CHARLO BB: TOURNAMENT TIME

HOT SPRINGS - The Charlo Vikings were tested often in the second

half of the season, including in two games last weekend, but as

they head into postseason play, feel good about their chances to

advance a long way.

HOT SPRINGS - The Charlo Vikings were tested often in the second half of the season, including in two games last weekend, but as they head into postseason play, feel good about their chances to advance a long way.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, Webb O'Neill dominated to the tune of 19 points, while Kolten Andrews added 12 as the Vikings rallied from a second-half deficit to upend the Hot Springs Savage Heat 54-44.

The host Savage Heat led 18-12 after one and 27-19 at halftime, but Charlo responded with an 18-5 third-quarter spurt to take the lead and added 17 in the fourth to earn the victory.

"Hot Springs came out competing, getting to the loose balls," Charlo head coach Mike Brown said. "In the second half, we really came out and competed."

Dillon Delaney scored nine, Stephen Delaney eight and Tra Ludeman six to round out the scoring for the Vikings, who knocked off Hot Springs for the second time this year.

Against the Arlee Warriors the following night, Andrews scored 18 points to lead Charlo to their second win of the season over their Lake County rivals, 59-49.

In a reversal from the previous night, it was the Vikings who stormed out to a big lead early, taking an 18-4 edge after one and not relinquishing it to improve to 14-4 on the season.

"We told ourselves we wouldn't build a hole for ourselves and we'd come out fighting," Brown said.

That they did, as Charlo backed up their impressive first quarter with a 14-10 second period to take a commanding lead into the locker room. Arlee would fight back in the second half, outscoring the Vikings 35-27, but it wasn't enough to rally.

Ludeman and Dillon Delaney each scored a dozen in the win, which locked up the three seed in the District 14-C Tournament in Ronan this weekend.

Brown likes the way his team has played all season and has high hopes for his squad as the enter the postseason.

"I've liked our team the whole year," Brown said. "It comes down to making shots and rebounding. I know our boys will compete."

The Vikings will open up on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. against Hot Springs, who they also defeated earlier in the season 72-51. The winner of that contest will play at 4:30 on Friday, Feb. 17 against the winner of Noxon and St. Regis.

CHARLO @ H.S.

Charlo - 12 - 7 - 18 - 17 - 54

H.S. - 18 - 9 - 5 - 12 - 44

Vikings scoring - Webb O'Neill 19, Kolten Andrews 12, Dillon Delaney 9, Stephen Delaney 8, Tra Ludeman 6.

CHARLO @ ARLEE

Charlo - 18 - 14 - 14 - 13 - 59

Arlee - 4 - 10 - 16 - 19 - 49

Vikings scoring - Kolten Andrews 18, Dillon Delaney 12, Tra Ludeman, 12, Stephen Delaney 9, Webb O'Neill 4, Tristan Santee 2, Tyler Delaney 2.