Columbia Falls girls bow out at divisionals

Columbia Falls played tight games in Butte but fell in the consolation semifinals of the Western A Divisional Tournament on February 22-24.

In the opening game of divisionals, Dillon’s defense ramped up in the second half as Columbia Falls fell 52-31 on Thursday, February 22. 

Both teams were tied 14-14 after the first quarter, and the Wildkats only trailed 22-20 at halftime. Dillon, however, went on a 20-7 run in the third quarter and outscored Columbia Falls by six in the fourth quarter for the victory.

Hope McAtee led Columbia Falls with 14 points, while Taryn Borgen added seven. 

Moving into the consolation bracket, Columbia Falls bounced back with a 61-29 victory over Corvallis. The Wildkats led Corvallis by five after one quarter and then extended their lead to 34-19 at halftime. 

After a low-scoring third, Columbia Falls finished the game on a 23-7 run for the victory. Hope McAtee led the Wildkats with 15 points, while Kierra Kemppainen with 12 points.

This victory moved them into the consolation finals, where they faced Northwestern A foe Browning for a chance to play for a state berth. 

Browning was able to survive Columbia Falls for a 55-50 victory. The game was tight in the first half, with the Wildkats trailing 20-18 at halftime. Columbia Falls pulled to within one point in the third, then Browning outscored the Wildkats 17-13 in the final stanza.

Hope McAtee led Columbia Falls with 13 points, while Taryn Borgen had 11 points. Columbia Falls finished the year 10-11 overall and an 8-4 record in the Northwest A Conference. 

Saturday, February 24

At Butte

BROWNING 55, COLUMBIA FALLS 50

C-Falls - 8 - 10 - 19 - 13 - 50

Browning - 10 - 10 - 18 - 17 - 55

COLUMBIA FALLS SCORING - Hope McAtee 13, Taryn Borgen 11, Onnika Lawrence 7, Ellie Stutsman 7, Demye Rensel 6, Emalee Alton 4, Addy Bowler 2

Friday, February 23

At Butte

COLUMBIA FALLS 61, CORVALLIS 29

Corvallis - 9 - 10 - 3 - 7 - 29

C-Falls - 14 - 20 - 4 - 23 - 61

COLUMBIA FALLS SCORING - Hope McAtee 15, Kierra Kemppainen 12, Alanis Peterson 8, Taryn Borgen 7, Emalee Alton 6, Ellie Stutsman 5, Demye Rensel 5, Onnika Lawrence 1  

Thursday, February 22

At Butte

DILLON 52, COLUMBIA FALLS 31

C-Falls - 14 - 6 - 7 - 4 - 31

Dillon - 14 - 8 - 20 - 10 - 52

COLUMBIA FALLS - Hope McAtee 14, Taryn Borgen 7, Onnika Lawrence 3, Emalee Alton 2, Rylee Sweeney 2, Ellie Stutsman 2, Addy Bowler 1