Vikes bow out of divisional tourney

PABLO — Plains eliminated No. 5-ranked Bigfork from the Western B divisional boys basketball tournament on Friday with a 61-60 victory in loser-out action.

It was the second heartbreaking setback for the Vikings (18-5) in two days. On Thursday, Bigfork lost in the final seconds to third-ranked Missoula Loyola, 63-60, in the semifinal round.

Trent Thompson led Plains with 22 points, while Brian Green was next with 13.

“Unfortunately we just couldn’t get over last night’s heartwrenching loss,” Bigfork coach Paul La Mott said.

“We struggled against Plains. It’s not the way I wanted to end what was a very successful campaign.”

Bigfork had four players in double-figure scoring, led by Keenan Evans with 18. Evans was 6-for-6 from the free throw line to go with six field goals.

Christian Ker added 12 points, all from three-point range, and Carter Sorenson and Travis Knoll both finished with 10.

Bigfork and Plains were tied at the half, 29-all, and Plains led 46-42 heading into the fourth quarter.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished this year,” La Mott said.

“I think we’ve built a good foundation. We’ll be looking for better things in years to come.”

In the other loser-out contest, Valley Christian slipped past Troy 68-66.

Troy (12-12) was led by Brian Hammrich, 20 points, and Jake Alexander, 18.

Bigfork    15    14    13    18    —    60

Plains    14    15    17    15    —    61

BIGFORK —  Carter Sorenson 3 3-5 10, Lael Richmond 2 0-0 4, Ian Lorang 2 0-0 4, Travis Knoll 4 1-4 10, Christian Ker 4 0-0 12, Keenan Evans 6 6-6 18, Dillon Fraley 1 0-2 2. Totals: 22 10-17 60.

Plains — Carson Lilja 0 4-4 4, Kyle Hermiston 1 0-1 3, Dillon Fryxell 4 0-0 8, Brian Green 5 3-6 13, Bryce Benson 2 5-6 9, Tanner Ostrom 1 0-0 2, Trent Thompson 9 4-4 22.

3-point goals: Sorenson, Knoll, Ker (4); Hermiston; Team fouls: Bigfork 17, Plains 15; Fouled out: None.

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Troy    10    12    19    25    —    66

Valley Christian    9    19    18    22    —    68

TROY — Ryan Rayson 2 3-4 7, Jake Alexander 5 4-6 18, Jake Higgins 1 0-2 2, Kody Hoffman 3 4-6 10, Trent Cratty 3 3-5 9, Brian Hammrich 9 2-5 20. Totals: 23 16-28 66.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN — Morgan Parsons 7 1-2 18, Christopher Wiley 1 4-5 7, Matthew Bohlken 2 1-3 5, Broc Roberts 1 3-6 6, Andrew Schrautz 3 10-15 17, Caleb Huber 3 0-0 9, Geoffrey Glidewell 1 2-2 4, Kyle Collie 1 0-0 2. Totals: 19 21-33 68.

3-point goals: Alexander (4), Wiley, Roberts, Schrautz, Huber (3); Team fouls: Troy 27, Valley Christian 26; Fouled out: Rayson, Higgins, Hoffman; Bohlken, Parsons.

Championship Game

Florence    12    9    16    24    5    —    66

Loyola    15    17    13    16    1    —    62

FLORENCE — Ross Mangun 1 2-2 4, Reid Baerlocker 7 4-7 21, Brandon Lorenson 3 3-4 10, Alex Mitchell 1 3-4 5, Chris Benson 2 0-1 5, Adam Greger 4 5-6 13, Kenny Collins 0 0-2 0, Quinn Smith 4 0-3 8. Totals: 22 17-29 66.

LOYOLA — Carter Bermingham 2 2-2 8, Brandon Haggarty 1 0-0 2, Peter Shaughnessey 4 0-0 8, Kevin Dougherty 1 0-2 2, Pat Jensen 8 2-2 18, Shilo Kerr 0 1-2 1, Cade Cross 5 2-2 12, Everett Johnston 4 2-4 11. Totals: 25 9-14 62.

3-point goals: Baerlocker (3), Lorenson, Benson; Bermingham (2), Johnston; Team fouls: Florence 16, Loyola 26; Fouled out: Mitchell; Shaughnessey, Johnston.

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No results from Valley Christian vs. Plains for the consolation final