Hellgate holds off late Flathead push to win 54-43

MISSOULA — The Hellgate Knights jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back as they beat the Flathead Braves 54-43 in a clash of Western AA foes.

The Knights found success in transition by attacking the basket which also led to opportunities at the charity stripe, as they went 13-for-23 on free throws.

Leo Filardi was the top scorer for the Knights with 13 points after hitting three 3-pointers.

It was all Hellgate early on as the Braves found themselves down 37-15 entering the break. Filardi hit a floater at the 5:15 mark in the third to make things 42-15 but from there the Braves found a rhythm.

Noah Cummings started making shots and the Flathead press defense started to wreak havoc, and the Braves would outscore the Knights 28-17 in the second half. A Lyric Ersland turnaround jumper with 1:46 to play narrowed the Flathead deficit to 10 points at 51-41. Cuinn Powers of Hellgate responded with a free throw and layup in the last minute to secure the win for the Knights.

Cummings finished with a game-high 17 and Slate Burrington was next up for the Braves with nine points.

Hellgate 13 24 12 5 54

Flathead 3 12 11 17 43

HELLGATE — Leo Filardi 13, Donovyn Headswift 11, Cuinn Powers 8, Mario Rosemond 8, Easton Sant 8, Connor Dick 7.

FLATHEAD — Noah Cummings 17, Slate Burrington 9, Josh Eagleton 8, Lyric Ersland 7, Gabe Sims 5, Brody Thornsberry 2.