Wildkats down Libby to advance at state tourney

The Wildkats season continues after Columbia Falls picked up a convincing win over Libby in a loser-out contest at the Class A State Basketball Tournament Friday morning, 48-33.

The Kats trailed for only a few moments at the beginning of the first quarter as Libby scored the first basket of the game but Ryley Kehr quickly gave the Kats a one-point lead with a three moments later and Columbia Falls never trailed again.

The Kats held the Lady Loggers to 21 percent shooting in the first half and won the rebounding battle 21-14 to grab a 22-9 lead at the half as Hannah Schweikert knocked down three triples in the first two quarters.

Alli Collins put in a three for Libby to cut the Wildkat lead to eight early in the third quarter, but Kehr answered with a three and Madysen Hoerner put in a missed shot to push the Columbia Falls lead back to 13.

Columbia Falls took a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter, where Trista Cowan scored nine of her game-high 18 points as the Kats pulled away to win by 15.

Trista Cowan led the way for the Kats with 18 points and nine rebounds in the win while Kehr added 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Schweikert finished with nine points and three steals, Josie Windauer had two points and three assists, LaKia Hill scored two and added four assists, Maddie Robison had two points and two assists and Madysen Hoerner scored two and pulled down four rebounds.

Jayden Winslow led Libby with 12 points.

With the win, the Kats advance to take on the loser of Hardin and Billings Central Saturday at 9 a.m.