McLean, Braves drop Libby
<p>Flathead’s Matt Mclean (22) goes up in front of a Libby defender for a layup during Saturday’s nonconference basketball game at Flathead High School.</p>
Flathead pulled away for keeps with a 23-point second period for a 66-36 nonconference boys basketball victory Saturday over visiting Libby.
Flathead (3-0) held just a two-point edge, 16-14, on Libby after eight minutes of play.
"We just settled down (after that) and played our game a little bit," Flathead coach Fred Febach said.
Flathead led 38-20 at intermission.
"For us, it shows progress in what we're trying to do," Febach said.
"More importantly, the kids are really buying into what we're trying to do. They are playing hard."
Matt McLean turned in another super effort for the Braves. He finished with a team-high 20 points. He also had five assists and four steals.
"Matt McLean had an outstanding game, especially in the second half," Febach said.
"He hit some nice threes for us.
"He's been a real leader on both ends of the floor."
Garth West had a solid offensive outing as well for FHS with 12 points.
Flathead outrebounded Libby 44-20. Shea Schroeder led FHS with nine.
Flathead had 14 turnovers to 21 for Libby.
"Some of the kids are coming off the bench and making some contributions," Febach said.
"That's important."
Jared Winslow scored 12 points to lead Libby.
Flathead has two outings left before the holiday break. The Braves play at Whitefish on Tuesday and travel to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Thursday.
Libby hosts Troy on Tuesday.
Libby 14 6 2 14 - 36
Flathead 16 23 18 9 - 66
LIBBY - Christian Hubbard 2-5 4-4 8, Phil Nelson 1-2 0-0 2, Micah Germany 0-4 0-1 0, Elias Lapka 1-1 0-0 2, Jared Winslow 4-10 2-3 12, Josh Foote 3-7 0-0 6, Louis Cielak 0-5 0-0 0, Kraig Nelson 1-3 4-4 6. Totals: 12-37 10-13 36.
FLATHEAD - Chris Cronk 2-3 0-0 5, Drew Crosby 2-9 0-0 6, Nick James 2-5 0-2 4, Austin Jones 2-5 0-2 4, Matt McLean 7-12 2-2 20, Shea Schroeder 2-6 0-1 4, Matt Tokarz 1-1 2-4 5, George Sherwood 2-8 1-2 6, Garth West 6-9 0-0 12. Totals: 26-58 5-13 66.
3-point goals: Winslow (2), Cronk, Crosby (2), McLean (4), Tokarz, Sherwood. Team fouls: Libby 14, Flathead 19. Fouled out: None.