Girls split at Tip Off tourney in Frenchtown

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team split at the Northwest-Southwest A Tip Off Tournament Friday and Saturday.

On Friday the Wildkats fell to Lewistown 51-42, but they bounced back Saturday and beat Butte Central 57-34.

Against Lewistown, the girls played pretty well, except for the second quarter, when Lewistown outscored them 21-4.

The Kats were actually up 12-8 after one, but never quite overcame that second quarter deficit.

Overall, coach Jeremy Grilley was pleased with the way the team played.

“First game we played well for three quarters and just had a lapse in the second quarter where we took some quick semi- contested shots and didn’t stay patient at times to really work our offense and to make Fergus work more on defense,” Grilley said. “We battled back got the game down to three points at one point and then Fergus made their free throws and shots down the stretch to hold on.”

The girls watched film of the game, made some adjustments and were ready for Butte.  

“Our ball movement was much better Saturday, and we were more patient on offense and weren’t settling for ‘good shots’ but were looking and taking more ‘great shots’ which we talked to them about Saturday before the game,” Grilley said. “Still early in the year, and we have a new offense and defensive schemes from the previous years, so it’s expected to have a little learning curve for the first part of the season.  As long as the girls stay bought in and continue to work hard we will be where we want to be by tournament time.”

Taryn Borgen had 21 points to lead the Kats against the Lady Maroons in the victory.

The girls travel to Lewistown this weekend, facing Hardin and Miles City on a long road trip.

“This weekend will be another tough test for us, so we will game plan for those two games this week and look to improve each day, each game,” Grilley said.

The girls first home game is Jan. 9 against Frenchtown.