Swan River girls win championship

The Swan River Elementary School Lady Warriors won first place in the 2012 East Valley Invitational Championship against eight Flathead Valley schools’ fifth and sixth grade girls basketball teams on March 7-9. The championship was co-hosted by Swan River Elementary and Fair-Mont-Egan.

“We thank Fair-Mont-Egan for co-hosting this year’s tournament and all of their hard work,” Swan River principal Peter Loyda said. “We also appreciate having all of these quality teams in this year’s tournament, each team showed good sportsmanship and played great games.”

Marion won second place, Cayuse Prairie took third, Fair-Mont-Egan earned fourth and Helena Flats got fifth place in the tournament. Kila, Deer Park and Smith Valley schools also participated in the tournament.

“It was quite an amazing atmosphere this season and during the tournament with incredible support from the school’s students, and the athletes’ parents and family members,” Loyda said. “The bleachers were filled at every home and away game this season, which provided the kind of support that most teams thirst for.”

In order to secure the championship title, Swan River had to play and defeat Deer Park, Cayuse Prairie, and Marion on March 9.

The Lady Warriors, under the coaching of Tim Guenzler, finished their regular season record with nine wins and two losses. At the end of the tournament they were 12-2. This was Guenzler’s fourth season as head coach for the team.

“His diverse sports background, well-rounded coaching philosophy, guidance and direction provided this year’s team with support they needed to grow and excel during the season,” Loyda said. “The girls definitely worked hard and took pride in their fundamental skills, teamwork, quality sportsmanship and overall friendships during the season.”