Class B State Boys Basketball: Vikings taking it one game at a time

The Bigfork boys have gone 23-0 this season entering the Class B state basketball tournament in Bozeman this weekend. While the Vikings have met every challenge they’ve faced thus far, including two wins against Class A state champion Columbia Falls, they’re hesitant to be overconfident matching up with a talented field from around the state.

“I don’t want them to get content,” Bigfork coach Josh Downey said.

“It’s not because of what we did in the past that it’s going to happen in the future. I want them to have the mentality that we need to work for this thing.”

The bracket is littered with potential for close contests, including the Vikings’ first round draw.

Bigfork opens the tournament at noon today against Joliet. The J-Hawks, who finished fourth in the South, closed the season strong, leading eventual Southern champs Huntley Project at halftime in the divisional semis before a late collapse. Brock Breede averaged a double-double at divisionals, and will be a test for the Bigfork frontline.

Beyond the first round, Bigfork is matched on the same side of the bracket as Huntley Project and two-time defending state champion Malta. Northern champion Glasgow is on the opposite side of the bracket with Florence, Columbus and Boulder.

“In order to win it we have to beat everyone anyway,” Downey said.

Unlike its competition from the South, Bigfork received a week off to heal and reset prior to the state tournament. That preparation has helped the Vikings focus on what has led them to an undefeated season to this point.

“I think these guys are prepared for anything that somebody throws at us,” Downey said.

“If something happens on the court, in a game, the guys on the floor are calling out what they’re supposed to be doing. They don’t even have to look over at the bench to me. They’ve been coached up enough to be able to counter anything that somebody does to us. If there’s something specific that we see I think we can make some in game adjustments that we need to.”

That undefeated record, while a testament to their success this season, isn’t what’s driving the Vikings this weekend.

“I think before the pressure was to stay undefeated,” Downey said.

“Now, it doesn’t matter. Now the pressure changes. We have three games left. Really we can’t think about the season anymore.

“You’re only as good as your next game ... We’re at the end of the journey.”