Core Scarlet players expected to return for next season
Ed Moreth for the Leader/file photo - Shelbie Piedalue will be one of Arlee’s key returning players for next year’s team. She is seen here holding off an opponent against Plains.
Zach Urness
Leader Staff
MISSOULA — The Arlee Scarlets’ season came to an end last weekend at the divisional tournament, but with a talented group returning that includes the league’s leading scorer, Jordan Pfau, the Scarlets will look to improve upon their success next season.
The task of taking on defending state champion Loyola fell to the Scarlets in the first round last Thursday and it probably didn’t help that Loyola was also hosting the tournament. The second-ranked Breakers used a 43-6 run in the first half to hand Arlee a 79-31 loss. Jordan Pfau led the Scarlets with 16 points and was followed by Shaylene Wilson with five. Ty Gardipe and Shelbie Piedalue each had four points. Kayla Dix added two points for the game.
The Scarlets played much better against conference foe Thompson Falls on Friday. Despite falling in a 17-2 hole after the first quarter the Scarlets fought back, outscoring the Bluehawks 16-5 in the third quarter to get as close as five points going into the fourth, but they couldn’t make a big run and ended up losing 48-37.
Jordan Pfau and Ty Gardipee combined for 28 points, although both players ended up fouling out. Shaylene Wilson had five points and Kristin Sansevere and Kayla Dix had two points each to round out the Scarlets’ scoring.
Arlee went 6-of-10 from the free-throw line.
Arlee finished the season with a 7-17 overall record, but considering the young age of the Scarlets, they have a chance to make some noise next season. With all five starters returning, including Jordan Pfau, Ty Gardipe, who are only freshmen, and Shaylene Wilson and Shelbie Piedalue who are both sophomores, the Scarlets will have the opportunity to be a very good team for years to come.