Smith pushes Stillwater girls to MCAA title game

The Daily Inter Lake

GREAT FALLS — Dori Smith came through with a monster game to help Stillwater Christian School advance to the championship game of the Montana Christian Athletic Association state girls basketball tournament at Great Falls Central High School.

Smith tallied 23 points and pulled down 20 rebounds on Friday as Stillwater dropped Billings Christian School 49-39 in semifinal play.

Smith scored eight points in the opening quarter as Stillwater held a 10-6 advantage.

She followed with seven points in the third quarter as Stillwater pulled away for a 37-21 lead.

“I am so proud of how the girls played today,” Stillwater coach Sarah O’Rourke said.

“They controlled the game from the tip-off with excellent defense. We dominated the boards with 58 total rebounds and seven offensive put backs. Senior Dori Smith had an amazing game.”

Lulu Neumann helped Stillwater on the boards with 10 rebounds.

Helen Hashley added 11 points for Stillwater.

Isabell Erickson topped Billings in scoring with 23 points.

Stillwater (11-11 overall) faces Foothills Community Christian School (Great Falls) in the championship game today at 3:30 p.m.

Billings Christian 6 7 8 18 — 39

Stillwater Christian 10 15 12 12 — 49

BILLINGS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — Sarah Besel 2, Emily Taylor 12, Caitlin Sayer 1, Isabell Erickson 23, Nicole Case 1.

STILLWATER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — Ramey Metzger 4, Adrianna Lambert 3, Dori Smith 23, Alicia Warricks 2, Helen Hashley 11, Lulu Neumann 2, Selah Neumann 4.