Defense to decide crosstown basketball
When Flathead and Glacier tip off for the first crosstown basketball games of the season today at Glacier High School, their motivations will go far beyond just bragging rights. Each team is looking to start the second half of the season on the right track, hoping for a helpful boost with a win over its closest rival.
Each of the boys teams is seeking to climb further toward the top half of the West, both Flathead (5-5 overall, 1-1 Western AA) and Glacier (5-6, 1-2) floating around fourth place as the top half of the conference begins to find its legs.
“We’re still getting better,” Glacier boys coach Mark Harkins said. “I don’t think by any means we’ve met our full potential yet. We’re improving game by game.
“We need to do some things defensively to make us more successful, but I like our kids attitude. They know it’s a long run and they’re working on getting better.”
Glacier has won the last two meetings and the last six in the regular season after sweeping the series last year. Flathead’s last win against the Wolfpack came in the state tournament in 2012, in an upset that vaulted the Braves to the state championship game.
A win for the Braves this season wouldn’t be an upset. Flathead enters the game leading Class AA in defense, allowing a little more than 47 points a game this season. With a strong frontcourt and athletic guards, Flathead also matches up well with Glacier on offense and could give the Wolfpack fits on the block.
“(Flathead is) very good defensively, very big inside,” Harkins said. “We have to keep them in check defensively as well. They’re playing some good basketball.”
Glacier has generated its offense from deep this season, relying on its guard-heavy offense to pace the offense. Without a consistent low-post presence, the Wolfpack has turned to shooting 3s, where they’ve been successful this season.
“We understand where they generate their offense,” Flathead boys coach Fred Febach said. “We have to be able to defend that. We also have to make sure they don’t get those second and third looks (on long rebounds) ... We have to make sure to rebound the ball and take care of the ball on the other end.”
The Glacier girls (8-3, 2-1) enter the game on a six-game win streak against the Bravettes (2-8, 0-2), last losing to Flathead in 2010. The Wolfpack enters the game having won their last three games, including a win against Missoula Hellgate on Tuesday.
“I think last week was a big week,” Glacier girls coach Kris Salonen said. “It gave us an opportunity to focus on things we needed to do to get better. We built so much confidence with a lot of girls. They’re shooting the ball better. It’s not just about one or two players now. We have a lot of girls that can be threats.”
The Wolfpack is led by player of the year candidate Cassi Hashley, who averaged a double-double last season while leading the state in scoring and rebounding. Hashley is off to another strong season and has been a mismatch in nearly every game for Glacier.
While Flathead has struggled to close games this season, it has been impressive in spurts. Seniors Jenessa Heine and Emma Andrews have led the charge for the Bravettes, growing into scoring threats and have been impressive when they get the ball in the post. Flathead, which likes to play an aggressive, pressing defense, has had its biggest troubles when the two get into foul trouble, forcing the team to rely on a young bench.
“Flathead’s a scary team,” Salonen said. “They get rolling. If they get things going offensively, they can be scary team.
“They’ve proven they have a few girls that can score. We can’t just guard certain players, we have to make sure we’re aware of everyone on the court.”
The girls game is scheduled to tip at 6 p.m. with the boys game to follow.