Swan River girls go 17-0

By FAITH MOLDAN

Bigfork Eagle

The Swan River 5th and 6th grade girls’ basketball team finished the 2007 season with a 17-0 overall record and earned 1st place in the East Valley Invitational Basketball Tournament.

Swan River was able to edge out Helena Flats in the final game of the tournament to earn the 1st place honors.

The Swan River Warriors started the tournament with a big win over Deer Park. The Warriors defeated Deer Park 38-8 Feb. 28 in the opening game of the tournament.

Swan River jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter and increased its lead to 12-2 at halftime.

The Warriors’ good shooting and quickness kept the scoring coming in the second half, as the Warriors led 26-4 with less than 30 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Fast breaks and good passing continued for Swan River in the final quarter of play. After allowing Deer Park to score just one field goal in each of the previous three quarters, Deer Park made two field goals in the fourth quarter to make the ending score 38-8.

This is the first year in Swan River School history that the Warriors have been able to play more than just one home game during the season. Swan River scheduled 50 percent of all of the Warriors’ games at its home facility, which has made a significant difference for the basketball teams.

Coach Scott Ozegovich and the 5th/6th grade girls’ team worked hard and enjoyed an undefeated season, making the first year in the new gymnasium a historical one to remember. Coach Ozegovich worked hard to teach the girls fundamental skills, teaching them how to play multiple positions on the court, quality sportsmanship and team play. Each player contributed to this year’s success and the girls certainly had fun.