Cats drop Pirates to take conference

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team ended their regular season with their fifth straight win, knocking off the Polson Pirates 67-56 at home Feb. 14.

The Wildcats were led by junior Jared Trinastich, who had 21 points and 10 rebounds in just three quarters. Trinastich took a finger in the eye that swelled up and forced him out of the game in the fourth quarter. He’s since recovered from the injury and should be fine for the tournament, coach Cary Finberg said.

The boys won the regular season Northwest Class A Conference title with a 7-1 record and went 13-5 overall. Finberg said he likes the way the Cats are playing down the stretch.

“The kids have found their roles and what we need from them,” Finberg said.

The team as of late is getting good play not just from its starters but from the bench. Earlier in the season, if starters Luke Kazlauskas or Alex Presnell had an off night, the team didn’t do well.

But now the bench is stepping up, and the team is getting quality minutes from several players, including Nakia Alexander, Trevor Houston, Ty Morgan and Austin Kimmet.

The divisional tournament this weekend in Ronan should be a good one.

“All five teams are capable of playing well,” Finberg said. “It should be a whale of a tournament.”

The boys have a first-round bye and will play the winner of the Polson-Libby game Friday at 2 p.m. If they win that game, they advance to the championship game, where they would face either Frenchtown or Whitefish at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Win both and they’re off to the state tournament in Billings in two weeks.

Polson 9161813—56

Columbia Falls16162114—67

POLSON — Cedrick Smith 7, Andrew Weltz 4, Derek Peel 27, Dylan Kelley 3, Hayden Congdon 15.

COLUMBIA FALLS — Alex Presnell 12, Austin Martin 4, Luke Kazlauskas 19, Nakia Alexander 5, Ty Morgan 4, Jared Trinastich 21, Austin Kimmet 2.