ARLEE BB RECAP: Big win

ARLEE - It's easy to get excited for another "Super" District

matchup of 14-C teams, and that was especially true for the

Arlee-Two Eagle matchup last Thursday. The Warriors came out with a

mountain-load of energy and won the friendly rivalry game

77-62.

ARLEE - It's easy to get excited for another "Super" District matchup of 14-C teams, and that was especially true for the Arlee-Two Eagle matchup last Thursday. The Warriors came out with a mountain-load of energy and won the friendly rivalry game 77-62.

"I think we came out really focused as a team," Arlee head coach Dustin Keltner said. "Both teams know each other's game. We excuted our game plan well and we were able to get out to a good start."

Six different Arlee players scored in the first quarter as they jumped out to a 28-16 lead. Junior Sansavere continued to show his ability as a scorer, notching 11 points in the first half for the Warriors. Arlee would go into halftime with a 42-28 lead and Sansavere would finish the game with 16 points.

He wasn't the only one scoring though. Four other players finished in double digits: Sam Nelson, Mark Fullerton, Justin Adams and Josh Reed.

"When you have that many kids in double digits it makes you really well-balanced and tough to defend," Keltner said.

Arlee would finish the third quarter on a 7-0 run to take a commanding 54-35 lead going into the fourth, holding the high-powered Eagles to just seven points in the stanza.

"They have some talented kids that we were able to keep in check," Keltner said.

Two Eagle would make a comeback bid in the fourth quarter but Arlee was able to hold their three-point shooting barrage off and pick up the important district win. However, their schedule didn't do them any favors as the very next day they had to face a powerhouse Charlo team on the road.

The Vikings fought for a 34-27 lead at halftime and, while the Warriors kept it within striking distance throughout, Charlo pulled away for the 64-46 victory.

"I think we're a little physically and mentally fatigued from the night before," Keltner said. "It just felt like we were in an uphill battle during the game."

Sansavere would again have 16 points for the Warriors, Arlee couldn't match Charlo's shooting and rebounding to pick up a second big emotional win for the week.

"It's something we have to learn to do," Keltner said, adding that staying emotional up for two games in a row is something they'll need to do come district tournament time. "Some of it is experience. We've also got to do a few things better fundementally."

The Warriors are 4-5 on the season and look to consistently improve leading up to the postseason.

"We need to find consistency," Keltner said. "Playing well against Two Eagle is a good sign."

Keltner also likes what he's seen from junior Christain Haynes, who been all over the court, diving headlong into the bleachers for loose balls.

"Silently, Christian just comes every night and battles," Keltner said. "He leaves it on the floor. I've seen him do that in football too. He's a reflection of what we like to see every kid do. He leads by example."

Arlee will host another tough team, Superior, next Friday and then travel to Hot Springs on Saturday.

CHARLO 64, ARLEE 46

Arlee - 16 - 11 - 13 - 6 - 46

Charlo - 18 - 16 - 16 - 14 - 64

Warriors scoring - Sam Nelson 5, Christian Haynes 6, Mark Fullerton 5, Junior Sansavere 16, Dominic Burland 2, Justin Adams 2, Josh Reed 10

ARLEE 77, TERS 62

TERS - 16 - 12 - 7 - 27 - 62

Arlee - 28 - 14 - 12 - 23 - 77

Warriors scoring - Sam Nelson 10, Christian Haynes 7, Mark Fullerton 11, Junior Sansavere 16, Dominic Burland 6, Justin Adams 14, Josh Reed 13