Swan River girls win Helena Flats tourney
L to R: Coach Todd Emslie, Taylor McElroy, Nikki Hagler, Jenna Egdorf, Bri Bolivar, Nicole McCarthy, Riley McElroy, Skye Atchley, Kate Lamm, Grace Kreamer and Caitlin Charlebois. In front: Elyse Myers.
The 2007 7th and 8th grade Swan River girls' basketball team posted a record of 19-1 under the direction of head coach Todd Emslie.
The girls entered the Helena Flats Tournament with a 16 - 1 record. The tournament hosted 10 teams from the Flathead County area and Swan River earned wins against Kila — 43-27 — and West Valley 52-46, March 9. The Warriors went on to decisively win the championship game against Helena Flats March 10 by the score of 55-46.
This season produced one of the best records of any 7th and 8th grade girls' basketball team in the history of Swan River School.
“I am deeply proud of the girls' team this season,” Swan River Principal Peter Loyda said.
“They have worked hard this season and have earned the first place title. Coach Emslie is the kind of coach that looks out for the best interest of each of his players. These girls learned more than just how to play the game of basketball this season. After working with coach Emslie, each of these girls has become better athletes, students and representatives of the school. During the course of the 2007 season, Coach Emslie effectively instilled quality fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship and an appreciation for the game of basketball. Through his values and ethics, he inspired his athletes to become better students and better citizens. He definitely kept their priorities straight,” Swan River Principal Peter Loyda said.