Bigfork Vikings defeat Whitefish, St. Ignatius
The Bigfork Vikings didn’t disappoint their fans during their first week as the state’s top-ranked Class B team.
The Vikings hosted Whitefish and Mission last week and came away with two more wins to up their record to 13-0.
At Thursday’s Whiteout game, Bigfork led 17-15 after one period, but a 12-0 run in the second quarter gave them a 32-19 half-time lead.
Whitefish made a 6-0 run in the third period, fueled in part by Art Doorn’s three 3-pointers, but Bigfork was able to counter with Ryder Trent’s three treys and one by Christian Evans.
The final was 58-45.
For the night, the Vikes outshot the visitors by making 22 of 45 from the field, compared to only 17 of 45 for the Bulldogs.
The visitors were able to force Bigfork into 18 turnovers while only committing 14 themselves.
BHS coach Josh Downey was largely pleased with his team’s performance, but noted the turnovers.
Having concentrated on that aspect of the game, Bigfork only made five against Mission on Saturday.
The Vikings won every quarter except the second against St. Ignatius’ version of the Bulldogs in coasting to a 76-50 win.
After having converted 8 of 16 3-pointers against Whitefish, the Vikings’ outside shooters were off on Saturday, making only three of 19.
The Vikes were able to shoot better on 2-pointers, however, and shot 33 of 71 (46 percent) overall from the field. Bigfork’s free throw shooting was off, however. They made only seven of 23 (30 percent).
“I’m a firm believer we can win games, no matter how bad we shoot,” Downey said. The key to winning games in this scenario involves limiting turnovers and getting offensive rebounds, he said.
Against Mission, Bigfork had a slight rebounding edge, but was able to force 26 turnovers while only committing five.
Statistics
Evans led the Vikes against Whitefish with 20 points, nine rebounds and six blocks. Trent added 14 points and made four out of five 3-point attempts. Josh Sandry scored 13 points and totaled four assists.
Against Mission, the Vikes had a balanced effort led by Sandry’s 17 points, five assists and four steals.
Isaac Martel added 13 points and five assists, while Trent had 10 points.
Also contributing were: Cameron Nissen, eight points, six rebounds; Evans, seven points, nine rebounds; and Jonathan Landon, eight points, six rebounds.
No. 1 in state
Bigfork is now the top-ranked Class B school in the state after Glasgow lost twice last week.
The Scotties lost to two Class A schools, 61-50 to Dawson (Glendive) on Jan. 21 and 50-40 to Sidney on Jan. 24. Glasgow rebounded with a 75-59 win over Dawson on Friday, Jan. 31. They had defeated Sidney, 53-45, on Dec. 20.
Bigfork received all 10 first-place votes.