Boys edge Pirates for conference lead

Kyle Howell had a stellar weekend, leading the Columbia Falls boys basketball team to two wins as they captured sole possession of first place in the Northwest A conference.

The Cats (13-2, 5-0) dumped Libby 66-34 last Thursday and then squeaked past Polson 50-48.

Howell scored 18 points in each game, including 10 points in the third quarter to lead a come from behind rally against the Pirates, who were up by 11 with 4:57 left in the third.

He also had 10 rebounds in each game, making him the coach's player of the week.

"He stepped up huge for us this weekend," coach Cary Finberg said.

By the 6:40 mark in the fourth, the Cats had retaken the lead 38-36. From there, they traded baskets through the quarter and Polson led 48-47 at the 1:15 mark. But with just over 30 seconds left, the Cats regained the lead after Nick Emerson dropped in a shot under the basket on a feed from Mitchell Wassam.

Polson couldn't score on the ensuing possession and Wassam was fouled on the inbounds pass. He hit one of two free throws to put the Cats up 50-48. Polson got the ball back with about six seconds left, but a last ditch shot went wide and the Cats got the W.

"It was a tournament-type game with two very good teams … both defenses took over for awhile," Finberg said.

The Cats turned the ball over 18 times to Polson's 13, but they out-rebounded the Pirates 41-23. Austin Barth also had a solid game, with 10 points and 13 rebounds and three blocks. The Cats shot poorly from the line, however, shooting just seven for 21. Wassam had six assists and played a key defensive roll down the stretch, Finberg said. Polson shot just 37 percent from the field.

Against Libby, the Cats still didn't shoot well from the line, just 10 for 18, but they held the Loggers to 31 percent shooting from the field, and out-rebounded the Loggers 39-21.

Michael Williams and Nick Emerson had five assists apiece and Williams had six steals against the Loggers.

JV player of the week was Nick Emerson, who had 13 points, four assist and a dunk in one quarter of play against the Pirates.

Frosh player of the week was Austin Martin, who had 11 points against Libby.

The Cats face Ronan at home Friday and Whitefish away Saturday. Gametimes are 7:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively.

Finberg said the Cats would like to finish off the season with an undefeated record at home.