The struggles continue: Another tough week for Wildcat boys basketball team

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team had another rough week, losing to Bigfork, 61-48 Thursday on the road and then to conference rival Polson 56-34 at home Saturday.

The Cats played the Vikings pretty closely — for a half. It was only 22-21 at the break. But the Vikes outscored Columbia Falls 39-27 in the second half. Logan Stephens, who has had a solid season, scored 15 and Dakota Bridwell had 10.

Coach Chris Finberg said Bigfork hit a trey at the buzzer to go up at the half. The second half was really a six-point game, he noted, but the Vikings shot really well from the line to stretch the lead.

“We played well that first half,” he said.

Against Polson, the Wildcats simply couldn’t match the Pirates size and length.

Finberg noted the Cats shot a low percentage and had some turnovers that led to easy baskets for the Pirates.

They face Corvallis on the road Saturday. The Cats beat the Blue Devils to open the season, so the Cats could get another win.

The freshmen and junior varsity picked up a game Friday against Stillwater Christian on the road.

Columbia Falls 14 7 12 15 — 48

Bigfork 12 10 18 21 — 61

Columbia Falls – Austin Green 6, Logan Stephens 15, Quintin Schriver 2, Dakota Bridwell 10, Matthew Morrison 8, DJ Schrade 7.

Bigfork – Anders Epperly 13, Clayton Reichenbach 5, Colton Reichenbach 3, Luke Schmidt 2, Logan Taylor 8, Logan Gilliard 15, Beau Santisteven 15.

Polson 19 14 9 14 — 56

Columbia Falls 5 6 13 10 — 34

POLSON — Parker Toth 1, J’Von Johnson 3, Jaydon Bautista 13, Tanner Wilson 13, Jeremiah North Piegan 13, Connor Lanier 5, Matthew Rensvold 8.

COLUMBIA FALLS — Austin Green 5, Logan Stephens 5, Quintin Schriver 4, Dakota Bridwell 8, Matthew Morrison 4, DJ Schrade 8.