Disapointment for Scarlets in Western C Divisionals

HAMILTON – The Arlee Scarlets’ triumphant run through the 14-C district proved they’re a team that could compete with anyone in the state.  But a 48-42 loss to Gardiner followed by a 56-39 defeat to Seeley Swan eliminated Arlee from the tournament and brought a harsh conclusion to an otherwise successful season.  

The Scarlets entered the divisional tournament with a first round bye and awaited the winner of Wednesday’s Darby vs. Gardiner challeng game.  With nine teams competing for three tickets to the state tournament, the Scarlets were faced with a tough, yet plausible path to Butte.  Winning their first two games would put Arlee into the championship game and an opportunity to punch their way to the state tournament.  A loss would detour their path to the losers bracket and the Scarlets would be left to fight tooth and nail for the third and final spot for state.  

In the Scarlets’ opening game against Gardiner, Arlee couldn’t overcome a disastrous night of shooting.  Although they kept the score close by forcing 23 turnovers and grabbing 21 offensive rebounds, the Scarlets’ 12 for 58 shooting (22 percent) was too much to overcome.

Arlee managed just 16 first half points and though the offense picked up in the second half, the Scarlets’ never threatened a seven-point half time deficit and lost 48-46.  Mahalia Hendren led the Scarlets with 17 points - 8 for 8 from the foul line – and 14 rebounds.  Hendren has been on a tear for the Scarlets as of late.  She was averaging 15.6 points and 10.6 in Arlee’s first three postseason games.  Whitney Malatare scored 11, but the Scarlets’ shooting struggles negated much of their offensive output.  3-pointers were scarce as Arlee managed to shoot just 2 for 20 from downtown.       

The devastating loss eliminated any hope for the Scarlets to compete for the Western C divisional championship, but a berth into the state tournament was still alive.

In the Scarlets’ first elimination game against Harrison-Willow Creek on Friday, Arlee continued to struggle with their shooting.  Arlee shot just 16 for 64 from the field and if it wasn’t for their defense and ability to get to the foul line, the Scarlets would have faced their second loss in a row.  However, the Scarlets would force 26 Wildcat turnovers and converted on 13 more free throws than Harrison-Willow and secured a comfortable 56-45 win. Malatare scored 23 and Hendren continued rolling with 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists.  

The win set up another elimination game for the Scarlets, with the winner advancing to the consolation game.  Three wins away from an appearance at the state tournament, Arlee’s goal was clear and if their play throughout the season was any indication, the Scarlets were well on their way to state.  

First in Arlee’s way was a Seeley Swan team who was coming off a 53-35 loss to Twin Bridges.  Both teams were playing for their team’s season lives, winner moves on, loser heads home.  A competitive, back-and-forth first half led to Arlee taking a one-point advantage into the locker room.  

Unfortunately, the Arlee Scarlets were one miserable quarter away from their season ending.  After the half, the Lady Blackhawks stormed out and took complete control, outscoring Arlee 23-6 in the third.  The Scarlets’ wretched shooting continued, shooting just 21 percent from the field and just 55 percent from the line.  The 56-39 Arlee loss did not reflect the way the Scarlets played all year.  Violet Pablo was the only player in double figures for Arlee with 11.  The rest of the team struggled to find their shot.  Hendren, Pablo and Malatare combined 7 for 35 shooting, limiting what Arlee could do offensively. 

Arlee’s balanced scoring attack was also limited, as only three Scarlets were able to reach double figures in scoring.  The Scarlets finished the year with an impressive 18-5 record, but fell just two games short of reaching the state tournament.