Bigfork boys healthy, rested for state play

The most accomplished team in Montana is entering the state basketball tournament healthy and rested.

Cruising to a Western B divisional title two weeks ago, the Bigfork boys took a week off to heal a few bumps and bruises. That time off, coupled with a few practices to get back to the basics, is what the Vikings hope can help them to the first state title in school history.

“I thought it was to our advantage to get away and relax physically, mentally, emotionally, then get back into it,” Bigfork coach Josh Downey said.

“I think it works out to our benefit now.”

The Vikings have only been to the finals once as a team, losing in the championship game to Conrad in 1983. In fact, the West as a whole hasn’t had much luck on the last weekend of the season. A Western B team hasn’t won the state title since 1987.

With that in mind, once the team had a few days to rest, Downey made sure to get back to work harder than ever.

“We had three really hard practices that included a lot of player development and a lot of conditioning,” Downey said.

“I thought it was important that I really break them back down, and we're not too good to do this. We went at it really hard in conditioning.

“(I want them to have) the mentality that, we just went 23-0 and I bet other teams aren't doing this.”

Half of the teams, including the Vikings’ first round opponent, Joliet, were still playing last weekend. The Southern B divisional tournament didn’t wrap up until Saturday, leaving teams like Bigfork with an extra week to rest.

That extra week has been a benefit for teams in the North, who have won the last seven titles and 12 of the last 13. One of the most talented teams this season, Bigfork hopes to parlay that rest into an advantage.

“I think it's a huge advantage for us,” Downey said.

“If our state tournament was back-to-back like that, we would have left Wednesday morning without even practicing.”

However, being healthy and fresh may not be enough. Downey and the Bigfork coaching staff have warned the Vikings of the downside of playoff basketball.

Forsyth, one of the top teams in Class B all season, missed the playoffs because of an off weekend at divisional. Even closer to home, Superior, which entered the Class C tournament undefeated, left quickly after two losses.

“We talked about things like that could happen if they overlook their opponent or think they're too good,” Downey said.

“We talk a lot about having no regrets. There’s a life lesson here. Do we want to win it, yeah. Do I think we're going to win it, yeah. If we don't, I know that we gave it everything we had throughout the whole process, the whole journey. There shouldn’t be any regrets if we’re laying it all on the line.”

With that in mind, the Vikings motto has become, ‘You’re only as good as your next game.’ Even with some time off, Bigfork hasn’t relaxed, knowing every other team in the state is staring at its record.

The Vikings have three more games to realize their final goal. Hopefully, they’ll be able to relax once they reach it.