State trip on the line for Libby, C-Falls

The Daily Inter Lake

It's called a challenge game, but it's also a second opportunity for Columbia Falls and Libby to qualify for the Class A state girls basketball tournament.

Columbia Falls, the Northwestern A divisional runner-up and Libby, the third-place finisher, square off tonight at 6 in Eureka with the winner taking the No. 2 seed to the state tournament.

Bigfork (18-2), the regular season champ and divisional champ, has the top seed.

"I wish we didn't have that rule," said Columbia Falls coach Kris Salonen of the challenge game.

"If you get second place, you (should be) going (to state). But I don't set the rules.

"We will challenge Libby to go to the state tournament. That's the way it goes."

At the divisional tournament over the weekend in Eureka, Libby fell to Whitefish 53-35, but came back to beat Ronan 51-41, Eureka 36-35 and Polson 42-35.

Columbia Falls whipped Ronan 60-36, nipped Whitefish 65-61 in overtime and then fell to Bigfork in the title game on Saturday, 45-42.

Since Columbia Falls and Libby did not play each other during the tournament, the challenge game comes into effect.

"I have not been in a challenge game since I coached in Ronan nine years ago," Salonen said.

"I didn't like them then, I don't like them now."

Columbia Falls (14-7) is looking for its first state trip since the 2004 season. Libby's last trip was two years ago.

"It's one game for state," said Libby coach Jim May.

"It will be a real challenge for us. They are extremely athletic, they apply a lot of pressure. We struggle with that."

But if Libby (11-11) can handle Columbia Falls' defensive pressure, May says his Loggers "have a chance to keep it close."

The two teams split during the regular season - Columbia Falls winning 59-37 on its court and Libby prevailing 42-41 on its.

Jackie Mee was solid offensively in both outings for the Loggers, scoring 15 and 14 points.

In the loss at Libby, Columbia Falls fell behind 21-5.

"We're hoping to be the team that jumps out on them (this time)," Salonen said.

"(May) always gets his kids ready to play. My girls better be in the same (frame of mind)."

The state tournament is scheduled for March 1-3 in Belgrade.