Chiefs start conference play with wins over Libby, Co-Falls
Year after year, one thing is a given in Western Montana: the basketball is going to be competitive. When you have Class A teams clashing on the hardwood that have years of familiarity between them, getting a win is always something to be happy about.
In Ronan’s case, they’ve won two conference games out of the gate and that’s something to celebrate.
“Conference play has been exactly what we anticipated: a dog fight every night,” Ronan Head Coach George Sherwood said. “Each team is capable of beating one another and most of the games are coming down to a few plays here or there deciding the outcome. I am proud of how my team has competed, I have some dogs on my team that are willing to grind out these games and step up when the opportunity comes to them.”
The Chiefs picked up their second Northwest A victory with a 53-43 win over Libby on Saturday, Jan. 6. It was Ronan’s third straight win, a streak that featured one common strength.
“Our defense has [been working well],” Sherwood said. “We make it a focus and something we take pride in and work hard on. We as a program know that in some games you don't shoot well and you may not get the calls you want but you can always D someone up.”
Kolby Finley had 19 points as the Chiefs improved to 5-3 overall. Finley also led the team in rebounding with eight and assists with four.
At halftime it was that typical Northwest A battle with Ronan leading 24-21. The Chiefs then put up an important 15-9 run in the third quarter to get a little breathing room.
Josiah Misa and Marlo Tonasket each added nine points to the Chiefs’ efforts. Sean Small added six rebounds while Misa had three steals, and Tonasket swatted two blocks.
“Marlo Tonasket and Kolby Finley have led us in scoring the first two games of conference play,” Sherwood said. “However, everyone is scoring so no one player has to carry the load. Kolby, Josiah Misa, Sean Small, and Marlo are cleaning the glass up which is a big deal for us.”
Ronan has already equaled its win total in conference play from last season, and its five wins are just one win below 2022-2023’s win total.
“Our depth has been a blessing – at times we are playing 12 guys a game and everyone is contributing in some way,” Sherwood said. “The energy from the bench and crowd is contagious, and the Ronan Chiefs are having a lot of fun.”
At Libby
RONAN 53, LIBBY 43
Ronan - 12 - 12 - 15 - 14 - 53
Libby - 12 - 9 - 9 - 13 - 43
RONAN SCORING - Kolby Finley 19, Josiah Misa 9, Marlo Tonasket 9, Ted Coffman 5, Jean Small 4, Rayen Edmo 2, Kenyan Pretty On Top 2, Laurance Lozeau 2, Wade Qualtier 1
Ronan cages Wildcats
Ronan picked up a big Northwest A Conference victory on Tuesday, Jan. 2, as Marlo Tonasket dropped in 22 points, and the Chiefs defeated Columbia Falls 60-56.
Ronan opened up conference play in 2024, gaining a 32-29 halftime lead. They added four points to their advantage in the third quarter and weathered a Columbia Falls comeback bid.
Kolby Finley and Laurance Lozeau added seven points to Ronan’s efforts.
Ronan was 7-for-14 from the three-point line, with Ted Coffman and Tonasket each hitting two three-points in the matchup.
Finley added 10 rebounds and five assists, while Lozeau also had five assists and four rebounds.
At Ronan
RONAN 60, COLUMBIA FALLS 56
C-Falls - 12 - 17 - 8 - 19 - 56
Ronan - 13 - 19 - 11 - 17 - 60
RONAN SCORING - Marlo Tonasket 22, Kolby Finley 7, Laurance Lozeau 7, Ted Coffman 6, Josiah Misa 6, Wade Qualtier 6, Jean Small 3, Dovann Curley 3
Polson falls to Browning
Despite 17 points from Jesse Vail, Polson fell to 0-2 in Northwest A Conference play, losing to Browning on the road 74-61 on Thursday, Jan. 4.
The Pirates also got 11 points from Anthony Lichtenberg and Cason Graham.
Browning, so far this season, is leading all Northwest A teams in scoring with 70.9 points per game.
Polson fell to 1-7 on the season.
At Browning
BROWNING 74, POLSON 61
POLSON SCORING - Jesse Vail 17, Anthony Lichtenberg 11, Cason Graham 11, Maddox Bird 5, Brock Henriksen 5, Ezra Fasthorse 3
Hamilton pulls away from Polson
The Pirates fell to Hamilton in nonconference Class A basketball action on Tuesday, Jan. 2, as the Broncs were able to surge in the middle quarters for a 78-49 victory. Cason Graham led Polson with 21 points.
Hamilton was ahead 19-12 after the first quarter, then went on a 19-9 run before halftime. The Broncs added to its advantage by another 10 points in the third quarter.
Ezra Fasthorse and Anthony Lichtenberg each added eight points to the Pirates’ efforts.
At Polson
HAMILTON 78, POLSON 49
Hamilton - 19 - 19 - 23 - 17 - 78
Polson - 12 - 9 - 13 - 15 - 49
POLSON SCORING - Cason Graham 21, Ezra Fasthorse 8, Anthony Lichtenberg 8, Maddox Bird 6, Brenden Griffin 2, Brock Henriksen 2, Jesse Vail 2
Polson's Cason Graham scored 11 points against Browning Jan. 4. (Bob Gunderson photo)