Kats pour it on against Frenchtown

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team finally unveiled its offensive potential last week.

After a rough first half, the Wildkats outscored conference rival Frenchtown 45-17 in the second half to cruise to victory. The Kats’ speed and transitional offense came to life as they won 68-31 at home Dec. 20.

The game didn’t start out that way, however. The Kats had a 23-14 lead at the break but were still having a tough time finding the basket in a physical battle of attrition against the Lady Broncs.

The Kats played better defense in the second half, pushing the ball and getting out on the break, which led to the blowout.

“It was probably our best half of the year,” coach Cary Finberg said.

Peyton Kehr had a standout performance coming off the bench, scoring 13 points and adding eight rebounds.

“That’s the good thing about this team,” Finberg said. “We’re getting contributions from different kids on different nights. It makes it tough for other teams to defend us.”

Summer Burlage and Winter Kemppainen had nine apiece. Cydney Finberg tallied seven along with some big steals and great play from the point.

All told, 13 Kats were in the scoring column. Cydney also had three assists and three steals, as did guard Miranda Livingston. Ciera Finberg also had three assists and Kemppainen had eight boards to go with her points.

The Wildkats are now 5-0 on the year. They have a few days off for Christmas break and then return to action Jan. 2 hosting Eureka. Game time is 7 p.m.

Frenchtown 7 7 8 9 — 31

Columbia Falls 13 10 21 24 — 68

FRENCHTOWN — Emma Pyron 2, Haylee Cyr 11, Laci Willett 1, Alli Moe 2, Brooke Yarnall 6, Megan Delaney 4, Alivia Williams 5.

COLUMBIA FALLS — Summer Burlage 9, Katie Price 2, Ciera Finberg 6, Sydney Grilley 2, Haylie Peacock 2, Cydney Finberg 7, Ellie Johnson 6, Peyton Kehr 13, Winter Kemppainen 9, Miranda Livingston 2, Kiara Burlage 4, Allyson Gimbel 4, Sydney Hovde 2.