The Daily Inter Lake

RONAN - Winless a year ago, Whitefish opened the 2005-06 boys basketball season on a triumphant note.

The Bulldogs, led by Cody Idol's 19 points, downed Stevensville 62-53 Friday in the opening-round of the second annual Tip-Off Tournament.

Whitefish trailed 32-26 at the half, but outscored the Yellowjackets 21-4 in the third period to take a 47-36 lead going into the final frame.

Mike McCracken and Sam Penzi chipped in with 12 points each for Whitefish.

Stevensville's Ryan Mickelson led all scorers with 21 points.a

Both teams are back in action today at the tournament.

BULLDOGS 62, YELLOWJACKETS 53

Whitefish 10 16 21 15 - 62

Stevensville 16 16 4 17 - 53

Whitefish - Sam Penzi 12, Jake Cummings 2, Luke Fennelly 6, Cody Idol 19, Clogg 6, Mike McCracken 12, Nate Breese 5.

Stevensville - Tony Anderson 15, Jesse Potter 7, Ryan Mickelson 21, Bridger Chambers 6, Ryan Grove 4.

Frenchtown 51,

Columbia Falls 48

RONAN - A strong fourth quarter allowed Frenchtown to knock off defending Class A state champ Columbia Falls on Friday 51-48 at the second annual Tip-Off Tournament.

Frenchtown outscored Columbia Falls, 1-1, 18-8 in the final frame.

Steven Pfahler tallied 21 points to lead Frenchtown and all scorers.

Kevin Boyer had 16 and Steffen Anderson 10 for Columbia Falls.

Both teams are back in tournament action today

BRONCS 51, WILDCATS 48

Frenchtown 11 8 14 18 - 51

Columbia Falls 15 7 18 8 - 48

Frenchtown - Nate Lebsock 10, Steven Pfahler 21, Kyle Amundson 4, Brian Lebsock 13, Josh Volinkaty 3.

Columbia Falls - Kevin Boyer 16, Steffen Anderson 10, Guy Smith 8, Nick Beckwith 7, Robbie Dakin 7.