Kaz comes through in clutch against Bigfork

Dig a hole, then dig out of it. That seems to be the way the Columbia Falls boys basketball team is winning games this season.

The Wildcats did it again in a Jan. 3 away game, coming back from a 17-point deficit in the second half to beat Bigfork in overtime, 61-59.

Bigfork shot out of the gate with 24 points in the first stanza, while the Cats could muster just 11. The Vikings added 11 in the second quarter to build their advantage to 17.

But the Cats responded with a big third quarter, scoring 24 to make it 43-42, Vikings. The Cats tied it up in the fourth and had the last shot as time expired in regulation but missed, sending the game to overtime.

In the extra period, Luke Kazlauskas hit a lay-up with two seconds left for the victory. Kazlauskas had 20 points in the game to lead all scorers. Alex Presnell had 18, and Jared Trinastich had 10.

Coach Cary Finberg, who missed the game because he was at home coaching the girls, said he was proud of the coaching staff and the players for their effort. The team was coached by junior varsity coach Chris Finberg.

“It shows character with this group,” he said. “They’re willing to step up.”

The Cats were without starting forward Colin King. Austin Kimmet took his place but then sprained an ankle, so Mason Gedlaman and Logan Williams stepped up to help on defense. Austin Martin also had a good game defensively.

Chris Finberg said they came out and played passively in the first half. At halftime he told them at the half to play aggressive and try to cut the lead to eight or nine by the fourth to give themselves a chance to win.

They did better than that — they cut the margin to one.

The boys are now 6-1 overall. They face a formidable Glacier High School squad Thursday night at home and then travel to Whitefish on Saturday. Game times are 8 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively.

“We’ve got our hands full (with Glacier),” Finberg noted. ”They’re one of the better teams in the state.”

The Whitefish match is also a big conference game, as the Bulldogs can be dangerous shooting the ball.

Columbia Falls 11 7 24 11 8 - 61

Bigfork 24 11 8 10 6 - 59

COLUMBIA FALLS - Alex Presnell 18, Luke Kazlauskas 20, Nakia Alexander 2, Ty Morgan 4, Mason Gedlaman 3, Jared Trinastich 10, Austin Kimmet 4.

BIGFORK - Austin Jordt 12, Seth Roessmann 3, Colter Trent 9, Chris Landon 12, Cam Nissen 2, Tyler Kirby 3, Christian Evans 18.