Divisional tournament tips off today

The third-ranked Frenchtown girls went 8-0 during the regular season against Northwestern A competition. They are currently 16-2 overall.

So ....

"They are the team to beat (at the Northwestern A divisional tournament)," Polson coach Randy Kelley said of the Broncs.

"They are very athletic. We just hope to get a chance to play them (if everything works out)."

Then, there is the team to fear at this divisional tournament.

That honor goes to ....

"Columbia Falls, most definitely," Kelley said.

"If there is one team you don't want to play, it's Columbia Falls. (The Wildkats) have improved, they're playing on their home court.

"But, I still like how our girls are playing."

Polson and Columbia Falls face off Friday on the second day of divisional tournament action at Columbia Falls High School. That tipoff is set for 4 p.m.

Frenchtown will start play the same day meeting either Whitefish or Libby at 2 p.m.. Whitefish and Libby square off at 6 tonight.

"The only game were focusing on is the Columbia Falls game," Kelley said.

"The first game is always key."

Polson beat Columbia Falls twice during the regular season. The only two losses in league play for the Pirates were to Frenchtown.

Polson is 15-3 overall.

Columbia Falls had the third best mark in league play (4-4). The Wildkats are 7-11 overall.

"We're all 0-0," Kelley was quick to point out at this state of the season.

"That's how we prepare for divisional.

"It was a good season (so far). We got through it healthy ... a lot of young girls got experience.

"Record-wise, if you look at that, it was a good season. It shows the girls accomplishments. But that season is over."

Polson is looking to return to state after missing out last year. Columbia Falls and Libby were the divisional representatives.

Like Frenchtown, the fourth-ranked Columbia Falls boys were also perfect (8-0) in league play for the regular season. The Wildcats (15-3 overall) are the defending divisional and state champions.

Columbia Falls will face either Polson or Libby at 6 p.m. on Friday.

Polson and Libby play at 8 p.m. tonight in the tournament opener.

The Polson boys were divisional runners-up in 2011.

The tournament winds up Saturday night with championship games.