Chiefs open state tourney against Butte Central

RONAN — The Ronan Chiefs practiced all week in preparation for an opening game against Butte Central as their state tournament action opens at 2 p.m. today (Thursday).

"I really like our chances against Butte Central," said coach Aaron Griffin. "We match up really well against them. If we can win that game, who knows what can happen."

Butte Central is smaller and runs a three-guard starting rotation, similar to Ronan. Ronan may actually outsize their opposition in the first game, which would be a first for the Chiefs this year, said Griffin. Butte Central runs a fast-paced offense with a pressure defense, a mirror image of Ronan.

"We don't want to fall into the trap of taking quick shots to match their offense," said Jimmy Michel. "We expect to face their 1-2-2 zone at some point, so we'll have to adjust when we see that."

If they trap in the full-court press, Ronan is blessed with more than one ballhandler who can advance the ball past mid-court. And Griffin isn't afraid to take advantage of whatever information he can ply from inside sources.

Griffin said he's using every connection he has to gather details.

"We'll see if we can find any tips," said Griffin.

Ronan will face either Glendive or Anaconda on Friday, depending on whether they win or lose. The winner's bracket game is at 6:30 p.m. and the loser's bracket game is at 12:30 p.m. And both will require the Chiefs to change gears.

"Both teams are very big and physical," said Griffin. "Glendive has a 6'9" player, two 6'7" players, and a 6'5" player. And Anaconda has a 6'7" kid and a 6'5" kid. But our kids are used to playing bigger kids, so we'll have to adjust."

On Monday it was back to the hardwood as Griffin tried to condition his players for their next challenge.

"This isn't 'The Jeffersons' moving on up to the high rise — you've got to get out to defend on the post quickly," said Griffin as he taught his players tactics. "As soon as we miss a shot, you attack the ball."

The frenzied defense that helped Ronan advance past Libby in a challenge game last week is a big part of what Griffin hopes the team can bring to Butte for the tournament. Their offense relies on conversions from turnovers and three-pointers from set plays, so the team needs to be execute to advance, said Griffin.

"Jimmy, Aaron (Skogen), and Zanen (Pitts) have to hit the open guy," said Griffin. "And Cameron (Barber) has played really well for us as a sophomore. Our motto this year is 'We don't want to be satisfied with just going to state.'"

The main difference between the first round teams is that the Chiefs plan on playing 10 players deep into their bench, while Butte Central only has six or seven guys that play, said Griffin. He thinks that can be an advantage when both teams like to run.

Ronan is not resting on their success, but they are enjoying its rewards.

"Everyone walks up to you in the halls and in the street and tells you how proud they are and how they can't wait to see you perform in Butte," said Nick Harris. "It's a great feeling."

"We're very excited to go to state," said Skogen. "The intensity has picked up a lot in practice. You can just see it."

While no one on the team will admit to watching "Hoosiers" for inspiration, Michel did indicate some of the team was a little jittery and that Griffin was doing his best to keep the team level.