications sieze culminating quarter to capsize LP in conference clash with C-Falls
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the host Lady Pirates lagged behind the visiting WildKats of Columbia Falls during first frame action as the visitors vaulted ahead by multiple possessions. But Polson was able to calibrate their shooting touch as they started to carve into the deficit by intermission. Embarking upon the second half, the Lady Pirates would flip the script for the lead on a heels of an 8-0 spurt, fueled by back-to-back triples by guard Rylee (T-J) Taylor Jefferson and a deuce by Samantha Rensvold that extended to a four point lead, 29-25. Columbia Falls would craft their countermeasures, but Polson still held a precarious single point advantage entering the final frame. But thereafter, Kat-astrophic consequences would coalesce as the WildKats extended figurative claws that exacerbated as well as exploited a series of Pirate possession hiccups to go on a 13-0 run, precipitating a Polson timeout at 44-32 to stem the momentum shift. The Lady Pirates would right the listing of their ship by playing the Kats even thereafter, but insufficient time remained to make inroads into the detrimental deficit.
T-J set a new varsity career high that included a quartet of triples. Junior forward Rensvold and senior guard Julia Barnard collaborated on another ten.
The contest showed remarkable improvement over their first meeting, scaling back Kat output by a dozen while ratcheting up Lady Pirate offense with an additional handful for field goals from the floor.
Columbia Falls 64, Polson 36
Lady Pirates (2-3, 5-6), WildKats (2-2, 3-7)
Polson 7 13 8 8 – 36
C-Falls 13 16 20 15 – 64
POLSON – Sam Rensvold 5 1-2 15(7r), Aleysia Black 1 2-2 5(2r), Natalie Adams 5(2r), Julia Barnard 1 1-2 4(2r,2a), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 2(4r,1a,3s), Mckenna Hanson 0 2-2 2(6r,1a,2b), Olivia Jore 2(1r), Ahri Rushing 0 1-4 1(4r,1a), Hinkley Moss 0(1a), Jaja Nichols (2r). 11 7-12 36(30r,6a,3s,2b)
COLUMBIA FALLS – Ellie Stutsman 10 0-1 20(7r), Hope McAtee 3 2-2 10(8r,8a,4s), Kierra Kemppainen 8, Taryn Borgen 7, Emalee Alton 6(7r), Alanis Peterson 4, Rylee Sweeney 4, Addy Bowler 3, Demye Rensel 2. 27 4-5 64(38r,17a,12s,4b)
3FGs – P7-24 (Rensvold 4-8, Black 1-2, Adams 1-4, Barnard 1-5), CF6-25 (Kemppainen 2-4,, McAtee 2-5, Bowler 1-1, Borgen 1-11). (Sa20Jan24)
variants – P#10Rensvold(406mtsports:12p, MtHSAth:15p), P#5Ry.T-J(406mtsports:5p, MtHSAth:2p),
Browning 57, Polson 30
Lady Pirates (3-4, 6-7), Lady Indians (4-1, 6-4)
Polson 13 7 8 2 – 30
Browning 16 17 20 4 – 57
POLSON – Sam Rensvold 3 1-4 9(5r,1a), Mckenna Hanson 6(1r,1a), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 5(2r,3a), Julia Barnard 1 1-6 3(4r,1s), Hinkley Moss 1 1-2 3(3r,1a,1s), Aleysia Black 2(1r), Natalie Adams 2(5r,1a), Jaja Nichols 0 0-2 0, Ahrianna Rushing 0(2r,2a,1s), Olivia Jore (3r,1s), Josie Henriksen 0(1r). 12 3-14 30(27r,9a,4s,1b)
BROWNING – Teslin Trombley 7 1-5 15, Amari CalfRobe 3 2-2 9(4s), Jerel WhiteGrass 2 2-2 6, Josey Michael 6, Sugar SpoonHunter 2 1-2 5(5a), Natalee St.Goddard 4, Shaylee HeavyRunner 1 2-2 4, Tashlyn LazyBoy 3(4s), Kalcie Connelly 3(8r), Peyton EagleFeathers 2. 23 8-13 57(31r,14a,23s,4b)
3FGs – P3-6 (Rensvold 2-5, Ry.T-J 1-1), B3-19 (A.CR 1-2, Connelly 1-2, T.LB 1-4). (Fr26Jan24)
Bigfork 63, Polson 21
Lady Pirates (3-5, 6-8), Valkyries (9-0, 14-1)
Polson 5 10 2 4 – 21
Bigfork 19 21 21 2 – 63
POLSON – Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 2 1-2 6(3r,3s), Aleysia Black 4(6r,1a), Mckenna Hanson 0 2-2 2(1a,1s,1b), Sam Rensvold 2(3r), Natalie Adams 2, Ahri Rushing 2(2r,1s), Josie Henriksen 2(2r), Julia Barnard 1(2r,1a). 8 4-6 21(21r,3a,6s,1b)
BIGFORK – Braeden Gunlock 9 6-6 27(9r,6a,8s), Paeten Gunlock 19(5r,7a,8s), Callie Gembala 8, Chloe Norred 2 0-1 4, Afton Lambrecht 1 1-2 3, Keni Wade 2. 25 7-9 63(23r,17a,25s)
3FGs – P1-7 (Ry.T-J 1-4), B6-16 (B.Gunlock 3-4, P.Gunlock 3-8). (Tu30Jan24)
Sam Rensvold crested the century point plateau for season scoring.
Mckenna Hanson crossed the double century (200) threshold for varsity career scoring.
Polson 35, Libby 30
Lady Pirates (4-5, 7-8), Lady Loggers (0-9, 1-14)
Polson 7 4 15 9 – 35
Libby 4 8 10 8 – 30
POLSON – Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 3 5-7 12(7r,3s), Mckenna Hanson 4 0-2 8(9r,1a,2b), Sam Rensvold 1 2-2 4(5r), Natalie Adams 4(3r,1b), Julia Barnard 0 3-4 3(3r,1a), Ahri Rushing 0 3-4 3(3r,1s), Hinkley Moss 1(3r,1b), Aleysia Black (1r). 10 14-21 35(34r,2a,4s,4b)
LIBBY – Maddie Vincent 6 2-2 16, Kaydence Stanek 5(3a,4s), Rachel Kosters 1 1-4 3, Addy Gilden-Vincent 1 1-2 3, Jossalyn White 2(7r), Bergen Fortner 1, Rylee Delmas 0(6r). 11 5-10 30(26r,8a,12s)
3FGs – P1-9 (Ry.T-J 1-4), L3-16 (Vincent 2-6, Stanek 1-5). (Sa03Feb24)
variants – #40Ahri(Pbk/406mtsports:3p, DIL:0p), #42Josie(Pbk/406mtsports:0p, DIL:3p) likely palaeographic parablepsis, skipped a line.
Kat-astrophic complications sieze culminating quarter to capsize LP in conference clash with C-Falls
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the host Lady Pirates lagged behind the visiting WildKats of Columbia Falls during first frame action as the visitors vaulted ahead by multiple possessions. But Polson was able to calibrate their shooting touch as they started to carve into the deficit by intermission. Embarking upon the second half, the Lady Pirates would flip the script for the lead on a heels of an 8-0 spurt, fueled by back-to-back triples by guard Rylee (T-J) Taylor Jefferson and a deuce by Samantha Rensvold that extended to a four point lead, 29-25. Columbia Falls would craft their countermeasures, but Polson still held a precarious single point advantage entering the final frame. But thereafter, Kat-astrophic consequences would coalesce as the WildKats extended figurative claws that exacerbated as well as exploited a series of Pirate possession hiccups to go on a 13-0 run, precipitating a Polson timeout at 44-32 to stem the momentum shift. The Lady Pirates would right the listing of their ship by playing the Kats even thereafter, but insufficient time remained to make inroads into the detrimental deficit.
T-J set a new varsity career high that included a quartet of triples. Junior forward Rensvold and senior guard Julia Barnard collaborated on another ten.
The contest showed remarkable improvement over their first meeting, scaling back Kat output by a dozen while ratcheting up Lady Pirate offense with an additional handful for field goals from the floor.
Rylee Taylor-Jefferson mid-teen career high at the time (3FG 4-6, 2FG 1-2, FT 2-2)
Columbia Falls 52, Polson 40
Lady Pirates (4-6, 7-9), WildKats (7-3, 8-7)
C-Falls 14 11 6 21 – 52
Polson 8 13 11 8 – 40
COLUMBIA FALLS – Onnikka Lawrence 17(7s), Hope McAtee 3 2-2 14(11r,3a,5s), Taryn Borgen 14(3a,4s), Emalee Alton 4, Kierra Kemppainen 3, Ellie Stutsman 0 0-2 0, Demye Rensel 0. 21 4-9 52(27r,8a,18s)
POLSON – Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 5 2-2 16(3r,3a,3s), Sam Rensvold 7(3r,1a), Hinkley Moss 4, Julia Barnard 3(4r,2a), Aleysia Adams 3(1r), Mckenna Hanson 1 1-2 3(6r,3a,1s,1b), Natalie Adams 2(4r,1a), Ahri Rushing 0 1-4 1(5r), Josie Henriksen 1. 14 5-12 40(24r,10a,4s)
3FGs – CF6-26 (Lawrence 3-10, Borgen 2-5, McAtee), P7-14 (Ry.T-J 4-6, Rensvold 1-2, Black 1-2, Barnard 1-4). (Tu06Feb24)
variants – #5Lawrence(Pbk/406mtsports:19p, MtHSAth/CFbk/jh:17p), #15Borgen(Pbk/406mtsports:12p, MtHSAth/CFbk/jh:14p); P(MtHSAth:24r9a4s, jh:25r10a4s): R#2Rylee(MtHSAth:2r, jh:3r-1sv), #15Kenna(MtHSAth:2a, jh:3a)
Lady Pirates eek out roundball rematch wrangle, edge Maidens
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson for the rematch round of the Rez roundball rivalry wrangle with Ronan, the outcome of the contest between the visiting Maidens and the host Lady Pirates wold hang the balance until the waning seconds. After an even first frame, Polson would forge a precarious single possession edge entering intermission. Embarking upon the second half, the Maidens would knot the contest even at 20 apiece on a Nikki Kendall triple. Polson would counter with a quartet of deuces that culminated with a battle down under between Maiden post Lauryn Buhr and Lady Pirate Mckenna Hanson for a rebound. The latter would emerge from the wrangle with the ball extracted from the other's grasp, netted the following shot and would be fouled to turn a deuce-and-one conventional three-point play to extend the Polson lead to eight, 21-29.
Entering the final frame, the Maidens would mount a rally as they surged back into contention. Nevaeh Perez would convert a pair of deuces in the paint and Zailee Hewankorn would net another as the pair combined for a half dozen. Then Kendall would hit her third triple of the night to pull within a single possession 30-32. A steal and subsequent deuce by Rylee Taylor-Jefferson pushed the Lady Pirate margin back to multiple possessions. But Maiden Nevaeh Perez would net back-to-back conversions in the paint to tie the contest at 34-all at the 2:46 remaining mark. At the other end, Ahrianna Rushing would find net off a dish from Julia Barnard, followed by a subsequent back end free throw from Barnard that would reacquire the lead for the Lady Pirates. Perez would convert at the Maiden end of the floor off a control tip from Hewankorn to pull within one, 36-37 with 42 seconds and change remaining. When Polson was unable to convert at their end, the Maidens had a chance to either tie or overtake the lead. Arianna Zepeda would drive to the basket, but would be fouled before her release with 3.2 seconds remaining. The inbound would be disrupted by a stringent Polson defense, which denied an optimal launch sequence by the Maidens for a potential game winner.
The Maidens placed a pair of players in double figures with Nikki Kendall netting a dozen and Nevaeh Perez contributing 11. The Lady Pirates offset the visitor dynamic duo with guard Rylee Taylor-Jefferson sharing game high scoring honors with a dozen, while senior guard Julia Barnard along with frosh reserve Ahrianna Rushing split 14. Both teams fielded players who turned in seasons highs: Kendall along with Perez for Ronan, Rushing for Polson. The dozen by Taylor-Jefferson was her third dabble among the domain of double digits in as many games, placing her within a 2FG deuce of attaining century club scoring credentials for the season.
This was the fourth straight regulation schedule Rez roundball rivalry wrangle between the two squads in which the outcome hung in the balance until the waning seconds.
The victory locked down fourth place among the conference standings for the Lady Pirates irregardless of the outcome of their regular schedule finale at Whitefish and secured home court for play-in matches as they embark upon their quest to qualify for the Western A Divisional to be held in Butte.
Facilitative factors: starters (R21p, P25p), bench (R15p, P12p), transition (R7p, P4p), seasoned seniors (R13p, P10p), fab frosh (R6p, P24p), transfers (R24p, P na).
Senior guard Julia Barnard has accrued multiple category career century club credentials: mid-300s for scoring, high-100s for rebounding, within apg avg of attaining century plateau for career assists, a career high of two dozen.
Senior post Mckenna Hanson has surpassed dual double century club credentials for both varsity career scoring as well as rebounding and holds a career high of a dozen.
Senior Night
Polson 37, Ronan 36
Lady Pirates (5-6, 8-9), Maidens (3-8, 6-11),
Ronan 7 10 4 15 – 36
Polson 7 13 9 8 – 37
RONAN – Nikki Kendall 4 1-2 12(6r,1a,1s), Nevaeh Perez 5 1-3 11(4r), Zailee Hewankorn 2 0-2 4(8r,2a,2s), Maddy Illig 3(4r,1a), Arianna Zepeda 1 0-2 2(8r,1a,5s), Kailyn Marengo 2(2r,4a,1s), Lauryn Buhr 0 1-4 1(7r,1a), Ernie Tapia-Torossian 1(1r), Kylee Kelch (2r). 14 4-15 36(42r,8a,9s)
POLSON – Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 4 3-4 12(2r,2s), Julia Barnard 2 2-8 7(1r,2a,2s), Ahri Rushing 3 1-3 7(5r),
Mckenna Hanson 1 1-1 3(8r,1a,1b), Hinkley Moss 0 3-4 3(3r), Sam Rensvold 0 2-2 2(7r,1a,3s), Aleysia Adams 2(2r,2a), Natalie Adams 1(3r,1s). 11 13-24 37(31r,6a,8s,1b)
3FGs – R4-19 (Kendall 3-10, Illig 1-5), P2-15 (Barnard 1-3, Ry.T-J 1-6). (Sa10Feb24)
variants – R(hudl:41r8a6s, jh:40r8a9s), P(hudl:30r5a6s1b, jh:31r6a8s): #13Zepeda(hudl:4s, jh:5s),
modifications – Illig +1rO /-1r Marengo, p36 #23Zailee +1rO+1a/-1rPerez; #10Sam(hudl:1s, jh:3s)
Polson 49, Whitefish 33
Lady Pirates (6-6, 9-9), Lady Bulldogs (3-9, 6-12)
Polson 5 14 18 12 – 49
Whitefish 6 7 9 11 – 33
POLSON – Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 15(7r,1,1s), Sam Rensvold 10(5r,2s), Aleysia Black 2 2-2 7(3r,4a,1b), Ahri Rushing 3 1-4 7(11r,1a,1s,1b), Mckenna Hanson 2 1-2 5(7r,1s), Julia Barnard 4(1r,3a,3s), Jaja Nichols 1(1r), Hinkley Moss 0(4r,2a), Sierra Perez (1r,1s,1b), Olivia Jore 0, Josie Henriksen (1r). 19 5-10 49(41r,11a,9s,3b)
WHITEFISH – Bailey Smith 5 2-3 12, Ainsley Scott 3 2-4 8, Charlize Ullrich 1 2-3 4(11r), Yoli Krastev 4, Madi Gordon 2(2a,2s), Carmelita Alfieri 2, Camry Kelch 1(7r,2a,2s). 13 7-12 33(29r,9a,7s,1b)
3FGs – P6-18 (Ry.T-J 3-5, Rensvold 2-4, Black 1-4), W0-11. (Tu13Feb24)
Lady Pirates fend off late Lady Logger rally to extend postseason
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the host Lady Pirates endeavored to dictate the tempo much of the contest, but they couldn't quite shake visiting Libby Lady Logger resilience. As Polson forged a multiple possession lead after intermission and seemed poised to break the game open, Lady Logger Maddie Vincent splashed a quartet of contested second half triples to keep her team in the hunt. Her second triple precipitated a Polson timeout just prior to the end of the third quarter to splash cold water on a brewing momentum shift. Her third trey closed the lead to within a single possession at 25-27, followed by a Rylee Delmas deuce down under that emulated the renouned hook shot technique of yesteryear NBA legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar to tie the contest at 27-all with 5:13 remaining. The Lady Pirates countered with a deuce, followed by a back end free throw from senior guard Julia Barnard as Polson reacquired the lead. Thereafter, Polson countered Libby scoring while limiting incursions with defensive pressure.
Frosh guard Rylee Taylor-Jefferson turned in her fifth sequential dabble among the domain of double digits with a career high 20. Senior post Mckenna Hanson just missed a double-double with nine points along with 14 rebounds. Vincent paced Libby with a dozen.
The win coupled with the Ronan victory at Whitefish sets up another Rez roundball rivalry wrangle rematch round, only this time the stakes will be higher as both teams will vye for the final berth to the Western A Divisional on Saturday evening at Linderman Gym slated for 7:30pm after the conclusion of the District 14C championships.
Polson 39, Libby 32
#4 Lady Pirates (6-6, 1-0, 10-9), #7 Lady Loggers (0-12, 0-1, 1-18)
Libby 5 9 8 10 – 32
Polson 9 9 9 12 – 39
LIBBY – Maddie Vincent 12(2s), Rylee Delmas 2 3-3 7(6r), Rachel Kosters 2 2-2 6(7r), Kaydence Stanek 5(2a,4s), Bergen Fortner 2. 11 5-5 32
POLSON – Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 6 4-8 20(4r,4a2s), Mckenna Hanson 3 3-6 9(14r), Sam Rensvold 1 1-2 3(2r,3a,2s), Aleysia Black 3(2a,1s), Julia Barnard 0 2-4 2(3r,1a,2s), Ahri Rushing 1 0-2 2(1r,1s,2b), Hinkley Moss 0(3r,2s,4d). 12 10-22 39(34r,2a,4s,4b)
3FGs – L5 (Vincent 4, Stanek). P4 (Ry.T-J 4, Black), (Th15Feb24play-in)
Unofficial gm rendition. Some details may vary from official summaries after film review.
Maidens capsize Pirates, secure seed to Western A dance
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the visiting Maidens and the host Lady Pirates clashed in a third round Rez roundball rivalry wrangle rematch, only this time the stakes would be higher than their previous pair of regular schedule encounters. The winner would lock down the NWA fourth seed headed to the Western A Divisional in Butte, while the season would be over for the team on the short end of the scoreboard. After a decade of dominance by Ronan over Polson spanning from 2012 through 2021 that included a string of 20 games, the Lady Pirates not only snapped that streak last season, but also strung together a five straight streak of their own entering this most recent wrangle.
Polson vaulted ahead to a 7-0 start, but Ronan countered, overtaking the lead on a Kailyn Marengo triple to end the opening quarter. At that juncture, the contest looked like it might play out along similar lines comparable to those of the past two seasons, see-saw affairs in which outcomes hinged on waning minute possessions. But this time around, the Maidens brought more offensive punch to bear. Marengo would score 11 of her game high 21 in the second quarter that included another pair of triples, giving Ronan a mid-teen double digit cushion entering intermission. After halftime, the Maidens extended the game to their largest margin at 29-12 before the Lady Pirates started to chip away at the deficit. Polson would close to within eight at the six minute mark and to within seven at 35-28 just prior to the halfway juncture of the final frame. Though the Lady Pirates had numerous chances to close the gap even further, they couldn't quite get the necessary rolls on their shots. Polson outscored Ronan from the field by a 2:1 margin the last quarter six field goals to three. But the visitors would hold off the home team surge from the charity stripe as they closed out the contest on a dozen trips to the line, going 11-23 down the stretch.
In the loss, Polson found itself plagued by an uncharacteristic bout of miscues that compounded an off shooting night. By contrast, the Maidens showed more consistency on offense than on their previous five outings, putting together three quarters of double figure scoring.
Maiden Marengo's tally among the low 20s was a new career high. Arianna Zepeda dished out five assists while picking Pirate pockets for five possessions. For the Lady Pirates, freshman Ahri Rushing snared ten rebounds, while senior post Mckenna Hanson almost turned in another double digit performance with nine boards.
The Lady Pirates end their season with a quartet of century club credentialed contributors. Rylee Taylor-Jefferson, Samantha Rensvold and Julia Barnard all crested the century point plateau for season scoring, while Mckenna Hanson crossed the century threshold for season rebounding. Hanson wraps up her prep career with dual double century credentials in both scoring (232p) as well as rebounding (>232r). Barnard ends her career with triple century credentials for career scoring (367p), within a couple of dozen shy of double-century credentials for career rebounding (>172r) and almost a hundred career assists (>91a).
Julia Barnard crested the century point plateau for season scoring.
Kailyn Marengo career high 21(3FG 3-9, 2FG 2-4, FT 8-11)
Ronan 46, Polson 36
#4 Lady Pirates (10-10), #6 Maidens (8-12)
Ronan 10 17 2 17 – 46
Polson 9 3 6 18 – 36
RONAN – Kailyn Marengo 5 8-11 21(3r,1s), Arianna Zepeda 3 3-6 9(4r,5a,5s), Nevaeh Perez 6(4r,1s,2b), Maddy Illig 5(5r,2s), Lauryn Buhr 2 0-2 4(3r,1a,2s,2b), Zailee Hewankorn 0 1-4 1(4r,1s), Kylee Kelch (1r,1a), Nikki Kendall 0(2r,1a,1b), Ernie Tapia-Torrosian 0. 15 12-26 46(26r,8a,12s,5b)
POLSON – Hinkley Moss 3 1-2 8(2r), Mckenna Hanson 2 3-5 7(9r,2a,3s,1b), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson 6(7r,3a), Julia Barnard 1 3-4 5(2r,2s), Ahri Rushing 4(10r,3a,1s), Sam Rensvold 1 2-4 4(3r,2s), Aleysia Black 0 2-4 2(3r,1a,1s). 11 11-19 36(36r,9a,9s,1b)
3FGs – R4-18 (Marengo 3-9, Illig 1-2), P3-14 (Ry.T-J 2-4, Moss 1-2). (Sa17Feb24play-in)
Some details may vary from official summaries
variants – #15Mckenna(Rbk:12p, Rhudl/Pbk/jh:7p), #32Hinkley(Rbk:3p, Rhudl/Pbk/jh:8p)4Qconflation; R(Rhudl:24r8a10s5b, jh:26r6a12s): #5Buhr(Oreb vs stl R24-10P when P#5inj, p29 1a? dish to Ari at halfcourt?), #23Zailee(before4Qp37 +1s fouled); P(Rhudl:34r9a8s1b, jh:36r8a8s1b): #15Mckenna(Rhudl:8r, jh:9r), #5Rylee(Rhudl:6r, jh:7r), #40Ahri(Rhudl:2Q:1d, jh:early2Q:1s)possession, but stepped on out of bounds line
History of recent Maiden/Lady Pirate Rez roundball rivalry wrangles:
R46-36P (Sa17Feb2024play-in), P37-36R (Sa10Feb2024), P45-41R (Tu16Jan2024);
P35-28R (Fr24Feb2023gm10div), P43-41R (Sa11Feb2023), P52-49 (Sa14Jan2023);
R51-30P (Fr04Feb2022), R65-41P (Fr07Jan2022);
R50-34P (Sa20Feb2021), R70-29P (Fr29Jan2021);
R57-17P (M24Feb2020play-in), R68-18P (Fr31Jan2020), R61-11P (Fr10Jan2020);
R72-34P (Th14Feb2019gm4nwa), R55-13P (Fr25Jan2019), R57-27P (Fr04Jan2019);
R45-23P (Sa17Feb2018div), R70-52P (Fr26Jan2018), R56-36P (Fr05Jan2018);
R64-50P (Tu20Dec2016); 6B Maidens
R64-48P (Tu02Feb2016); 6B Maidens
R54-37P (Th12Feb2015), R49-32P (Sa03Jan2015); 6B Maidens
R41-30P (Fr03Jan2014); 6B Maidens
R36-32P (Fr21Dec2012), 6B Maidens
P43-10R (Tu24Jan2012); 6B Maidens
P56-24R (Sa26Feb2011div), P49-14R (Fr04Feb2011), P69-44R (Fr07Jan2011);
P50-32R (Sa20Feb2010), P51-26R (Tu05Jan2010);
P52-46R (Fr06Feb2009), P47-38R (Fr09Jan2009);
P54-37R (Th21Feb2008), P54-43R (Fr01Feb2008), P58-32R (Tu08Jan2008);
P52-33R (Th21Dec2006), R32-31P (Tu23Jan2007);
Lady Pirate dynamic backcourt duo receive postseason all-conference kudos
by John Heglie
Three Mission Valley area girls basketball players were named to the Northwest A Conference postseason accolades list.
A tandem of guards for the Polson Lady Pirates were acknowledged among the postseason all-conference accolades list for their productivity on the hardcourt this past season.
Received honorable mention is senior guard Julia Barnard, the third leading scorer among the team who crested the century point plateau for season scoring. Like many Jules that tend to sparkle under the lights, she likewise tied first for leading dispenser of assists with 33 dishes and slotted in second among team LP for picking opponent pockets for pilfers of prized possessions with over two dozen steals. Barnard turned in a season high 18 this season with a career high 24 stemming from last season when the Lady Pirates executed the first takedown of Columbia Falls in over a decade. She wraps up her prep career with 367 career points, over 178 career rebounds, attained the century plateau for career assists when apg averages for missing game data is factored in and ripped off over seven dozen career steals.
This was the second all-conference nom for Barnard, a second-team pick last season. Barnard is also accentuated with athletic accolade credentials in both volleyball as well as tennis.
Likewise receiving honorable mention is freshman guard Rylee "TJ" Taylor-Jefferson. After averaging around a handful of points per game the first half of the season, TJ erupted the second half of the schedule by almost quadrupling her average, turning in a half dozen dabbles into the domain of double digits with a career high 20 in the first play-in game of the postseason. In addition to vaulting to the head of the class as team leading scorer, TJ tied with Barnard for team lead in dishing assists, led team LP in steals with almost three dozen while placing third among the team for rebounding with over five dozen boards. Her 25 triples placed her among the top seven conference sharp shooters from beyond the arc behind Bigfork Val Paeten Gunlock (56), C-Falls WildKat Taryn Borgen (36), Libby Lady Logger Madison Vincent (31), Bigfork Val Braeden Gunlock (27), Whitefish Lady Bulldog Bailey Smith (26) and Bigfork Val Keni Wade (26).
The other Mission Valley area player to receive postseason acknowledgement is Ronan Maiden junior guard Arianna Zepeda, an honorable mention recipient. Zepeda, whose quickness on the hardwood begs the nickname "Zip" for her penchant to zig zag her way through traffic as she zips up and down the court, led the Maidens in dishing assists with six dozen, picked opponent pockets for pilfers of prized possessions a mere handful shy of a hundred on the season and placed third among team leading rebounders with over seven dozen.
Bigfork, Browning and Columbia Falls all placed four on the all-conference list, while Whitefish along with Libby received one nom. The full NWA girls postseason accolades list is featured below.
Although postseason accolade acknowledgement among both Polson and Ronan was limited to a total of three recipients, several other players among both teams turned in laudable season performances.
Polson junior wing Samantha Rensvold led the Lady Pirates in scoring throughout the regulation schedule until she was lapped during postseason play-ins by teammate TJ. Rensvold turned in three double figure outings as well as had a trio of niners as she crested the double century point plateau for career scoring. She was team second-leading rebounder with just over seven dozen boards, team third-leading pick pocket for steals with just over two dozen and team fourth-leading dispenser of assists among the high teens.
Polson senior post Mckenna Hanson led the Lady Pirates in rebounding (116r) that included three games in which she ripped the boards for double figure numbers. Her team-leading rebounding coincided with seven dozen points scored while also among team top contributors for dishing assists along with swiping steals among the high teens. Her rebounding productivity places her among the top ten rebounders in the conference where she slots in seventh based on cumulative end of season figures that include postseason games, but would have tied fourth within comparable 20 game abridged parameters.
Ronan freshman guard/forward Zailee Hewankorn tied for leading scorer (142p) honors for the Maidens as well as was their top team rebounder (112r) for a seasonal double triple, one of the bright prospects for the future of the orange and black program. Her rebounding would have placed her among the lower strata of the top ten in the conference.
Ronan sophomore guard Maddy Illig tied with Hewankorn for team leading scoring honors that included a quintet of double digit outings with the qualifier that she was sidelined a pair of games mending from a shoulder injury. Illig led the Maidens in sharp shooting from beyond the arc as she dialed the operator long distance and completed the calls for 22 splashes, which would have slotted her among the lower strata of a top ten listing.
Ronan junior post Lauryn Buhr crested the century point plateau for season scoring and crossed the century threhold for rebounding when rpg averages are factored into the equation for missing game data, which would give her a seasonal double-triple on account of dual century club credentials for both scoring as well as rebounding.
Ronan freshman guard Kailyn Marengo was second leading scorer for the Maidens with four double figure scoring outings the second half of the season that included a career high 21.
Elsewhere around the Mission Valley:
The District 7B Mission Lady Bulldogs had all five of their starters accentuated with athletic accolades for their proficiency on the hardcourt. Cora Matt and Kason Page made the all-state list, while Kieran Incashola, Ellannah FlatLip and Izzy Evans were named to the second team. All five crested the double century point plateau for season scoring. Both Matt and Evans turned in seasonal double-triples with over a hundred rebounds each, while Page turned in a seasonal triple-triple with century club credentials for dishing assists as well as picking pockets for steals. Phenom guard Page and productive post Matt were repeat recipients, second team picks last season.
The District 14C Charlo Lady Vikings had a pair on the all-state nominations as both Sheadon Kain and Seeley McDonald were named to the all-state list. Both crested the double century point plateau for scoring this season. This was the second athletic accolade for Kain, a first-team pick last season.
The District 14C Two Eagle River Lady Eagles had two players nominated to the second team in Jodessa McGreevey and Dayani Piapot.
Both Julia Barnard of Polson and Cora Matt of Mission were MVPs at the Mission Valley All-Star Game.
NWA 3FG triple marksmanship
P.Gunlock3FG(reg:43 +div:1+4+fr1 +st:lw3+mc1+bc3)56
Borgen3FG(reg:34+div:1+0+1)36
M.Vincent3FG(reg:27 + play-in:4)31
B.Gunlock3FG(reg:26 + div:0 + st:0+0+bc1)27
B.Smith3FG(reg:26 + play-in:0)26
K.Wade3FG(reg:20 + div:2+1+0 + st:2+1+0)26
R.Taylor-Jefferson3FG(reg:19 +play-in:4+2)25
M.Illig3FG(reg:16 + play-in:2 +div:3+1+0)22
St.Goddard(reg:16 + div:1+1+0+0 +st:0+0)18
SugarSH(reg:16 +div:0+0+0+0 + st:0+2)
NWA rebounding
B.Gunlock(reg:176r +div:9r+13r+5r + st:15r+6r+5r)229
J.Perry(reg:131r +play-in:9r)140
H.McAtee(reg:110r div:7r+5r+12r)134
J.WhiteGrass(reg:100r +div:2r+5r+6r+7r +st:1r+3r)124
E.Alton(reg:105r +div:6r+5r+7r)123
C.Gembala(reg:91r +div:1r+3r+7r + st:11r+2r+7r)122
M.Hanson(reg:94 +play-in:14r+8r)116
L.Buhr(reg:79r+[Br?] +play-in:5r+3r +div:0r+7r+2r)>100 (96+4.4rpg)
Postseason specs derived from venue assessments. Some +/- details may vary from official summaries.
Wtr2023-24 Northwest A basketball postseason accolades
BIGFORK – (a-s): Braeden Gunlock (mvp), Paeten Gunlock, Ava Davey; (2nd-tm): Callie Gembala.
BROWNING – (a-s): Jerel WhiteGrass; (2nd-tm): Teslin Trombley, Natalee St. Goddard; (hm): Kalcie Connelly; (coy): Poor Boy Croff.
COLUMBIA FALLS – (1st-tm): Taryn Borgen; (2nd-tm): Hope McAtee; (hm): Ellie Stutsman, Onnikka Lawrence.
RONAN – (hm): Arianna Zepeda.
POLSON – (hm): Julia Barnard, Rylee Taylor-Jefferson.
WHITEFISH – (2nd-tm): Bailey Smith.
LIBBY – (hm): Madison Vincent.
Acronym key: mvp (most valuable player), coy (coach of year), a-s (all-state), 1st-tm (first-team), 2nd-tm (second-team), hm (honorable mention).
All-state noms likewise receive concurrent/concomitant first-team recognition.
Accrued athletic accolade acknowledgements
Mckenna Hanson (VB a-s, 2x a-c: 1st-tm 2023, 2nd-tm 2021; SB 3x a-s, 3x a-c 1st-tm 2023-21), Julia Barnard (GBB 2x a-c; 2nd-tm 2023-22, hm 2023-24; VB 2x a-c: 1st-tm 2023, hm 2022; TN a-c: D3rd 2023div), Sam Rensvold (VB 2x a-c hm 2023-22; SB a-c 1st-tm 2023, USA MT JO State 14U champion 2022), Rylee Taylor-Jefferson (GBB a-c hm 2023-24), Kason Page (GBB a-s, 2x a-c: 1st-tm 2023-24, 2nd-tm: 2022-23), Cora Matt (GBB a-s, 2x a-c: 1st-tm 2023-24, 2nd-tm: 2022-23), Sheadon Kain (GBB a-s, 2x a-c 1st-tm 2022-24),
Wtr2023-24 basketball postseason accolades Mission Valley area
Girls
NWA POLSON – (hm): Julia Barnard, Rylee Taylor-Jefferson.
NWA RONAN – (hm): Arianna Zepeda.
6B ARLEE – na
7B MISSION – (a-s): Kason Page, Cora Matt; (2nd-tm): Kieran Incashola, Ellannah FlatLip, Izzy Evans.
14C CHARLO – (a-s): Sheadon Kain, Seeley McDonald
14C TWO EAGLE RIVER – (2nd-tm): Jodessa McGreevey, Dayani Piapot.
RESULTS 2022-23
Friday, December 9, 2022
Lady Pirates struggle to score points in opener
Dillon 43, Polson 17
Kylie Konen netted 10 points, Halie Fitzgerald scored eight, Leila Stennerson tallied seven and Sydney Petersen six for Dillon.
Polson 3 4 5 5 — 17
Dillon 10 13 14 6 — 43
POLSON — Mila Hawk 2, Addyson Gallatin 7, Grace Simonich 8.
DILLON — Kylie Konen 10, Halle Fitzgerald 8, Leila Stennerson 7, Sydney Petersen 6, Kenleigh Graham 4, Josie Robbins 5, Abby Lemelin 2, Ariel Thomas 1.
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Polson earns first win as former MSU player Brandie Buckless leads Pirates into new era
FRENCHTOWN — The Polson girls basketball locker room erupted so loud that the cheers inside could be heard though a closed door as other teams were warming up for their game Saturday.
The Pirates had just posted their first win under new head coach Brandie Buckless. That alone was reason to celebrate, but winning has been a rarity for Polson, which had lost 66 games in a row before collecting five last year under former coach Ryan Antos.
Buckless now steps in to take over the program in her first high school coaching job after stints on the youth, travel and AAU levels. The former Montana State player was a volunteer assistant for the Pirates last season and is setting high goals for Polson, which went 1-1 at the Class A Tip-Off Tournament this weekend by beating Corvallis 46-34 Saturday.
“Our goal is to get to the state tournament. That’s our goal for the season,” she said. “We’ve had a long road as a program the last few years. For me, a successful season is seeing the development of our players, seeing our confidence improve, getting some wins under their belts, building up their confidence as players and a team.
“I think we have a ton of potential. It’s a matter of us finding our chemistry with the group we have now. Once we figure that out, I see us hopefully doubling that win column. That’s what we’re shooting for. I want to see us build a program that our younger girls want to be a part of. I’m looking down the road too and trying to build something.”
Buckless comes from a basketball family. Her grandfather, Joe McDonald, had coaching stints with MSU-Northern as its head coach and with the Montana Grizzlies freshman team as its head coach. Her father, Bill Buckless, coached boys hoops at Browning and Ronan, and led the Ronan girls while she played there until she transferred to Whitefish her senior season.
While building a program, Buckless is influenced by the coaches she’s had throughout her life. That started with longtime Billings Central head coach Jim Stergar, who coached her in middle school. She later played for Dean McFadden at Whitefish and Tricia Binford in her final three seasons at Montana State.
She still has her father around as a volunteer assistant this season. Her staff also includes former Dartmouth basketball player Betsy (Williams) Wade and state championship-winning softball coach Jamie Hanson.
“I want us to be gritty. I want us to be feisty,” Buckless said. “I want us to be aggressive, fight for every rebound, fight for every loose ball. I want us to see each other, see the floor and make smart decisions. That’s how I was as a player as a point guard.
“I’m really excited about where we’re going. We fought really hard (Friday) but didn’t have the outcome we wanted. Today, they came back stronger. Taking what we’ve been working on in practice and applying it in the game today, it’s the best I’ve seen so far.”
The Pirates are trying to find their chemistry with two transfers in addition to a new head coach. Senior point guard Mila Hawk had 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists in her second game with Polson after playing at Class C Charlo, which has had a multitude of success.
Hawk transferred mainly for academic reasons and a larger variety of classes, she said. She’s also looking to test herself against tougher competition at the Class A level as she prepares to play in college. She has an offer from NAIA Rocky Mountain and has been talking with NCAA Division III Whitworth, she said.
Polson is also getting a boost from junior forward Addyson Gallatin, who tallied 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists in the win. She had played at Snohomish High School in Washington, but her family, which is originally from Polson, moved back to town, Buckless said.
Gallatin also comes from a hoops family. Her sister Ella Gallatin is a freshman in the Big Sky at Eastern Washington, while her sister Kinslee Gallatin is a junior at NAIA Northwest University after stints in JUCO at Everett Community College and in NCAA Division II at Central Washington.
“I think coming from a winning team helps with my confidence,” Hawk said. “I feel like a lot of girls here the years prior, they haven’t been a winning team, so I think it can help boost their confidence up, show them we can do this and just know the feeling of winning is good.
“Then coach, she’s very competitive, played D-I basketball, so she brings some good energy and discipline. She has us push transition, which I love: pushing the ball and feeding my teammates. I like the motion offense she has us in too because it gives me free will to do things because it’s not a set play.”
Senior forward Grace Simonich came alive with 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the victory. She’s in her second season as a varsity starter for Polson, which went 5-16 last year after a 0-15 mark the previous season. The Pirates are seeking their first state tournament berth since 2012.
Junior forward Nikki Kendall, another returner expected to play a key role, pulled down 13 rebounds while scoring five points. The Pirates mixed up a zone defense, a man-to-man defense and a full-court press as they search for their identity.
They raced out to leads of 14-8 after one quarter, 20-15 at the half and 29-20 after three quarters. Brecklyn Jessop led Corvallis with 14 points, but Polson limited her to four after halftime.
“We won some last year, but not that much, so it feels good to win at the tip-off,” Simonich said. “This is a new advancement for our program. We have Brandie, our first female coach in basketball. It’s a big influence because she’s a female athlete.
“She brings a lot of hard-working energy. She encourages me to stay more driven in basketball. Last year, I just played it as a sport. This year, I’m more dedicated to wanting to play more and win more."
Polson 14 6 9 17 - 46
Corvallis 8 7 5 14 - 34
Polson: Julia Barnard 2; Samantha Rensvold 4; Teyja Beeks 1; Mila Hawk 12, Addyson Gallatin 10; Nikki Kendall 5; Grace Simonich 12
Corvallis: A. Loren 8; B. Lewis 6; B. Jessop 14; F. Wyche 3; T. Sorensen 1; C. Nelson 2
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Bronc mares mar plucky Pirate performance
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson , the Hamilton Lady Broncs visitation took place at less than full hoof on account of illness recovery, but still managed to muster enough horsepower to evade Lady Pirate efforts to corral their herd. Polson was up to the task of keeping pace with the visitors, reflected by a double digit differential in rebound advantage while holding an edge from beyond the arc. But the crafting of crucial counterattacks listed the detrimental direction of capsize rather than capitalize. A couple of key conversions might have inflicted the kind of pressure preferable for altering the trajectory if not complexion of the outcome. Polson's Addy Gallatin narrowly missed a double-double that included fourteen rebounds. Transfer all-state guard Mila Hawk and Nikki Kendall collaborated on another 17 boards. Seattle Pacific-bound Hamilton guard Layne Kearns turned in a double-double of low-20s scoring that coincided with 11 boards despite playing under less than optimal capability. Fellow Lady Broncs Lovana Wetzel along with Ayda Griffin combined for another 17 points. The Lady Pirates travel to Libby this Saturday to open NWA conference play.
Hamilton 51, Polson 39
NWA Polson (1-2), SWA Hamilton (2-1)
Hamilton 14 7 12 18 – 51
Polson 6 9 8 16 – 39
HAMILTON – Layne Kearns 7 7-13 23(11r,2a,2s), Lovana Wetzel 3 2-3 9(8r,1b), Ayda Griffin 2 4-6 8(3r,1a,3s,1b), Emilee Searle 2 0-0 4(2r,2s), Ashlynn Mckern 1 1-2 3(11r,1a,2s), Lexi Brenneman 0 2-5 2(1s), Madalyn Nelson 1 0-1 2(2r,2a). 16 16-30 51(37r,6a,10s,2b)
POLSON – Addy Gallatin 2 3-5 9(14r,1a,2s), Mila Hawk 1 6-7 8(8r,5a,2s), Sam Rensvold 2 0-0 6(6r), Nikki Kendall 2 1-5 5(9r), Julia Barnard 1 2-4 4(5r,1a), Grace Simonich 2 0-2 4(2r,1s), Ashtyn Wagner 1 1-2 3(2r), Ilysia Adams 0(2r). 11 13-25 39(48r,7a,5s)
3FG – H3 (Kearns 2, Wetzel), P4 (Gallatin 2, Rensvold 2).
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Lady Pirates chew up Loggers
Polson 40, Libby 14: Mila Hawk topped all scorers with eight points and the Pirates broke open a close game with a 17-0 second quarter. Samantha Rensvold and Nikki Kendall added seven each for Polson. Rylee Boltz scored six for the Loggers.
Polson 40, Libby 14
Polson 7 17 8 8 — 40
Libby 5 0 7 2 — 14
POLSON: Mila Hawk 8; Samantha Rensvold 7; Nikki Kendall 7; Ashtyn Wagner 6; Addyson Gallafin 6; Julia Barnard 4; Grace Simonich 2.
LIBBY: Rylee Boltz 6; Ashley Freese 3; K. Boehmler 3; Rachel Kosters 1; Madison Vincent 1.
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Lady Pirates gain another win on the road
Polson 52, Missoula Loyola 41
Addyson Gallafin scored 14 points and lifted Polson past Missoula Loyola, 52-41, in nonleague basketball action on Tuesday, Dec. 20. She wasn’t the only one who scored, however, as Julie Barnard notched another 13 points and Mila Hawk notched eight.
“We are feeling pretty happy with the start of our season so far, non-conference and conference,” Polson Head Coach Brandie Buckless said after Polson’s win over Libby last week. “There are always kinks to work out in the beginning of a season and we definitely have things we want to work on and get better at, but we’re overall pretty happy with where we’re at right now and hope to keep improving as the season progresses.”
The first quarter was a defensive slog, with both teams tied 6-6. Polson was able to snag a 19-12 lead at halftime. Both offenses picked up in the second half, but the Lady Pirates were able to maintain their advantage.
Ora Lindaauer led Missoula Loyola with 14 points.
The win moves Polson to 3-2 on the year before Christmas break. Last year, the Lady Pirates won just four games the entire year. They will play host to Whitefish on Jan. 6 in Northwest A Conference play.
Polson 6 13 14 19 — 52
Missoula Loyola 6 6 12 17 — 41
POLSON: Addyson Gallafin 14; Julia Barnard 13; Mila Hawk 8; Grace Simonich 8; Samantha Rensvold 5; Ilysia Adams 4.
MISSOULA LOYOLA: Ora Lindauer 14; Gio Horner 10; Charlotte Cummings 6; Addie Nault 6; Caitrin Harrington 3; Drew Lamb 2.
Friday, January 6, 2023
Lady Pirates pressure defense comes up big in win over Whitefish
By JOSH DUGAN, Daily Interlake
WHITEFISH — The Whitefish Bulldogs hung around early but as time went on the visiting Polson Pirates pressure defense took over and ran away with a 44-32 win in Western A basketball Friday.
Pirates junior Addyson Gallatin led all scorers with 20 points. Gallatin found success from beyond the arch, knocking down four triples on the night.
The host Bulldogs had momentum early on, leading 17-12 with 3:45 to go in the first half but Polson used a mix of defensive intensity and fast break offense to spark a 10-3 run and take a 22-20 lead into the break.
From there the Pirates continued to smother the Bulldogs defensively, notching multiple turnovers down the stretch and forcing two separate shot clock violations.
"This was our first game back from Christmas break, trying to get your feet under you and get back in the swing of things,” Polson head coach Brandie Buckles said. “I was happy with the way we played defense and we'll continue to work on it.”
Ainsley Scott paced the Bulldogs scorers with nine points including a make from deep. Nikki Kendall and Ilysia Adams each scored six points for the Pirates.
Polson 10 12 9 13 - 44
Whitefish 11 9 6 6 - 32
POLSON — Addyson Gallatin 20, Nikki Kendall 6, Ilysia Adams 6, Julia Barnard 4, Samantha Rensvold 4, Mila Hawk 2, Grace Simonich 2.
WHITEFISH — Ainsley Scott 9, Judge Perry 6, Brooke Roberts 5, Madi Gordon 4, Hailey Ells 4, Rya Hirsch 2, Yoli Krastev 2.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Polson pressures league-leader Browning in tightest contest in years
by John Heglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the host Lady Pirates played the visiting Lady Indians within a mere handful of possessions in the tightest contest between the two clubs since Browning joined the NWA conference a half dozen seasons ago. Polson matched Browning stride for strike during bookend frames, but couldn't close the gap that the Lady Indians forged over the course of the middle quarters. Had a couple of decent shots found their mark sprinkled with a couple of free throws netted from the charity stripe, this contest could have hung in the balance until the final ticks on the clock.
All-state NWA co-mvp guard Mecca BullChild led all scorers with 19 points while post Lish Spoonhunter also notched double figures with ten. The host Lady Pirates countered with double-doubles from both Mila Hawk and Addy Gallatin, who collaborated on 31 points while ripping the boards for over two dozen rebounds. Grace Simonich and Sam Rensvold combined to contribute another dozen.
Among recent history of hardcourt skirmishes between Polson and Browning, the Lady Pirates scored a handful more points against the Lady Indians their first season in the league, while Browning scored less points two season ago than over the course of this contest. But both point spreads on those occasions were among the 20s, elevating this contest as the highlight among encounters thus far.
Browning 55, Polson 48
Lady Pirates (2-1, 4-3), Lady Indians (4-0, 6-0)
Browning 12 14 10 19 – 55
Polson 12 10 7 19 – 48
BROWNING – Mecca BullChild 19(2s), Lish Spoonhunter 10, Kalcie Connelly 9(9r), Jerel WhiteGrass 7(1b), Amari CalfRobe 4(4a), Natalee St.Goddard 3, Sugar Spoonhunter 2(4a), Brooke Blue 1. 16 21-35 55(37r,13a,6s,1b)
POLSON – Mila Hawk 5 6-14 17(11r,3a,2s,1b), Addy Gallatin 5 3-8 14(16r,1a,1s), Grace Simonich 1 4-11 6(1r,2s), Sam Rensvold 1 3-6 6(1s), Julia Barnard 1 2-3 4(2r,1s), Nikki Kendall 1(5r), Ashtyn Wagner 0(4r,1a,2s), Ilysia Adams (2r). 13 19-44 48(41r,5a,9s,1b)
3FGs – B2 (MeccaBC, St.G), P3 (Hawk, Gallatin, Rensvold). (Sa07Jan23)
informal game rendition may differ from official version in some details
variants – Simonich(406mtsports:7p, JH:6p), Kendall(406mtsports:0p, JH:1p)
Friday, January 13, 2023
Lady Pirates drop non-conference affair
Frenchtown 59, Polson 38
FRENCHTOWN — Mason Quinn and Madson Kaufman combined for 39 Frenchtown points, and the Broncs made a 35-16 halftime lead hold up for a non-conference win. Mila Hawk scored 17 points to lead the Northwest A Pirates (4-4). The Southwest A Broncs (8-2) also got 10 points from Alexis Godin.
Frenchtown 20 15 17 7 - 59
Polson 10 6 11 11 - 38
FRENCHTOWN — Mason Quinn 20, Alexis Godin 10, Madison Kaufman 19, Sadie Smith 4, Haylee Kaufman 3, Heather Hoskins 2, Tanli Croy1.
POLSON — Mile Hawk 17, Julia Barnard 6, Addyson Gallatin 5, Nikki Kendall 3, Grace Simonich 3, Ilysia Admas 2, Samantha Rensvold 2.
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Polson dents drought, derails decade of dominance with squeaker over Ronan
by John Heglie
At reconstructed Linderman Gym in Polson, the host Lady Pirates and the visiting Maidens clashed in a vintage rendition among Rez roundball rivalry wrangles that featured multiple ties interspersed with vascillating lead changes. After a relatively evenly matched opening frame, Polson would find itself trailing by a double digit deficit of a dozen at 25-13 before closing the gap to within two possessions at the half. After intermission, a pair of deuces by guard Mila Hawk would pull the Lady Pirates within one, followed by the front end of a Nikki Kendall trip to the charity stripe that would knot the contest at 30 apiece.
Thereafter, the cross-county contest morphed into a nailbiter that teetered back and forth between the two teams. Baskets by Maiden guard Arianna Zepeda would twice reacquire the lead for the visitors, only to be countered at the charity stripe with clutch Lady Pirate free-throw shooting by Hawk and forward Kendall. The outcome would ultimately culminate by the span of a mere single possession during the final minute of play with Polson emerging the victor for the first time after 20 games in which Ronan held sway with a decade of dominance over the Lady Pirates since 2012.
Both squads placed a trio of players in double figures led by Lady Pirate Mila Hawk and Maiden Arianna Zepeda for the Maidens with tallies among the mid-teens.
The contest featured an atypically higher than ordinary degree of attrition that may have impacted the outcome. Eight players split between both squads would be sidelined either by ailments incurred to appendages during the course of action or relegated back to the bench after exceeding the parameters of their foul allotment.
Polson 52, Ronan 49
Lady Pirates (3-1, 5-4), Maidens (2-3, 2-6)
Ronan 8 21 6 14 – 49
Polson 9 15 11 17 – 52
RONAN – Arianna Zepeda 5 4-7 15(2r,1a), Olivia Heiner 0 11-14 11(5r,1a,2s), Leina Ulutoa 3 4-9 10(10r,1a,4s), Kyli Fetui 2 2-4 6(1r,2s), Oceanna Arnoux 1 1-2 3(7r,1a), Margaret Cordova 0 2-2 2(1r,1a,1s), Lauryn Buhr 2(5r,1s), Kylee Kelch 0 0-1 0(3r), Bella Devereaux-Trahan 0(1a,1s). 12 24-37 49(39r,5a,11s)
POLSON – Mila Hawk 4 6-11 14(9r,3a,4s), Nikki Kendall 3 7-13 13(9r,1a,1s), Julia Barnard 2 8-10 12(2r,1a), Ashtyn Wagner 2 0-0 5(3r,1a,1s), Grace Simonich 1 1-2 3(3r,1a,2s), Sam Rensvold 3, Ilysia Adams 0 2-2 2(4r,1a,2s,1b), Addy Gallatin 0(1r), Natalie Adams 0(1b,1d), Nevaeh Perez (1d). 13 24-38 52(38r,8a,10s,2b)
3FGs – R1-16 (Zepeda 1-2), P2-9 (Wagner 1-1, Rensvold 1-3).
Friday, January 20, 2023
Lady Bucs best Bitterroot Blue Devils with bombardment barrage
by John Heglie
At reconstructed Linderman Gym in Polson, the purple and gold venue proved to be less than hospitable to the visitors from Corvallis as the Lady Pirates erupted for the most first frame points scored in over a decade. One has to trace back to 2012 to find a single quarter tally that surpasses two dozen in a single frame.
Polson vaulted ahead by double digits both early quarters to take firm control of the contest as they inflicted a dual decade deficit upon the Lady Blue Devils by intermission. Junior guard Julia Barnard obliterated her previous career high of 13 with a tally of 16 coming in the opening frame alone that included a quartet of triples, eventually resetting her career mark at two dozen that incorporated a fifth triple during second half action. In total, Polson dialed the operator long distance from beyond the arc and completed the call on nine occasions to counter the sharpshooting savvy of Corvallis freshman Ava Loran, who splashed a quintet.
Polson senior forward/post Grace Simonich also delved into the domain of double digits with ten, while Mila Hawk and Nikki Kendall collaborated on another 15 points.
Polson 60, Corvallis 38
NWA Lady Pirates (6-4), SWA Lady Blue Devils (1-11)
Corvallis 10 7 12 9 – 38
Polson 25 17 11 7 – 60
CORVALLIS – Ava Loran 17(9r), Farah Wyche 8, Ella Varner 7(2a,1b), Tylin Sorenson 4, Olivia Lewis 2, Ericka Jessop 0(3s). 13 7-11 38(32r,6a,10s,2b)
POLSON – Julia Barnard 7 5-10 24(4r,2a,2s), Grace Simonich 4 2-3 10(6r,2a,2s) Mila Hawk 4 0-1 8(2r,8a,3s), Nikki Kendall 2 2-6 7(5r,3b), Sam Rensvold 2 0-0 6(3r,1s), Natalie Adams 3(1r,1s), Nevaeh Perez 2(1r), Ilysia Adams 0(3r,3a), Ashtyn Wagner 0(2r,1a,1s). 21 9-20 60(27r,16a,10s,3b)
3FGs – c5 (Loran 5), P9 (Barnard 5, Rensvold 2, Kendall, N.Adams).
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Lady Pirates overcome slow start
The Pirates upped their conference mark to 4-1, riding 14 points from Julia Barnard. Mila Hawk scored nine points and Grace Simonich added eight. Madison Vincentknocked down 10 points for the Loggers.
Polson 39, Libby 27
Libby 7 9 7 4 — 27
Polson 4 10 12 13 — 39
LIBBY: M. Vincent 10; R. Boltz 8; A. Freese 3; Kinzee Boehmeler 2; A. Gilden-Vincent 2; P. Waggoner 2.
POLSON: Julia Barnard 14; Mila Hawk 9; Grace Simonich 8; Ashtyn Wagner 4; Nikki Kendall 2; Ilysia Adams 2.
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Hawk hits shot, Lady Pirates win
at Mission
The Class A Pirates (5-1 conference, 8-4 overall) outscored the Class B Bulldogs 15-8 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory in a competitive game. The Lady Pirates never led until the last basket.
Mila Hawk dropped in the game winner with 5 seconds left scoring 25 points to lead all scorers. The Pirates Julia Barnard, continuing to play well for the Pirates, added 15.
Kooper Pagedrained 22 points for St. Ignatius, including four 3-pointers. Kason Page hit for 12 and Cora Mattscored 10.
Polson 55, St. Ignatius 54
Polson 11 11 18 15 — 55
St. Ignatius 17 14 15 8 — 54
POLSON: Mila Hawk 25; Julia Barnard 15; Ilysia Adams 7; Ashtyn Wagner 6; Samantha Rensvold 2; Grace Simonich 2.
ST. IGNATIUS: Kooper Page 22; Kason Page 12; Cora Matt 10; Gabby Smith 6; Izzy Evans 4.
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Kats contain Lady Pirates in key conference clash
by John Heglie
At Columbia Falls, the visiting Lady Pirates held their own against the host WildKats during first half action and outscored them down the final frame stretch. But a detrimental third period would create a chasm too deep to navigate out of its riptide, thereby sinking Pirate aspirations of pulling off an upset. Lady Pirate guards Julia Barnard and Sam Rensvold collaborated on 16 points to almost offset Kat leading scorer Hope McAtee. The remaining Polson scorers offset most of other Kat contributors, but Taryn Borgen scoring supplied most of the margin of separation.
The two teams will hold a rematch this Saturday.
Columbia Falls 46, Polson 36
Lady Pirates (4-2, 8-5), WildKats (4-2, 9-4)
Polson 7 11 6 12 – 36
C-Falls 9 11 17 9 – 46
POLSON – Julia Barnard 2 4-6 9, Sam Rensvold 2 2-2 7, Mila Hawk 2 0-0 6, Grace Simonich 2 2-2 6, Nikki Kendall 0 4-6 4, Ilysia Adams 2 0-0 4. 10 12-16 36
COLUMBIA FALLS – Hope McAtee 17, Taryn Borgen 9, Lexi Oberholtzer 6, Kierra Kemppainen 6, Emalee Alton 2, Demye Rensel 2, Ellie Stutsman 2, Kya West 1, Anj LaChance 1. 16 7-11 46
3FGs – P4 (Hawk 2, Barnard, Rensvold), CF7 (McAtee 2, Oberholtzer 2, Kemppainen 2, Borgen).
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Pirate countermeasures craft coup, capsize Kats
by John Heglie
At refurbished Linderman Gym in Polson, the visiting WildKats and the host Lady Pirates engaged in a vintage rematch round with crucial conference implications. Having captured their earlier meeting in Columbia Falls two days prior, the Kats were aiming for a sweep much like they have over the past decade and then some. But the host team aspired to an alternative outcome.
Much like in their preceding meeting, the first half would play out evenly matched, only this time Polson forged a two possession advantage heading into intermission instead of trailing by a deuce.
The Lady Pirates continued to step on the accelerator that fueled their surge, precipitating a C-Falls timout when the lead expanded to nine, 29-38. The Kats would counter by crafting their own response, going on an 8-0 run as they pulled within a single possession, prompting Polson to call a timeout of its own to staunch the momentum shift at 38-41. The Kats would proceed to tie, then overtake the lead 46-45 on a set of Emalee Alton free throws.
Thereafter, the back-and-forth contest mirrored a roundball variation of a game of double dare: keep up to catch us Kats versus how much pluck can Pirates parlay into precision performance. Multiple ties and lead changes would culminate with the contest knotted at 54-all at the end of regulation, forestalling the outcome another half period through overtime.
Lady Pirate Grace Simonich would open the extra frame by netting both ends of her trip to the charity stripe to push Polson ahead by two. Both teams would tee up a sequence of treys. Hope McAtee would net from behind the arc, only to have summer softball champion credentialed pitcher Sam Rensvold find the strike zone with her second triple of the evening. McAtee would counter by tying the contest at 59 apiece with both ends of her free throw pair. Pirate junior guard Julia Barnard would then be fouled, making both ends of her trip to the stripe to edge her team ahead. Rensvold would then tack on the figurative insurance policy to lower the risk of an alteration in the outcome by emulating the stroke behind her twice local Elks Free-Throw champion credentials, netting both ends of her trip to the free throw line.
To pull off such a coup, the Lady Pirates placed a quartet in double figures, led by Mila Hawk's 17, a dozen from Simonich, 11 from Nikki Kendall and ten from Rensvold. The four-pronged concerted collaboration was necessary to offset the close to three dozen combination from Lexi Oberholtzer and McAtee and supplemental scoring from their comrade Kats. The two teams combined for 15 triples from behind the arc as well as shot well from the charity stripe
One has to delve over a decade deep among the annals of the archives to find the last time the Lady Pirates triumphed over the WildKats. Polson's last win at home over the Kats traces back to late January 2012 when they beat C-Falls 48-39 with a pair of double-doubles chipped in by Riley Kenney and Heidi Rausch supplemented by ten points from point guard Mariah Hamel. The last win over the Kats on their turf took place that same season earlier that January, a contest that stretched into overtime 59-57 with Kenney notching 31 and Hamel again adding ten. On the court for the Kats that season were now assistant coach Ciera Finberg, Kierra's cousin Winter Kemppainen and the Hope on the hardwood was a Burlage.
Polson 63, Columbia Falls 59 OT
Lady Pirates (5-2, 9-5), WildKats (4-3, 9-5)
CFalls 14 8 16 16 5 – 59
Polson 16 12 17 9 9 – 63
COLUMBIA FALLS – Lexi Oberholtzer 19, Hope McAtee 16(12r), Emalee Alton 7(14r), Taryn Borgen 6(4a,2s), Ellie Stutsman 6, Demye Rensel 3, Kierra Kemppainen 2. 18 16-23 59(40r,12a,4s,2b)
POLSON – Mila Hawk 5 5-7 17(7r,3a,5s), Grace Simonich 4 3-4 12(5r), Nikki Kendall 4 1-2 11(5r,1a,1s,2b), Sam Rensvold 2 4-6 10(3r,3a,1s), Julia Barnard 2 4-6 9(4r,1a), Ilysia Adams 2 0-0 4(9r,4a,1b), Ashtyn Wagner (1r),19 17-25 63(34r,12a,7s,3b)
3FGs – CF7 (Oberholtzer 4, Borgen 2, McAtee), P8 (Hawk 2, Kendall 2,Rensvold 2, Barnard, Simonich).
Some informal game rendition details may vary from official summaries
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Barnard, Lady Pirates down Whitefish by 17
By Daily Inter Lake
POLSON — Julia Barnard scored 14 points, and the Polson Pirates made a 29-16 halftime lead stand up for a 51-34 girls basketball win over Northwest A rival Whitefish Tuesday.
Barnard and Mila Hawk each hit two 3-pointers, and Hawk had all eight of her points in the first half. Grace Simonich added nine points for the Pirates (10-5 overall, 6-2 in league games).
Jude Perry had a game-high 15 points for Whitefish (4-8, 1-6 in league).
Whitefish 10 6 6 12 - 34
Polson 16 13 11 11 - 51
WHITEFISH — Brooke Roberts 7, Madi Gordon 2, Jude Perry 15, Bailey Smith 9, Kristina Shestak 1.
POLSON — Julia Barnard 14, Mila Hawk 8, Nikki Kendall 3, Grace Simonich 9, Nevaeh Perez 5, Samantha Rensvold 4, Natalie Adams 3, Ashtyn Wanger 5.
Toughness on own turf turns tide, Lady Pirates harnass Bulldogs
by JohnHeglie
At Linderman Gym in Polson, the visiting Lady Bulldogs played competitively against their hosts during bookend frames, but the Lady Pirates gained separation during the middle quarters. Five different players dialed the operator long distance from beyond the arc and connected to complete the call. Julia Barnard was the lone Polson player to dabble into double digits with 14, while Grace Simonich and Mila Hawk collaborated on another 17.
Jude Perry of Whitefish led all scorers with 16, while Bailey Smith just missed a double-double with 11 rebounds in conjunction with nine points.
The Polson victory was their tenth thus far, the first time that the Lady Pirates have posted double digit wins in eleven seasons. The half dozen wins in conference play alone surpass the total number of victories all last season.
Julia Barnard crested the double century point plateau for varsity career scoring.
Polson 51, Whitefish 34
Pirates (6-2, 10-5), Bulldogs (0-7, 5-8)
Whitefish 10 6 6 12 – 34
Polson 16 13 11 11 – 51
WHITEFISH – Jude Perry 6 4-8 16, Bailey Smith 9(11r), Brooke Roberts 7(2a), Madi Gordon 2(3s). 13 7-14 34(27s,2a,10s,
POLSON – Julia Barnard 6 0-2 14(3r,2a), Grace Simonich 3 3-3 9(7r,2a,1s), Mila Hawk 3 0-0 8(5r,2a,2s,1b), Ashtyn Wagner 2 0-0 5(3r,1a,1s,1b), Nevaeh Perez 1 2-2 5(3r,1a,1s), Sam Rensvold 2 0-0 4(5r,1s), Nikki Kendall 1 1-2 3(3r,3s), Ilysia Adams 0(2r,1a,1b), Natalie Adams 0(3r,1a,1s,1b), Zaylyn Morgan 0 0-2 0. 18 5-9 51(34r,10a,11s,4b)
3FGs – W1 (Roberts), P7 (Barnard 2, Hawk 2, Wagner, N.Adams, Perez).
Friday, February 3, 2023
Lady Pirates hang with #2 ranked Browning
Lish Spoonhunter had over half of Browning's scoring with 23 points as they improved to a perfect 15-0 overall this season and 10-0 in the Northwest A by earning a home victory over the Pirates. Mila Hawk led Polson (7-3, 10-6) with eight points.
Browning 43, Polson 34
Polson 7 5 13 9 — 34
Browning 10 14 13 6 — 43
POLSON: Mila Hawk 8; Julia Barnard 7; Grace Simonich 6; Samantha Rensvold 5; Nikki Kendall 4; Ashtyn Wagner 2; Ilysia Adams 2.
BROWNING: Lish Spoonhunter 23; Amari Calfrobe 7; Kalcie Connelly 4; Sugar Spoonhunter 3; Teslin Trombley 3; Tashlyn Lazy Boy 2; Jerel White Grass 1.
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Vals remain undefeated, down Polson in hoops
Bigfork 69, Polson 22
POLSON — Paeten Gunlock hit four 3-pointers and scored 17 points, and the unbeaten Bigfork Valkyries scored an impressive victory over Northwest A Polson.
Braeden Gunlock scored a game-high 18; she had 11 in the first half and her sister eight. Madison Chappuis added 12 points and Scout Nadeau 10 for the 7-B Vals (17-0).
Grace Simonich and Julia Barnard had seven points each for the Pirates (10-7).
Bigfork 19 22 21 7 - 69
Polson 7 6 7 2 - 22
BIGFORK — Madison Chappuis 12, Paeten Gunlock 17, Braeden Gunlock 18, Scout Nadeau 10, Ava Davey 5, Callie Gembala 5, Ellie Jordt 2.
POLSON — Julia Barnard 7, Samantha Rensvold 4, Mila Hawk 4, Grace Simonich 7.
Saturday, February 11, 2023
Lady Pirates finish season strong, down rival Maidens
by John Heglie
At the Ronan Events Center, the visiting Lady Pirates and the host Maidens played a vintage version among the history of Rez roundball rivalry wrangles. The outcome of this most recent rendition would only emerge during the final seconds by the mere span of a single possession.
After an even first frame, the Lady Pirates extended their advantage to its widest margin at 25-14 before the machinery of their momentum began to sputter. Thereafter, the Maidens would mount a rally that not only erased the deficit, but briefly overtook the lead 32-31 just before the two teams knotted at 32-all entering final frame action.
Both county rivals would trade baskets with associated lead changes until Polson knotted the contest at 39 apiece on a Mila Hawk front end charity stripe make at about the three minutes remaining mark.
The Maidens had a handful of chances to overtake the lead around the two minute juncture, but a sequence of opportunities came up empty that included a trip to the charity stripe, an off the mark triple attempt and an overload on an offensive rebound putback attempt.
A Hawk jumper in the lane would push the visitors into the lead. The Maidens attempted to craft a counter, but an unforced turnover would bounce out of bounds.
Thereafter, Polson would secure the outcome in the waning half minute nursing a precarious single possession advantage when Ilysia Adams threaded the ball to an open Grace Simonich underneath, who tacked on some supplemental insurance by coaxing a bunny down its hole for a 43-39 cushion. Ronan would net once more at their end, but time would expire for any chance to trim the deficit any further.
Maiden senior Olivia Heiner led all scorers with her second highest career tally of 17 that included a quartet of triples from beyond the arc. Fellow Maiden senior Leina Ulutoa just missed a double-double with ten points and nine boards. Remaining Ronan seniors Kylie Fetui, Margaret Cordova and Bella Devereaux-Trahan combined to supply another dozen points, eight board and four steals. Cordova practiced exquisite ettiquette by setting the table with a half dozen dishes for assists.
The visiting Lady Pirates culminated their first regular schedule sweep of the rivalry roundball wrangle in over a decade on the shoulders of a career high from senior forward/post Grace Simonich, who netted 16 while reeling in eight boards. The remaining Lady Pirate senior trio of Mila Hawk, Ashtyn Wagner and Ilysia Adams collaborated on another ten points along with dishing out eight assists while picking opponent pockets of prized possession on four occasions.
The win secured the second seed among NWA conference standings that automatically advances Polson into postseason divisional play with a bye.
The Maidens will face the winner of Whitefish and Libby in a play-in game for a berth at the table of the NWA Divisional to be held at the Ronan Event Center.
Polson (11-7, 7-3) Ronan (6-12, 5-5)
Polson 43, Ronan 41
Polson 11 18 3 11 — 43
Ronan 11 10 11 9 — 41
POLSON – Grace Simonich 6 4-5 16(8r,1a,1s), Mila Hawk 3 2-4 8(5r,3a,3s), Nikki Kendall 3 1-2 7(11r,1a,1s,1b), Julia Barnard 1 3-6 6(3r), Sam Rensvold 2 0-0 4(1r,2s), Ashtyn Wagner 2(1r), Ilysia Adams 0(4r,5a,1s,1b). 16 10-18 43(33r,10a,8s,2b)
RONAN – Olivia Heiner 5 3-6 17(3r,1a), Leina Ulutoa 2 6-10 10(9r,1a,3s,2b), Kylie Fetui 2 0-0 5(3r,2s), Margaret Cordova 2 0-2 4(2r,6a,3s), Bella Devereaux-Trahan 3(3r), Lauryn Buhr 2(6r), Ally Luedtke (3r,1s), Kylee Kelch (1s). 13 9-18 41(29r,8a,10s,2b)
3FGs – P1-18 (Barnard 1-5), R6-14 (Heiner 4-9, Fetui 1-1, Bella.DT 1-3).
Thursday/Friday/Saturday, February 23-25, 2023
Lady Pirates come close, but Bitterroot Broncs bounce past Polson
by John Heglie
At the Ronan Event Center for the opening match of the afternoon session of Western A Divisional play, the Lady Pirates of Polson and the Bitterroot Lady Broncs squared off for a rematch of an early season nonconference clash won by Hamilton 51-39. Though the first frame of this rematch was played to within a single possession, Hamilton gained greater separation by intermission bolstered by five triples exacerbated by unforced turnovers by Polson.
The Lady Broncs saw their largest margin mushroom to 41-25 before the Lady Pirates began to chip away at the deficit. During final frame action, a second three-pointer by Julia Barnard and a deuce from the floor by Sam Rensvold successfully countered Hamilton's output. Attacking the basket, gGuard Mila Hawk would be fouled thrice, netting all half dozen of her opportunities, while forward/post Grace Simonich added another from the charity stripe. The Lady Pirates had a further handful of opportunities to knot the contest even if not overtake the lead, but couldn't capitalize down the stretch.
Lady Pirate Hawk and Taryn Searle of Hamilton shared game high scoring honors, both with 17. Hawk supplemented her outing with a double-double that included ten boards. Polson's Nikki Kendall and Hamilton's Ashlynn McKern both contributed eight rebounds to their team coffers.
The loss routes the Lady Pirates into consolation play against county rival Ronan in a third round Rez roundball rivalry wrangle
Hamilton 48, Polson 43
2NW Lady Pirates (10-8), 3SW Lady Broncs (13-5)
Polson 11 8 12 12 – 43
Hamilton 14 16 13 5 – 48
POLSON – Mila Hawk 3 9-10 15(10r,3a,3s), Ilysia Adams 4 0-0 8(5r,2a,2s), Julia Barnard 2 0-2 6(3r), Grace Simonich 2 2-4 6(5r), Nikki Kendall 2 0-0 5(8r,1a,2s,1b), Sam Rensvold 2(6r,2a), Ashtyn Wagner 1. 14 12-16 43(37r,9a,7s,1b)
HAMILTON – Taryn Searle 17(8r,3a,3s) Taylor McCarthy 9(3r,3s), Ashlynn Mckern 7(8r,2a,2s), Layne Kearns 6(7r,6s,1b), Emilee Searle 6(2r,1b), Lexi Brenneman 3(3r,1s), Ayda Griffin 0(5r), Lovana Wetzel (1r,1s), Madalyn Nelson (1a). 16 8-14 48(37r,7a,16s,2b)
3FGs – P3 (Barnard 2, Kendall), H8 (T.Searle 3, McCarthy 3, Kearns, McKern).
Friday, February 24, 2023
Lady Pirates win "Brawl of the Wild" over Maidens
Polson 35, Ronan 28
In a physical, turnover marred basketball game, the Lady Pirates defeated the Maidens for the third time this year to keep their state tourney hopes alive. The win moved Polson to 12-8 for the year.
The Lady Pirates had nobody score more than seven points — Nikki Kendall and Grace Simonich led the way — but still rallied past Ronan in the fourth quarter.
Leina Ulutoa scored a game-high eight for Ronan, which ended up 8-13.
Polson will play Browning at 9AM Saturday morning in the Ronan Event Center. The winner of that game advances to the consolation final at 5:00.
The loser will play for 5th place and a chance to face the 4th place team from the Eastern Division next week for a berth in the State A tourney at 3:30 in the Event Center.
Ronan 9 8 6 5 - 28 Polson 5 8 8 14 - 35
RONAN — Leina Ulutoa 8, Kylie Fetui 5, Olivia Heinder 5, Lauryn Buhr 4, Arianna Zepeda 2, Ally Luedtke 2, Isabella Devereaux-Trahan 2.
POLSON — Nikki Kendall 7, Grace Simonich 7, Julia Barnard 5, Ashtyn Wagner 4, Mila Hawk 4, Ilysia Adams 4, Natalie Adams 2, Samantha Rensvold 2.
RESULTS 2021-22
Friday, December 10, 2021
Butte Central 47 Polson 29
Brooke Badinovac had a big afternoon with 20 points and Ella Moodry chipped in with 14 as the Maroons shrugged off a slow start to down the Pirates at the Frenchtown tournament. Sofee Thatcher added 12 points for Butte Central, which trailed by two points after one quarter but outscored Polson 31-12 over the middle two quarters. Turquoise Pierre scored seven for the Pirates.
Polson 8 8 4 9 — 29
Butte Central 6 17 14 10 — 47
POLSON: Turquoise Pierre 7; Grace Simonich 5; Julia Barnard 4; Nikki Kendall 4; Lexi Wirz 3; Jaivin Bad Bear 2; Ilysia Adams 2.
BUTTE CENTRAL: Brooke Badovinac 20; Ella Moodry 14; Sofee Thatcher 12; Mollie Drew 1.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Fergus Eagles claw Lady Pirates
The Lady Pirates generated their highest scoring half of the young season during second half action, but were unable to close the gap on account of consistent counters from the talon-ted Golden Eagles of Lewistown. The backcourt tandem of Julia Barnard and Jaivin BadBear collaborated on 14 points, while the team combined for over three dozen rebounds. Lady Pirates 27 turnovers were a huge factor in the final result. The full complement of the roster was unavailable due to number of practice criteria as well as ailment recovery.
Fergus 57, Polson 29
NWA Polson (0-2), NEA Fergus (1-1)
Lewistown 13 18 11 15 – 57
Polson 6 4 10 9 – 29
LEWISTOWN (FERGUS) – Aniya Ross 3 8-11 14, Lexya Burnham 4 2-4 10(12r), Ava Robinson 3 4-4 10, Ida Bokemeyer 4 0-0 8(9r,4a), Brooke Weinheimer 7(5s), *Elsie Crouse 0 3-8 3, Kiya Foran 3, Kim Curry 2. 19 17-24 57(44r,11a,20s)
POLSON – Julia Barnard 2 4-9 8(5r,1s), Jaivin BadBear 2 2-6 6(3r), Lexi Wirz 2 0-0 4(2r,2s), Turquoise Pierre 2 0-0 4(2r,1s), Grace Simonich 2 0-0 4(5r), Jazlyn Dalbey 1 0-1 2(7r,1s), Nikki Kendall 0 1-4 1(5r,1s), Mckenna Hanson 0 0-4 0(5r,3s), Ilysia Adams 0(3r,2a,1s). 11 7-24 29 (37r,2a,10s)
3FGs – L2(Weinheimer, Foran), P0-10. F19to/P27to
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Broncs bust Lady Pirates
Mya Winkler popped in 13 points and Taryn Searle backed her with 11 as the Broncos built a 33-8 halftime lead and cruised past the Pirates. Layne Kearns chipped in with six points for Hamilton. Turquoise Pierre scored seven for Polson.
Polson: 6 2 12 7 - 27
Hamilton: 18 15 13 7 - 53
POLSON: Jaivin Bad Bear 0; Jazlyn Dalbey 3; Julia Bernard 5; Lexi Wirz 2; Nikki Kendall 2; Turquoise Pierre 7; Mckenna Hanson 4; Grace Simonich 2; Ilysia Adams 2.
HAMILTON: Madi Nelson 2; Taryn Searle 11; Lexi Brenneman 5; Lavenna Wetzel 6; Layne Kearns 9; Taylor McCarthy 6; Ayda Griffin 1; May Winkler 13.
Saturday, December 18, 2021
The streak is over, Lady Pirates slam Lady Loggers
The losing streak ends at 66. Polson stormed to their first win since January 2018. The Lady Pirates were led by McKenna Hanson with 12 points, the game's only double-figures scorer. The balanced Lady Pirates took care of the Loggers in a convincing, lopsided victory. Jaivin Bad Bear scored eight points and four other players had seven or six for Polson. Taylor Munro scored seven for Libby.
Polson 68, Libby 27
Polson 14 21 17 17 — 68
Libby 8 9 6 4 — 27
POLSON: McKenna Hanson 12; Jaivin Bad Bear 8; Jazlyn Dalbey 7; Julia Barnard 7; Turquoise Pierre 6; Grace Simonich 6; Nikki Kendall 5; Ilysia Adams 5; Lexi Wirz 3.
LIBBY: Taylor Munro 7; Ashley Freese 6; Maddie Vincent 5; Kaydence Stanek 4; Addy Gilden-Vincent 2; Ellie Andressen 1; Rylee Boltz 1; Jossalyn White 1.
Monday, December 20, 2021
Lady Pirates squeak by Missoula Loyola in home opener
POLSON — Jazlyn Dalbey scored 12 and Areanna Burke added 10 as the Polson Pirates downed visiting Missoula Loyola 55-53 in a non-conference girls basketball matchup on Monday night.
The Pirates trailed the Breakers 40-35 going into the final frame, but solid defense and good free throw shooting (6-of-9 during the period) lifted them to the win. Loyola’s Nat Clevenger led all scorers with 21 points. The Lady Pirates, playing their first game in the new Linderman gym, are now 2 wins and 3 losses on the season.
Polson 55, Missoula Loyola 53
Loyola 12 15 13 13 — 53
Polson 7 14 14 20 — 55
Loyola — Addison Jacobson 2, Nat Clevenger 21, Ora Lindauer 2, Kennedy McKorkle 14,Evelyn Debbande 6, Gio Horner 7, Jami Janetski 1.
Polson — Jazlin Dalbey 12, Julia Barnard 6, Lexi Wirz 3, Nikki Kendall 4, Turquoise Pierre 4, McKenna Hanson 9, Grace Simonich 7, Areanna Burke 10.
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Lady Pirates continue to improve, fall short at Columbia Falls
Hope McAtee scored 17 points and Maddie Robison scored all nine of her points in the fourth quarter as the Wildkats pulled away late from the Pirates. Grace Gedlaman added eight for Columbia Falls, which led by three at halftime. Jazlyn Dalbey scored 17 points, and Lexi Wirz and Nikki Kendall provided eight for Polson.
Columbia Falls 58, Polson 42
Polson. 3 12 13 14 — 42
Columbia Falls 10 8 18 22 — 58
POLSON: Jazlyn Dalbey 17; Lexi Wirz 8; Nikki Kendall 8; Julia Barnard 4; McKenna Hanson 2; Grace Simonich 2.
COLUMBIA FALLS: Hope McAtee 17; Maddie Robison 9; Grace Gedlaman 8; Nonaeh Carlin 6; Alexis Green 5; Emalee Alton 3; Abbie Dawson 3; Kya West 2; Maddy Stultsman 2; Lexi Oberholtzer 2; Scout Medhus 1.
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Shorthanded Lady Pirates win again
McKenna Hanson and Areanna Burke were both out with ankle injuries and yet the Lady Pirates stepped up and found a way to win. Several crucial 3 pointers and free throws paved the way in the fourth quarter. Jazlyn Dalbey scored 14 points, Julia Barnard added 11 and the Pirates forged a nine-point halftime lead and held on to down the Bulldogs. Jaivin Bad Bear added nine for Polson. Bailey Smith scored 16 and Erin Wilde 12 for Whitefish.
Polson 45, Whitefish 40
Whitefish 9 8 12 11 — 40
Polson 12 14 5 14 — 45
WHITEFISH: Bailey Smith 16; Erin Wilde 12; Rya Hirsch 4; Hailey Ells 4; Jude Perry 2; Alivia Ingold 1; Ainsley Scott 1.
POLSON: Jazlyn Dalbey 14; Julia Barnard 12; Jaivin Bad Bear 9; Grace Simonich 5; Lexi Wirz 3; Ilysia Adams 2.
Friday, January 7, 2022
Maidens bounce Bucs with blistering bookend bash
by John Heglie
At Polson, the visiting Maidens placed a trio of players in double figures as Olivia Heiner, LaReina Cordova and Leina Ulutoa all minted new career highs in a collective collaboration of four dozen. Senior forward Dani Coffman came within a free throw of notching a double-double.
The Lady Pirates managed to generate their highest point tally against the Maidens in four seasons. But once Ronan erupted for two dozen during first frame action, the mold for the outcome was cast unless Polson could shoot lights out. The Lady Pirates played the Maidens within a single possession during the middle frames, but bookend quarter deficits would be their undoing. Grace Simonich and Ari Burke collaborated on 17, but collective efforts couldn't offset the career outings of Maiden leading scorers posting career highs. Polson will have a chance to recalibrate for their rematch the first week of February where they will attempt to end a decade of dominance spanning a 17 game streak.
Ari Burke crossed the triple century career threshold, while Jazlyn Dalbey crested the double century point plateau for varsity career scoring.
Polson (2-2, 3-5), Ronan (3-1, 4-2)
Ronan 65, Polson 41
Ronan 24 12 14 15 – 65
Polson 9 11 12 9 – 41
RONAN – Olivia Heiner 6 5-11 20(2r,1a,3s), LaReina Cordova 4 7-9 15(6r,1a,1b), Leina Ulutoa 5 3-9 13(9r,1a,2s), Dani Coffman 4 1-5 9(10r,1a,1s,1b), Isabella Devereaux-Trahan 2 0-0 4(4r), Wenona Patton-Tenas 1 1-2 3(2r), Lauryn Buhr 0 1-4 1(3r,2a), Haylie Webster 0(4r,1a,2s), Margaret Cordova 0(2r,2a), Kylie Fetui 0(5r,1a,1s), Kylee Kelch (1r), Oceanna Arnoux (1r). 22 18-40 65(49r,10a,8s,2b)
POLSON – Grace Simonich 3 3-6 9(6r,1a,1b), Ari Burke 2 2-4 8(2r,2a,1s), Jazlyn Dalbey 1 3-3 6(3r,2a,2s), Jaivin BadBear 2 0-0 5(1s), Julia Barnard 1 2-6 4(3r,2a,3s), Ilysia Adams 2 0-0 4(5r,3b), Lexi Wirz 3(2r,1a,2s), *Turquoise Pierre 1 0-2 2(2r,1a), Nikki Kendall 0 0-2 0(6r). 13 10-23 41(29r,8a,9s,4b)
3FGs – R3-15 (Heiner 3), P5-22(Burke 2-9, BadBear 1-2, Dalbey 1-4, Wirz 1-6).
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Lady Broncs use size advantage to overpower Lady Pirates
Frenchtown 60, Polson 30: Sadie Smith scored 15 points, Demi Smith added 12 and Carah Evans 10 as the Broncs rode a 17-4 second-quarter surge past the Pirates. Areanna Burke scored 12 for Polson, which trailed by 23 at intermission. Mckenna Hanson is still out and not playing due to an injury from an earlier game.
Frenchtown 60, Polson 30
Polson 8 4 9 9 — 30
Frenchtown 14 17 16 13 — 60
POLSON: Areanna Burke 12; Nikki Kendall 5; Jaivin Bad Bear 3; Julia Barnard 3; Grace Simonich 3; Lexi Wirz 2; Turquoise Pierre 2.
FRENCHTOWN: Sadie Smith 15; Demi Smith 12; Carah Evans 10; Heather Haskins 5; Taylor Haskins 5; Kendra Jacobs 5; Katherine Deschamps 4; Toni Beatty 4.
Saturday, January 15,2022
No. 5 Browning sinks Lady Pirates
Mecca Bullchild paved the way with 16 points and the Runnin' Indians outscored the Pirates 17-4 in the second quarter en route to a romp. Jerel WhiteGrass scored 14, Lish Spoonhunter 10 and Brailey Racine nine for Browning. Lexi Wirz and McKenna Hanson produced 10 points apiece for Polson.
Browning 65, Polson 40
Polson 12 4 9 15 — 40
Browning 15 17 16 17 — 65
POLSON: Lexi Wirz 11; McKenna Hanson 11; Jazlyn Dalbey 9; Grace Simonich 5; Sammy Rensvold 2; Ashtyn Wagner 2.
BROWNING: Mecca Bullchild 16; Jerel WhiteGrass 14; Lish Spoonhunter 10; Brailey Racine 9; Amari CalfRobe 6; Cara Guardipee 5; Sugar Spoonhunter 4; Natalee St.Goddard 1.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Corvallis tops Polson in overtime
Polson missed two free throws at the end sending the game into overtime with score tied 48-48. Corvallis outscored Polson 14-8 in the extra period to secure the victory. Madeline Gilder sizzled the nets for 32 points in leading the Lady Blue Devils to victory and teammate Tylin Sorensen added 12. Turquoise Pierre led the Pirates with 15 and Arianna Burke also hit double figures with 11. Polson was 11 for 23 from the free throw line for the game. Corvallis was 19 for 28 from the line, with Gilder an outstanding 16 for 19.
Corvallis 62, Polson 56 OT
POLSON: 8 13 16 11 (8) - 56
CORVALLIS: 11 8 12 17 (14) - 62
POLSON: Jaivin Bad Bear 2; Jazlyn Dalbey 0; Julia Barnard 3; Lexi Wirz 8; Ashtyn Wagner 0; Nikki Kendall 3; Turquoise Pierre 15; McKenna Hanson 6; Grace Simonich 5; Ilysia Adams 3; Arianna Burke 11.
CORVALLIS: Tahnee Lewis 3; Olivia Lewis 7; Alina Brown 3; Madeline Gilder 32; Emelia Schaiser 4; Lawrie Davidson 0; Tylin Sorensen 12; Brecklyn Jessop 0; Ericka Jessop 1.
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Lady Pirates overcome slow start to down Lady Loggers
Jazlyn Dalbey popped in 13 pionts and Areanna Burke backed her with 10 as the Pirates regrouped from a slow start to thwart the Loggers. Kinzee Boehmler scored 14 for Libby, which was within 5-1 after one quarter. The Lady Pirates are 4-8 overall and improve to 3-3 in the Northwest A.
Polson 52, Libby 30
Libby 1 14 4 11 — 30
Polson 5 18 17 12 — 52
LIBBY: Kinzee Boehmler 14; Maddie Vincent 6; Taylor Munro 6; Kaydence Stanek 2; Rylee Boltz 1; Morgan Hayes 1.
POLSON: Jazlyn Dalbey 13; Areanna Burke 10; Lexi Wirz 7; Turquoise Pierre 6; Nikki Kendall 4; Grace Simonich 4; Ilysia Adams 3; Jaivin Bad Bear 2; McKenna Hanson 2; Julia Barnard 1.
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Columbia Falls drops Lady Pirates
A very physical Columbia Falls WildKat team dominated the boards and created numerous turnovers in downing the Lady Pirates at Linderman gym. Maddie Robinson dropped in five 3 pointers on her way to scoring 24 points for Columbia Falls. Grace Godlaman also scored in double figures with 10. Three Lady Pirates scored 5 points each.
Columbia Falls 61, Polson 24
C.FALLS 16 15 11 19 - 61
POLSON 6 8 6 4 - 24
COLUMBIA FALLS: Addy Bowler 0; Abbie Darsow 2; Maddie Robison 24; Alexis Green 2; Kya West 0; Grace Godlaman 10; Hope McAtee 8; Taryn Borgen 0; Kierra Kemppainan 0; Maddy Stutsman 3; Emalee Alton 4; Lexi Oberholtzer 8; Scout Medhus 0; Demye Rensel 0.
POLSON: Jaivin Bad Bear 5; Jazlyn Dalbey 0; Gianna Fyant 0; Julia Barnard 0; Lexi Wirz 5; Ashtyn Wagner 0; Nikki Kendall 2; Turquoise Pierre 3; Mckenna Hanson 5; Grace Simonich 2; Ilysia Adams 2; Arianna Burke 0.
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Frenchtown's Smith too much for Lady Pirates
A slow start for Polson led to an early lead by Frenchtown that was difficult to overcome. The Lady Pirates were aggressive on defense and played the taller Broncs tough the rest of the way. Sadie Smith utilizing her size advantage led the Broncs with 19 points, all inside the paint. Alexis Godin contributed 12 to the Broncs total. Grace Simonich dropped in 8 points for Polson.
Frenchtown 56, Polson 35
Frenchtown 11 14 13 18 - 56
Polson 2 10 9 14 - 35
FRENCHTOWN: Alexis Godin 12; Tanli Croy 0; Abina Shannon 2; Cassidy Bagnell 4; Corah Evans 6; Heather Haskins 7; Katherine Deschomas 0; Taylor Haskins 0; Demi Smith 2; Toni Beatty2; Kendra Jacobs 2; Sadie Smith 19.
POLSON: Jaivin Bad Bear 0; Jazlyn Dalbey 2; Gianna Fyant 2; Julia Barnard 1; Lexi Wirz 3; Ashtyn Wagner 2; Nikki Kendall 2; Turquoise Pierre 3; Mckenna Hanson 6; Grace Simonich 8; Ilysia Adams 0; Arianna Burke 6.
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Dogs rally to down Lady Pirates
Whitefish 37, Polson 25: Jude Perry scored 12 points and the Bulldogs rode a 15-1 second quarter to rally from an eight-point first-quarter deficit against the Pirates. Turquoise Pierre scored nine for Polson.
Whitefish 37, Polson 25
Polson 12 1 8 4 — 25
Whitefish 4 15 10 8 — 37
POLSON: Turquoise Pierre 9; Jaivin Bad Bear 4; McKenna Hanson 4; Areanna Burke 3; Jazlyn Dalbey 3.
WHITEFISH: Jude Perry 12; Hailey Ells 7; Taylor Means 6; Erin Wilde 5; Alivia Ingold 4; Ainsley Scott 3.
Friday, February 4, 2022
Ronan downs Polson
Dani Coffman (13 points) and LaReina Cordova (12) paced the Maidens to their sixth win in their last seven games. Turquoise Pierre had nine points to lead the Pirates. For Polson, the game was marred by numerous Pirate turnovers and poor shooting. Ronan maintained their more than 20 point margin throughout the second half.
Ronan 51, Polson 30
Polson 4 7 9 10 — 30
Ronan 11 11 19 10 — 51
POLSON: Turquoise Pierre 9; Grace Simonich 6; Areanna Burke 5; Jazlyn Dalbey 3; Lexi Wirz 3; Julia Barnard 2; Ilysia Adams 2.
RONAN: Dani Coffman 13; LaReina Cordova 12; Leina Ulutoa 9; Kylie Fetui 8; Olivia Heiner 4; Margaret Cordova 3; Lauryn Buhr 2.
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Gunlock lead Valkries over Lady Pirates
BIGFORK — Freshman Braeden Gunlock scored 24 points and Bigfork used a 24-point second quarter to surge away from Polson for the non-conference win.
The Valkyries, 16-1 and ranked No. 4 in Class B, broke open a tight game by outsourcing the Northwest A Pirates 45-16 over the middle two quarters.
Emma Berreth chipped in 19 points and Scout Nadeau added 13 tallies for Bigfork, who close out the regular season Saturday at home against No. 8 Thompson Falls.
The Lady Pirates (4-13) were led by Ari Burke who netted 11.
Bigfork 77, Polson 42
Polson 14 10 6 12 - 42
Bigfork 16 24 21 16 - 77
POLSON — Julia Barnard 7, Lexi Wirz 3, Nikki Kendall 5, Turqoise Pierre 6, McKenna Hanson 6, Grace Simonich 2, Ilysia Adams 2, Ari Burke 11.
BIGFORK — Emma Berreth 19, Hannah Ayers 3, Madison Chappius 4, Zoey Albert 2, Braeden Gunlock 24, Scout Nadeau 13, Callie Martinz 5, Ava Davey 7.
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Browning runs by Lady Pirates
Mecca Bullchild and Jerel WhiteGrass each scored 11 points and Kalcie Connelly chipped in with 10 for the Indians, who ran to a 17-2 first-quarter lead and built the margin to 25 in defeating the Pirates. Sugar Spoonhunter and Lish Spoonhunter added eight points each for Browning. Areanna Burke scored 12 and Lexi Wirz nine for Polson.
Browning 68, Polson 38
Browning 17 19 10 22 — 68
Polson 2 9 17 10 — 38
BROWNING: Sugar Spoonhunter 8; Mecca Bullchild 11; Linsley Bird 5; Amari Calfrobe 3; Jerel Whitegrass 11; Cara Guardipee 4; Brailey Racine 5; Kalcie Connelly 10; Tashlyn Lazyboy 3; Lish Spoon Hunter 8.
POLSON: Gianna Fyant 4; Turquoise Pierre 3; Jazlyn Dalbey 3; Lexi Wirz 9; Julia Barnard 1; Ilysia Adams 2; Mckenna Hanson 4; Areanna Burke 12 .
Friday, February 18, 2022
Lady Pirates secure spot at Western A Divisional
Polson out dueled Whitefish at Whitefish for a spot in the Western A in Hamilton next week. Lexi Wirz led four Polson players in double figures with 13 points, and the Lady Pirates survived a wild fourth quarter to beat Whitefish 52-46 in a Northwest A play-in game. The game was close but the Pirates led from start to finish. Erin Wilde scored a game-high 17 points for Whitefish, which ended up 7-11. Ainsley Scott added 11 points. Polson, 5-14, advanced to next week’s Western A girls basketball divisional in Hamilton as the No. 4 seed. Polson will play the winner of the Southwest A at 2:00pm on Thursday, February 24.
Polson 52, Whitefish 46
Polson 10 9 14 19 — 52
Whitefish 8 5 13 20 — 46
POLSON: Turquoise Pierre 11 ; McKenna Hanson 10; Areanna Burke 11; Lexi Wirz 13; Grace Simonich 7.
WHITEFISH: Jude Perry 2; Hailey Ells 5; Taylor Means 9; Erin Wilde 17; Alivia Ingold 2; Ainsley Scott 11.
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Polson loss sends them to losers bracket
Layne Kearns was the Broncs' only player in double figures with 17 points, but it was more than enough in a drubbing of the Pirates. Taylor McCarthy added nine and Taryn Searle eight for Hamilton, which led 34-9 at halftime. Areanna Burke scored 12 for Polson. The Pirates next face Butte Central at 12:30 in Hamilton in a loser out game.
Hamilton 58, Polson 19
Hamilton 14 20 13 11 — 58
Polson 6 3 3 7 — 19
HAMILTON: Layne Kearns 17; Taylor McCarthy 9; Taryn Searle 8; Madi Nelson 6; Ayda Griffin 6; Mya Winkler 5; Lavana Wetzel 4; Lexi Brenneman 2; Harley Hansen 1.
POLSON: Areanna Burke 12; Jazlyn Dalbey 3; Ilysia Adams 2; Julia Barnard 1; Grace Simonich 1.
Friday, February 25, 2022
Butte Central girls 'survive' to 'play another day'
No one will remember this game as the Mona Lisa of Class A girls basketball, but the Maroons got the job done with a 47-40 victory over Polson in a Western A loser-out game. The Maroons are now a win away from punching their ticket to the state tournament.
"I thought we played scrappy," said Maroons coach Meg Murphy. "Obviously, we're a little tired it looked like; just had a hard time getting going. And usually (elimination) games are like that. Thank God, we were able to hit some some free throws, because our offense was non existent."
Sofee Thatcher played like she did not want her senior season to end. Whether it was flying around the court to corral a loose ball or drawing heavy contact driving to the hoop, she was the catalyst whenever Central needed a spark. The Pirates also had a difficult time stopping Ella Moodry, especially when she had a full head of steam headed toward the rim. Moodry led all scorers with 18 points and Thatcher finished with 15. Brooke Badovinac also had 12 points.
"I thought (Thatcher) played real hard," Murphy said. "(Moodry) obviously, getting to the basket was a big big today. We shot a lot of free throws. So yeah, (Thatcher) did a great job of just handling the pressure and kind of carrying us on her shoulder a little bit."
Central led 27-17 at the half, but Polson opened third quarter on a 11-2 run to cut the Maroons lead to 29-28. Butte Central responded with a 8-1 run, but Polson got a layup and a free throw during the last 10 seconds of the period, making it 37-32 Central heading into the fourth. That would be as close as the Pirates would get.
"We survived and we get to play another day," Murphy said.
Ella Moodry led with 18 points, Sofee Thatcher added 15 and Brooke Badinovac has 12. Butte Central scored 30 of its points from the free-throw line on 35 attempts. Grace Simonich scored 10, Areanna Burke nine and Lexi Wirz eight for Polson. Polson ended their most successfull season in years at 5-15.
Butte Central 47, Polson 40
Polson 9 8 15 8 — 40
Butte Central 17 10 10 10 — 47
POLSON: Grace Simonich 10; Areanna Burke 9; Lexi Wirz 8; Nikki Kendall 4; Jazlyn Dalbey 3; McKenna Hanson 2; Ilysia Adams 2; Julia Barnard 1; Turquoise Pierre 1.
BUTTE CENTRAL: Ella Moodry 18; Sofee Thatcher 15; Brooke Badovinac 12; Breanna Foley 2.
RESULTS 2020-21
Thursday, January 7th, 2021
Lady Pirates drop opener
Hamilton 60, Polson 25
At Hamilton in their season opener, the Polson girls were squeezed by the Broncs’ full court in a 60-25 loss. Polson hit 3-pointers to account for the lion’s share of their scoring. Although senior post Grace Hobbs didn’t factor into the scoring, Lady Pirate coach Ryan Antos acknowledged a multitude of positive contributions along with other intangibles that included four boards, four steals, an assist and a pair of deflections along with holding her own in the paint.
Hamilton 60, Polson 25
NWA Polson (0-1), SWA Hamilton (2-0)
Polson 3 9 6 7 – 25
Hamilton 16 23 13 8 – 60
POLSON – Jaivin BadBear 6(1r,1a,1s), Jazlyn Dalbey 6(3r,2s), Mckenna Hanson 5(2r,1a,2d), Gianna Fyant 3, Megan Rost 1 0-2 2(2r,5s,5d), Ali Hupka 0 2-3 2, Mossy Kauley 1(4r,3s), Turquoise Pierre 0 0-2 0(3r,2d), Grace Hobbs (4r,1a,4s,2d), Julia Barnard (2r,3a,1s,1d). 8 3-9 25 (21r,6a,16s,0b,14d)
HAMILTON – Layne Kearns 20, Katelyn Dickemore 15, Rylee Brackman 9, Morgan Brenneman 6, Maggie Ringer 4, Mya Winkler 4, Taryn Searle 2.
3FG – P6-23 (BadBear 2-6, Dalbey 2-6, Fyant 1-1, Hanson 1-2), H (Brackman 3, et al). (Th07Jan21)
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Lady Yellowjackets cruise by Lady Pirates
Maliyah LeCoure led five players in double figures with 15 points and Stevensville overwhelmed Polson 63-32. Kennedy Praast added 13, Shilo Lampi 12, Kelti Wandler 11 and Claire Hutchison 10 for the Yellowjackets.
Stevensville 63, Polson 32
Stevensville 21 13 14 15 — 63
Polson 10 2 14 6 — 32
STEVENSVILLE: Maliyah LeCoure 15 Kennedy Praast 13 Shilo Lampi 12 Kelti Wandler 11 Claire Hutchison 10 Victoria Uskoski 2.
POLSON: Megan Rost 9 Jaivin Bad Bear 7 Grace Hobbs 4 Jazlyn Dalbey 3 Julia Barnard 3 Ali Hupka 3 Turquoise Pierre 2 Mossy Kauley 1.
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Lady Bulldogs bite Lady Pirates
Whitefish 55, Polson 21
POLSON — Gracie Smyley’s 15 points helped the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs cruise to a 55-21 Northwest A win over the Polson Lady Pirates.
Jadi Walburn added 14 points for the Bulldogs (4-2 overall, 2-1 conference).
Jazlyn Dalbey paced the Pirates (0-3, 0-1) who are still looking for their first win of the season.
Whitefish 10 20 12 12 – 55
Polson 2 4 8 7 – 21
WHITEFISH – Jadi Walburn 14, Erin Wilde 4, Taylor Means 3, Ashton Ramsey 7, Makenna Ells 3, Gracie Smyley 15, Brooklyn Roberts 1, Brook Smith 8.
POLSON – Jazlyn Dalbey 5, Megan Rost 4, Arly Teaff 3, Turquoise Pierre 1, McKenna Harrison 1, Mossy Kauley 4, Grace Hobbs 1, Kamdyn Burrows 2.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Berreth leads Vals over Lady Pirates
Polson's Lady Pirates basketball team is still looking for their first win of the season but are improving with each game. They have had to overcome two COVID quarantines in January and have seen limited practice time and games because of it. Baskets continue to be hard to come by but the effort is there as they continue to play hard both on defense and offense. The Lady Pirates closed the gap with the Vals to 9 points in the third quarter but were unable to contain the scoring of Bigfork's Emma Berreth who dropped in 24 points against them. Freshman forward McKenna Hanson led the Lady Pirates with 12 points, a season high for her.
SKC Gym, Pablo
Bigfork 13 11 13 14 - 51
Polson 7 4 13 8 - 32
Scoring
Polson: Jaivin Bad Bear 6, Jazlyn Dalbey 3, SaVanna Carpentier 3, Megan Rost 4, Ali Hupka 2, McKenna Hanson 12, Grace Hobbs 2
Bigfork: Emma Berreth 24, Zoey Albert 5, Alexis Saari 10, Callie Martinz 2, Scout Nadeau 10
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Beavers capsize Pirates in nonconference clash
general information for story thanks to John Heglie
At SKC gym in Pablo, the visiting Lady Beavers of Dillon capitalized on numerous transition points off Lady Pirate turnovers to build an almost two dozen point first half advantage.
After making adjustments at halftime, the Lady Pirates responded by scoring 17 points in the third quarter. Dillon countered with a succession of three triples to open scoring the second half and scored 21 points of their own.
The Polson cumulative second half tally was their most productive half over several seasons.
Lauryn Petersen with 17 and Ainsley Shipman 14 led the Beaver attack.
Mossy Kauley let the Lady Pirates with ten points, her sixth career double digit outing.
Dillon 63, Polson 30
NWA Polson (0-5), SWA Dillon (4-2)
Dillon 12 15 21 15 – 63
Polson 2 2 17 9 – 30
DILLON – Lauryn Petersen 17, Ainsley Shipman 14, Sydney Petersen 7, Bri Williams 1, Jordyn Walker 6, Halle Fitzgerald 5, Madalen Shipman 4, Evey Hansen 3.
POLSON – Mossy Kauley 10, Turquoise Pierre 4, Jaivin BadBear 3, Jazlyn Dalbey 3, Megan Rost 2, Ali Hupka 2, Mckenna Hanson, Grace Simonich, Arly Teaf 2.
3FGs – Dillon (L.Petersen 3, S.Petersen, Walker), Polson (Dalbey 2)
Friday, January 29, 2021
Maidens run by Lady Pirates
LeReina Cordova led four players in double figures with 16 points and Ronan pasted Polson 70-29 after a sluggish start. Jaylea Lunceford had 12 points, Alexis Wirz 11 and Leina Ulutoa 10 for the Maidens. Jazlyn Dalbey paced the Pirates with 10 points.
Ronan 15 17 11 21 - 70
Polson 11 4 15 0 - 29
POLSON: Javin Badbear 3, Jazlyn Dalby 10, Megan Rost 4, Turquoise Pierre 2, McKenna Hanson 6, Mossy Kauley 4
RONAN: Alexis Wirz 11, LaReina Cordova 16, Leina Ulutoa 10, Jaeliegh Gutch, 2, Olivia Heirer 5, A. Tatukivei 2, Danni Coffman 6, Ari Burke 6, Jalea Lanceford 12
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Libby edges Polson
LIBBY — The Libby Loggers edged the Polson Lady Pirates 34-32 in a Northwest A game, behind Elise Erickson’s 13 points.
Olivia Gilliam-Smith added eight points for the Loggers (2-7 overall, 1-6 conference).
Polson led 22-12 at the half, but Libby outscored the Pirates 21-10 in the second half.
Jaivin Bad Bear, McKenna Hanson and Mossy Kauley each scored seven points to share the scoring lead for Polson (0-7, 0-3).
Libby 34, Polson 32
Polson 8 14 7 3 – 32
Libby 7 5 13 9 – 34
POLSON – Jaivin Bad Bear 7, Jazlyn Dalbey 6, Julia Barnard 3, Megan Rost 2, McKenna Hanson 7, Mossy Kauley 7.
LIBBY – Ivy Pierce 1, Gabby Fantozzi 2, Olivia Gilliam-Smith 8, Elise Erickson 13, Kinzee Boehmer 7, Taylor Munro 3.
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Wildkats rout Lady Pirates for 10th win
By Daily Inter Lake
COLUMBIA FALLS — Hannah Schweikert’s double-double helped the Columbia Falls Wildkats bounce the Polson Lady Pirates in a lopsided 60-11 Northwest A win on Thursday.
Schweikert scored 21 points (16 in the first half) and grabbed 10 rebounds. Maddie Robison and Lakia Hill each scored 10 points, and Lauren Falkner had 10 rebounds to go with four points for the Wildkats (10-0 overall, 5-0 conference).
“We’ve been off about eight or nine days, so it was good to get out there and play and just continue to get better,” Wildkats coach Cary Finberg said.
Polson, who struggled to score, turned the ball over 37 times – 25 of those in the first half.
Jazlyn Dalbey, Megan Rost and Turquoise Pierre each scored three points for Polson (0-8, 0-4).
Columbia Falls will play the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs in an away game at 7:15 p.m. tonight.
Polson 5 5 1 0 – 11
CFalls 18 21 16 5 – 60
POLSON – Jazlyn Dalbey 3, Megan Rost 3, Turquoise Pierre 3, Mossy Kauley 2.
COLUMBIA FALLS – Hannah Schweikert 21, Maddie Robison 10, Lakia hill 10, Lauren Falkner 4, Abbie Darsow 4, Grace Gedlaman 3, Clarissa Erb 2, Alexis Green 2, Hope McAtee 2, Nevaeh Carlin 2.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Turnovers still plague the Lady Pirates
Sydney Brander scored 16 points, Kooper Page added 11 and Gabby Smith had 10 to lead St. Ignatius over Class A Polson 55-38. The Bulldogs led by four after one quarter but built the margin to 16 at halftime. Jazlyn Dalbey and Mossy Kauley each had seven points for the Pirates.
St. Ignatius 55, Polson 38
Polson 6 7 11 14 — 38
St. Ignatius 10 19 16 10 — 55
POLSON: Jazlyn Dalbey 7; Mossy Kauley 7; Jaivin Bad Bear 6; McKenna Hanson 6; Gianna Fyant 5; Megan Rost 2; Arly Teaff 2; Grace Simonich 2; Julia Barnard 1.
ST. IGNATIUS: Sydney Brander 16; Kooper Page 11; Gabby Smith 10; Madyson Currie 7; Izzy Evans 5; Cedar Hunt 4; Kason Page 2.
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Whitefish sinks Polson
WHITEFISH — Gracie Smyley rained three 3-pointers on the way to 23 points and Whitefish made short work of Northwest A foe Polson.
Brook Smith added 12 points and Mikenna Ells checked in with 10 for the Bulldogs (9-3 overall, 4-2 in league), who led 33-7 at halftime.
Mossy Kauley scored 10 points for the Lady Pirates (0-10, 0-6).
Whitefish 59, Polson 18
Polson 2 5 5 6 — 18
Whitefish 17 16 20 6 — 59
POLSON: Mossy Kauley 10; McKenna Hanson 2; Ali Hupka 2; Jazlyn Dalbey 2; Julia Barnard 2.
WHITEFISH: Gracie Smyley 23; Brook Smith 12; Makenna Ells 10; Jadi Walburn 5; Ashton Ramsey 4; Jenny Patten 3; Erin Wilde 2.
Friday, February 12, 2021
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Libby girls down Lady Pirates
Riley Boltz and Taylor Boltz scored 14 points apiece and Libby pulled away in the second half for a 48-32 win over Polson. Kinzee Boehmler added 10 for the Loggers, who led by four points at intermission. Mossy Kauley scored eight and SaVanna Carpentier seven for the Pirates.
Libby 48, Polson 32
Libby 6 8 16 18 — 48
Polson 4 6 11 11 — 32
LIBBY: Riley Boltz 14; Taylor Munro 14; Kinzee Boehmler 10; Elisa Erickson 7; Gabby Fanzotti 2; Olivia Smith 1.
POLSON: Mossy Kauley 8; SaVanna Carpentier 7; Jaivin Bad Bear 4; Julia Barnard 4; Turquoise Pierre 3; Jazlyn Dalbey 2; Megan Rost 2; McKenna Hanson 2.
Monday, February 15, 2021
Lady Pirate defense shines, but Browning weaponry prevails
by John Heglie
At the Joe McDonald Health & Wellness Center (SKC gym) in Pablo in a makeup game for a weather postponement, the host Lady Pirates played one of their better defensive games of the season against the visiting Lady Indians of Browning. Polson held the potent point productivity of their visitors below their mid-50s points per game average as well as curtailed the output of three of their leading scorers. But others Lady Indians filled in the gaps which included a half dozen deuces from game leading scorer 6-2 post Abby BullCalf, whose height advantage was difficult to counter. Coupled with a plethora of picked Pirate pockets and the exploitation of other manufactured turnovers off their press, Browning was able to convert additional transition points that would account for the scoring differential. Nevertheless, Polson held their visitors to their lowest number of field goal conversions among Browning wins this season.
On the bright side, the Lady Pirates matched Browning from beyond the arc as well as at the charity stripe.
Mossy Kauley and Mckenna Hanson both scored seven. Megan Rost applied her special birthday dispensation to maximum effect by turning in a well rounded game that included nine rebounds, dishing a trio of assists as well as splashing an long range on target triple from beyond the arc. Frosh guard Julia Barnard hustled down a half dozen boards along with dishing out a trio of assists, one of those a salvage operation that was heading out of bounds which she flipped back into the waiting hands of Grace Hobbs, who converted what would have otherwise been a lost opportunity into a deuce.
Browning 49, Polson 29
Mossy Kauley crested the double century point plateau for varsity career scoring.
Polson (0-8, 0-13), Browning (4-4, 6-5)
Browning 14 10 13 12 – 49
Polson 5 9 8 7 – 29
BROWNING – Abby BullCalf 12(7r), Chalissa Kipp 9, Jerel WhiteGrass 8, Arena Matt 6(4a), Mecca BullChild 5, Tatum RunningCrane 4(7r,6s), Mishayla Croff 3, Jazelyn Wells 1, Walker RunningCrane 1. 21 4-15 49 (37r,12a,28s, 2b)
POLSON – Mossy Kauley 3 1-5 7(4r,1s,1b), Mckenna Hanson 3 0-0 7(2r,1a), Jaivin BadBear 1 1-2 4(2r,1a,1s), Jazlyn Dalbey 1 1-3 3(2r), Megan Rost 3(9r,3a,1s,1b), Grace Hobbs 2(3r,1s,1b), Turquoise Pierre 2(4r,2s), Grace Simonich 1, Julia Barnard 0 0-1 0(6r,3a,2s), Ali Hupka (3r,2d), SaVanna Carpentier (3r,1a). 11 4-13 29 (38r,9a,8s,2b)
3FGs – B3 (Kipp, M.BC, Croff), P3 (BadBear, Rost, Hanson).
Unofficial gm rendition by JH. Some details may vary from official summaries
Thursday, February 18, 2020
Runnin' Indians top Lady Pirates
Walker Running Crane topped all scorers with 17 points,Mishayla Croff helped with 12 and Mecca Bullchild added 11 as Browning overpowered Polson 75-34. Tatum Running Craneproduced nine for the Runnin' Indians, who led by 17 at halftime and coasted from there. McKenna Hanson scored 11 and Jazlyn Dalbey eight for the Pirates.
Browning 75, Polson 34
Polson 7 10 10 7 — 34
Browning 16 18 24 17 — 75
POLSON: McKenna Hanson 11; Jazlyn Dalbey 8; Mossy Kauley 6; Grace Simonich 4; Megan Rost 3; Turquoise Pierre 2.
BROWNING: Walker Running Crane 17; Mishayla Croff 12; Mecca Bullchild 11; Tatum Running Crane 9; Abby Bullcalf 8; Chalissa Kipp 7; Jazzlyn Wells 4; Jerel Whitegrass 4; Alena Burdeau 3.
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Maidens drop Lady Pirates on senior night
Jaylea Lunceford scored 15 points and Ronan bolted to a 20-2 first-quarter lead in cruising past Polson 50-34. Jaeleigh Gatch added nine for the Maidens. Polson closed the gap but couldn't overcome the Ronan lead. Jazlyn Dalbey led the Pirates with 10, and Mossy Kauley provided eight.
Ronan 50, Polson 34
Ronan 20 13 9 8 — 50
Polson 2 15 5 12 — 34
RONAN: Jaylea Lunceford 15; Jaeleigh Gatch 9; Alexis Wirz 7; Areanna Burke 7; Danielle Coffman 4; LaReina Cordova 2; Leina Ulutoa 2; Olivia Heiner 2; Madeline McCrea 2.
POLSON: Jazlyn Dalbey 10; Mossy Kauley 8; Megan Rost 4; Grace Hobbs 4; McKenna Hanson 3; Ali Hupka 2; Jaivin Bad Bear 2; Julia Barnard 1.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Runnin' Indians end Lady Pirate season
Tatum Running Crane popped in 13 points and Browning bolted to a 20-0 first-quarter lead en route to overwhelming Polson 62-20 in a divisional play-in game. Arena Matt and Walker Running Crane chipped in with 11 apiece for the Runnin' Indians. Megan Rost scored nine and Jazlyn Dalbey eight for the Pirates. Browning opens Western A divisional play against No. 1 Dillon on Thursday.
Browning 62, Polson 20
Polson 0 11 7 2 — 20
Browning 20 10 18 14 — 62
POLSON: Megan Rost 9; Jazlyn Dalbey 8; Mossy Kauley 2; McKenna Hanson 1.
BROWNING: Tatum Running Crane 13; Arena Matt 11; Walker Running Crane 11; Abby Bullcalf 8; Chalissa Kipp 5; Jazzlyn Wells 4; Alena Bourdeau 3; Brailey Racine 3; Jerel Whitegrass 2; Mecca Bullchild 2.