Peck sparks Vals in win over Trotters

BIGFORK - Taylor Peck, a 5-foot-6 senior guard, energized Bigfork with her play on both ends of the court in the early going as the third-ranked Valkyries coasted to a 43-19 victory in the District 7B girls basketball tournament semifinals on Thursday.

Peck fueled the offense with a pair of 3s from the top of the key, hit a couple free throws following a steal and then getting fouled on a layup and added two more points by finishing off a fast break with a layup.

She scored Bigfork's first seven points in the opening 2 1/2 minutes of action and tallied all 10 of her points in the opening period.

"She had a great first quarter," Bigfork coach Mark Hansen said.

"She got us going defensively, offensively. She was looking to score and that opened everyone else up."

Leading 18-2 after the first period, things quieted down for Bigfork after that. The Vals (16-3) failed to break double-digit scoring in the next three periods.

Bigork tallied eight points in the second quarter to lead 26-8 at the break.

Bigfork added nine points in the third period and finished with eight in the fourth.

"Give Plains credit," Hansen said.

"They didn't fold. They kept coming at us. They became the aggressor after the first 10 minutes."

Bigfork ruined any intention of Plains mounting a second-half comeback with 5.5 seconds left in the third period. McKinze Shults hit a 3, was fouled, then calmly dropped the free throw for a four-point play. That pushed Bigfork's lead back to 20 points.

"That was a nice momentum switch," Hansen said.

The victory advances Bigfork to Saturday's 5 p.m. title game versus Eureka. Plains will play Thompson Falls in the consolation final at 1 p.m.

The Vals are in the 7B tournament final for a third straight year.

Bigfork also wrapped up its third straight undefeated season at home with the victory over Plains.

The win was Bigfork's third over Plains this season.

Plains 2 6 7 4 - 19

Bigfork 18 8 9 8 - 43

PLAINS - Felicia Earnhart 5, Kelsey Beagley 4, Kayla Holmes 2, Laurel Danhof 1, Kayla Revier 2, Nikki Kunzer 3, Jessica Hansen 2.

BIGFORK - Marriah Bradstreet 2, McKinze Shults 7, Shelby Scoggins 5, Taylor Peck 10, Melissa VanDerveer 8, Tessa Robertson 10, Riley Coleman 1.

Eureka 46,

Thompson Falls 36

EUREKA - Eureka pulled away for keeps with a strong second quarter en route to the semifinal victory.

Alyssa White had a double-double for the winners - 10 points and 10 rebounds. Cassidy Morgan added 10 points.

"We hit some 3s and opened the gap a little bit," Eureka coach R.J. McDole. "We only gave up one field goal in the second quarter."

Kelsey Fitchett of Thompson Falls had a game-high 21 points.

This was the third win over Thompson Falls this season for the Lions.

Eureka advances to Saturday's final, 5 p.m., in Columbia Falls versus Bigfork, while Thompson Falls plays Plains in the consolation final at 1 p.m.

Thompson Falls 8 6 8 14 - 36

Eureka 8 13 7 18 - 46

THOMPSON FALLS - Kelsey Fitchett 21, Allison Vaught 5, Mara Hanks 1, Logan Beckman 9.

EUREKA - Alex Holland 9, Makayla Grove 7, Alyssa White 10, Caitlin Larson 4, Cassidy Morgan 10, Kendra Chupp 2, Carli Allen 4.