Kats crush Lady Blue Devils

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team opened the season in fine form, dropping Corvallis 70-42 away Dec. 6.

The Wildkats had three players in double figures as they outscored the Lady Blue Devils 24-5 in the second quarter. The Kats were led by Winter Kemppainen with 16, Cydney Finberg with 13 and Ellie Johnson with 11.

The girls out-rebounded Corvallis 38-20, and had 20 assists, but also committed 24 turnovers.

“They shared the ball well,” coach Cary Finberg said. “But we have to work on the turnovers.”

Eleven players were in the scoring column for the Kats and 13 played. Winter Kemppainen had 11 rebounds in addition to leading the team in scoring. Cydney Finberg and Ellie Johnson both went 3 for 6 from the three-point line. Cydney and Ciera combined for eight assists.

The girls face the Class AA Flathead Bravettes on Thursday at home this week. Game time is 6 p.m. Then they travel to the Northwest-Southwest Tip-Off Tournament Friday and Saturday, where they face Dillon and Stevensville. Dillon is one of the better teams in the south and should be a good test for the girls, Finberg noted.

C Falls 70, Corvallis 42

C. Falls; 14 24 18 14 – 70

Corvallis 9 5 10 8 – 42

COLUMBIA FALLS -- Ciera Finberg 4, Sydney Grilley 7, Hailey Peacock 1, Cydney Finberg 13, Ellie Johnson 11, Peyton Kehr 3, Winter Kemppainen 16, Miranda Livingston 3, Kiara Burlage 6, Allyson Gimble 4, Sydney Hovde 2.

CORVALLIS -- Tara Tully 6, Jane Booth 9, Corrine Sanderson 16, Penny Jessop 1, Kira Doyle 9, Tayler Wright 1.