Closson Finishes UM Basketball Career
Whitefish Standout’s Last Dance
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Johanna Closson |
Last week, Lady Griz forward Johanna Closson had one focus: moving past the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament. But, after losing to Vanderbilt in the final game of her college career, she’s free to begin planning for another “big dance” – her wedding party.
“We’ve just kind of been waiting until basketball was over to set a date or plan, so that I wouldn’t be as busy or distracted,” Closson said.
Osweiler, Fierro Tower Above the Rest
Best of Preps: Basketball, Wrestling & Swimming
Brock Osweiler - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
Click here for slide show of the Beacon’s best of preps picks.
These are Flathead County’s high school all-star basketball teams, as chosen by the Beacon. We’ve ignored class distinctions and conference limitations to round up what we feel would be the best squads to match up against any other all-star teams in the state. There’s a lot of talent in this county – if such a county vs. county tournament were to ever be played, we like our chances.
[read more]Northwest A Divisional Tournament
Whitefish Edges Columbia Falls, Heads to State
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In an intense rivalry game with a state tournament berth on the line, the Whitefish and Columbia Falls boys basketball teams put on the show many people expected, with the Bulldogs edging the Wildcats 68-66 in Monday night’s challenge game.
Whitefish, along with Northwest A champion Ronan, will play in the Class A state tournament, held Feb. 28 through March 1 in Billings. Columbia Falls’ season is over.
Northwest A Divisional Tournament
Senior Star Leads Ronan Past Whitefish in Championship
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Ronan's Jordan St. Clair and Moss Tanner celebrate afther their 60-53 victory over Whitefish. Tanner finished the game with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon |
Click here to see images from Thursday's round one.
Click here to see images from Friday's semifinals.
Click here for images from Saturday's Championships.
The story of the Northwest A boys divisional championship game, and perhaps the entire tournament, was Ronan star Moss Tanner, who led his No. 3 Chiefs to a 60-53 victory over the No. 4 Whitefish Bulldogs on Saturday night.
The 6-foot-2 senior guard did everything for the Chiefs, harassing the Bulldogs on defense, breaking them down on offense and finding a variety of ways to score throughout the game. He finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. He averaged 23 points per game for the tournament.
Full Coverage: Northwest A Divisionals Game Center
Northwest A Divisional Tournament
Whitefish Slips Past Libby, Joins Boys in Championship
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Whitefish's Amanda Ormsby, left, and Dana Labuda celebrate after their victory over Libby to advance to the Northwest A Divisional championship game. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon |
Click here to see images from Thursday's round one.
Click here to see images from Friday's semifinals.
Click here for images from Saturday's Championships.
Two hours after the Whitefish boys stamped their ticket to the divisional championship game, the girls joined the party, knocking off No. 2 Libby 52-45 Friday evening.
The No. 3 Lady Bulldogs led for most of the game, relinquishing the lead in the second half only briefly at the start of the fourth quarter. Whitefish was led by junior Kate Klundt with 16 points and senior Ashley Ferda, the University of Montana recruit, with 15 points. Senior Chelsea Ray chipped in nine.
Full Coverage: Northwest A Divisionals Game Center
Northwest A Divisional Tournament
Whitefish Stuns Polson, Advances to Championship
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Polson's Ryan Kelley takes a tough shot with contact from Whitefish's David FauntLeRoy, left, and Micah Lee during Friday's Northwest A Divisional game. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon |
Click here to see images from Thursday's round one.
Click here to see images from Friday's semifinals.
Click here for images from Saturday's Championships.
The No.4 Whitefish Bulldogs will have a chance to repeat as the Northwest A divisional champions after stunning No. 1 Polson on Friday afternoon 44-37.
Polson opened up with an 11-2 lead early in the first quarter but the Bulldogs battled back to a 20-20 tie at halftime. The Bulldogs then took their first lead (22-20) one minute in to the third quarter. Offensively the top-ranked Pirates struggled, tallying just six points in the quarter. Whitefish capitalized and took a 35-24 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Full Coverage: Northwest A Divisionals Game Center
