Polson drops close one to Libby
Pirate sophomore Tyler Krell fights for position against Libby defenders during the tight game on Saturday.
POLSON — The Polson boys basketball team beat Class B Eureka last Thursday 60-50, despite what head coach Brad Pluff said was the Pirate’s “worst shooting nights of the year.”
Up by one at the half, Polson held Eureka to five points in the third, but allowed 21 in the fourth.
Junior Kyle Bagnell had 18 points and senior Tim Rausch added 17.
Senior Derrick Rathe had 15 rebounds, the most this year by anybody, Pluff said.
Next, the Pirates played a tight game against conference foe Libby last Saturday. Pluff said both teams never held more than a three-point lead.
After an even score at halftime, Polson held a two-point lead before the fourth quarter before Libby outscored them 7-4.
The last minutes showed the Pirates maintain their composure.
“Other than not winning the game, I liked what I saw,” Pluff said.
Sophomore Vince DiGiallonardo led with 14 points and sophomore Tyler Krell had a double-double, with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Pirates played with an absent Rausch.
“It hurt us a little bit,” Pluff said. “But it was a chance for some of the younger kids to play and step up.”
Polson played at Flathead on Tuesday, scores were unavailable at press time.
The Pirates host Whitefish on Saturday in a huge conference game.
“We can’t lose any more conference home games,” Pluff said.