Valkyrie JV beats out Wolfpack, Trotters; JV Vikings record seventh straight win

By FAITH MOLDAN - Bigfork Eagle

Two very different games with the same result were what the Vals' junior varsity team had last week against the Glacier High School Wolfpack and Plains Trotters.

While the Vals won by a narrow 30-28 over the Pack Jan. 3, they held the Trotters to just six points in Bigfork's 45-6 win Jan. 4.

Bigfork made a slight comeback against the Pack in the second quarter after being down 10-3 in the first quarter and pushed on during the second half.

Quinci Paine scored four of her team-leading 13 points in the second quarter. She also had six rebounds in the game. After a basket by Lila Cenis, Quindee Averill sank a 3-point basket to bring the Vals within one point of the Pack. Cenis ended the game with six points. Glacier scored seven straight points to end the second quarter ahead 21-13.

"We had a good run in the third quarter," Bigfork coach Bill Epperly said. That run was led by Paine who scored six of Bigfork's 12 points to give the Vals a three-point lead headed into the fourth quarter.

The final quarter was touch and go, as both teams struggled to make free throws. Bigfork finished the game 3-for-10 from the free-throw line while Glacier was 2-for-14. Bigfork came out the victor, 30-28.

Emily Hardman grabbed four steals for the Vals. She also scored four points, as did Mallery Knoll. McKenzie Reeve recorded three assists.

The Vals didn't have to come back in their game against Plains. Bigfork led 14-0 after the first quarter and allowed just two 2-point field goals in the second quarter for Plains. The Trotters did not score in the fourth quarter, as the Vals won 45-6.

"We rotated kids and took off our press," Epperly said of the Vals' large lead and game plan. "We played them straight up."

Knoll led the Vals with 11 points and six steals on the perimeter. Paine grabbed five steals in the post position. She also had eight points. McKenzie Reeve added seven points and three assists for the Vals. Ariana Shults scored two points and pulled down six rebounds. Logun Koch, and Emily Hardman both scored two points as well. Averill tallied five points, while Cenis and Nicolette Peterson both scored four.

The Vals travel to Ronan Saturday, Jan. 12, and Libby Jan. 17.

JV Vikings record seventh straight win

The Vikings' junior varsity team kept its perfect season intact with two wins last week against Glacier High School and Plains. Bigfork beat both teams on the road.

The Vikes topped the Wolfpack 38-16 on Jan. 3 and the Horsemen 44-29 the next day to move their season record to 7-0.

"It was a nice win," Bigfork coach Mark Hansen said of the Vikes' win over Glacier. "We won pretty handily."

Scott Taylor and Donny Tudahl both scored nine points for the Vikes. Taylor scored his all in one quarter. Troy Bolivar tallied six points and grabbed six rebounds as well as three steals. Garrett Pewe also pulled down six rebounds.

Zac Hansen scored five points and Travis Knoll added four. Derek Minemyer and Zach Bruer both scored two points, while Jordan McAnally scored one. He also had three assists.

McAnally led the Vikes in their game against Plains. He scored nine points. Tudahl added eight. Knoll and Minemyer added six points each. Knoll also recorded four steals and three assists. Bolivar was the Vikes' leading rebounder. With 13 and also scored four points.

"He also had about 15 other hustle plays," Hansen said. "He's really contributing."

Lael Richmond notched five points for the Vikes while Taylor, Christian Ker and Brandon McDonald all scored two points.

"We have a tough game versus Whitefish coming up," Hansen said. "We'll have to handle their pressure and play physical."

The Vikes host the Whitefish Bulldogs tomorrow, Jan. 11. The JV game follows the freshman game that is scheduled to start at 4:15 p.m.