Turnovers hurt Kats in run against Ronan
Hungry Horse News
A late-game collapse fueled by a rash of turnovers ended the Columbia Falls girls basketball team's run at upsetting Ronan at home Friday.
After the Wildkats took a one-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, Ronan outscored Columbia Falls 14-1 and won 60-48 in the Northwestern A matchup.
"I could just feel it slipping," Wildkats coach Kris Salonen said. "The bottom line is the kids have got to step it up."
With senior starters Bekah Stoltz and Lindsay Johnson out with injuries, the Wildkats lacked poise on offense and committed 36 turnovers. They also allowed Polson to get easy put-backs off offensive rebounds.
"They probably scored on every offensive rebound and loose ball that they got," Salonen said. "That's what happens when you rebuild your team. All of a sudden we're in a panic mode, and we're not being patient."
Columbia Falls (7-6, 2-3 in conference) has lost four straight games since losing Stoltz and Johnson on Jan. 15. Both provided plenty of points and rebounds. Stoltz averaged 16 points and seven rebounds per game. Johnson averaged 10 points and five rebounds.
Salonen said Stoltz might return for their next game at Libby on Friday.
Salonen said her team has still played hard in the absence of the starters. That was evident in Friday's game.
Ronan's shooters were hot as the Maidens bolted to a 12-7 lead. It looked like a blowout was coming.
But Columbia Falls battled back with the help of Jenna Toole, who finished with 15 points, and Kim Pearce, who scored 10 points.
The Wildkats trailed just 26-22 late in the second quarter.
But Ronan pulled ahead again and led 32-24 at the half.
Salonen said the end of the second quarter was a turning point because it forced them to play catch-up in the second half.
Columbia Falls had a solid third quarter, outscoring Ronan 13-7 and pulling within two points.
The Wildkats got their first lead of the game when Danielle Herman scored to make it 43-42. The Wildcats were moving the ball well on offense and appeared ready to shed their recent misfortunes. But after taking a 47-46 lead, their performance crumbled, and Ronan jumped ahead for the victory.
The Wildkats will try to end their losing skid against Libby, but that won't be easy.
"They're just a strong team, and it's always hard to go there and play," Salonen said. "I'm hoping we can sneak out of there with a win."
Also on Friday, the junior varsity team crushed Ronan 47-18.
Maidens 60, Wildkats 48
Ronan 14 18 7 21 60
Columbia Falls 13 11 13 11 48