Wildkats extend winning streak to five, drop Bigfork 55-41

It was a physical affair, but the Columbia Falls girls basketball team came away with its fifth straight win of the season, downing Class B Bigfork Thursday night at home, 55-41.

The Wildkats shot out to a 19-8 first quarter lead and never really looked threatened. They pressed Bigfork relentlessly in a game that was marked by a host of Valkyrie turnovers.

LaKia Hill had the touch beyond the arc, scoring 17 to lead the Kats. She also six assists and was 4 for 5 behind the arc. Hannah Schweikert had 12, Maddie Robison 11 and Madysen Hoerner chipped in 9.

Josie Windauer had a good night on the boards, with nine rebounds. All told, the Kats out-rebounded Bigfork 41-28.

Coach Cary Finberg said the team stepped up in the second half.

“Defensively we were better in the second half,” he said. “This is a pretty scrappy group.”

The girls next face conference rival Libby at home Thursday and then travel to Polson on Saturday. The Libby game is at 7:15 p.m.

The goal is to just continue to get better, Finberg said.

The focus isn’t so much on the opponent, but internal team improvement as they start the conference schedule.

“Our focus is on getting better,” he said.

Bigfork 8 12 7 14 — 41

Columbia Falls 19 12 10 14 — 55