Vals, Vikes lose challenge hoop games

RONAN — Florence used a fast start and the scoring power of Danielle Zahn to drop Bigfork in a Western B girls divisional basketball challenge game Monday evening 65-59 at the Ronan Events Center.

Florence bolted to an 18-9 first-quarter lead before Bigfork roared back to trail by four, 32-28, at the half. The two teams battled on almost even terms the second half.

Zahn finished with 30 points.

Bigfork had balanced scoring with Shae Anderson and Abby Ellison both netting 14, Jaime Berg had 10 and Abby Lembke nine.

The win advances Florence to the Class B state girls basketball tournament in Billings on March 9-11.

Florence 18 14 11 22 — 65

Bigfork 9 19 13 18 — 59

FLORENCE — Autumn Round 9, Emma Stensrud 1, Jewel Zeiler 2, Rilee Mangun 7, McKenna Liles 8, Danielle Zahn 30, Chloe Arthur 8.

BIGFORK — Haile Norred 5, Ellie Berreth 7, Shae Anderson 14, Abby Ellison 14, Jaime Berg 10, Abby Lembke 9.

Boys

Missoula Loyola 62,

Bigfork 55

RONAN — Bigfork led early, 13-9, before Missoula Loyola battled back to claim the Western B divisional challenge game.

The win advances Loyola to the Class B state basketball tournament in Billings on March 9-11.

Beau Santistevan and Anders Epperly led Bigfork in scoring with 17 and 13 points, respectively. Fisher Richardson had 20 for Loyola.

Loyola 9 18 20 15 — 62

Bigfork 13 12 18 12 — 55

MISSOULA Loyola – Jack Lincoln 10, Kellen Round 3, Bryan Swanson 4, Ryan McHugh 11, Parker Davis 11, Fisher Richardson 20, Jack Burns 3.

Bigfork – Anders Epperly 13, Clayton Reichenback 7, Luke Schmit 2, Randy Stultz 2, Logan Taylor 7, Logan Gilliard 7, Beau Santistevan 17.

Monday’s Other Challenge Games

BOYS

Eastern C at Wolf Point

Fairview 67, Frazer 61

Western C at Butte Central

Manhattan Christian 59, Ennis 57