Cats down Chiefs, Bulldogs
The Columbia Falls boys basketball team rebounded much better last week — and it resulted in two victories.
The Wildcats dropped Ronan 69-34 on Feb. 13 and walloped Whitefish two days later 74-52 in away action.
The win over Whitefish gave the boys the regular season conference title and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Against the Chiefs, the Cats shot 57 percent and out rebounded Ronan 29-22.
Grant Stenger came off the bench and had nine points and seven rebounds — a nice addition to the squad. He’s been hampered by injuries most of the season, but the Cats will need his size and length come tournament time.
Ty Morgan also had a good week, with 10 assists and no turnovers through both games. Alex Presnell had two great games shooting the ball, scoring 18 points apiece in the two games. Jared Trinastich also had two solid nights, with 13 against Ronan and 18 against the Bulldogs, including nine rebounds.
The Cats also won the battle of the boards against Whitefish, 36-24.
“Defensively we played very well for three quarters,” coach Cary Finberg said.
Columbia Falls held the Bulldogs to just 32 percent shooting.
The Cats wrap up the regular season with a home game against Libby on Friday starting at 6 p.m. Columbia Falls is now 6-1 in conference play and 13-4 overall.
C Falls 19 14 15 26—74
Whitefish 10 10 11 21—52
COLUMBIA FALLS — Alex Presnell 18, Trevor Houston 2, Grant Stenger 5, Jayce Fagerland 6, Austin Kimmet 4, Nakia Alexander 5, Ty Morgan 13, Justice McManus 3, Jared Trinastich 18.
WHITEFISH — Keaton Nicholson 11, A.J. Wetsch 8, Alex Wilson 3, EJ Havens 10, Art Doorn 13, Garrett Anderson 7.
C Falls 18 16 16 19 – 69
Ronan 7 8 7 12 – 34
COLUMBIA FALLS – Alex Presnell 18, Trevor Houston 3, Grant Stenger 9, Jace Fargerland 7, Nakia Alexander 4, Ty Morgan 9, Justice McManus 2, Jared Trinastich 13, Grant Wallace 4.
RONAN – Cedric Earthboy 2, Bryce Cullen 2, Ty James 1, Timmy Woll 3, Alex Quequeseh 8, Aaron Misa 3, July Sorrell 2, Rhett Duffey 9, Daniel Aylesworth 4.