Tudor steps down as Bravettes coach

The Flathead Bravettes basketball team will look to build on last year’s state title game appearance with a new coach: Sam Tudor announced his resignation Wednesday.

Tudor, 47, is leaving after three seasons. He was hired to guide the Bravettes in April of 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, and guided them to a 2-13 record that first truncated season.

The next two years the Bravettes went 19-6 and 22-5, playing on Saturday night at state both seasons.

Tudor, who resigned his teaching position in August because of a private business opportunity, told the team of his coaching decision Wednesday.

“I quit teaching this year and my personal life just won’t allow me the time to do it,” he told the Daily Inter Lake. “It’s a tough one for me, for sure.

“It was a tough conversation. But they know there’s a bright horizon. There’s just such a good core group there, and good people too. Ultimately I think it’s the best move for Flathead girls basketball because I just wouldn’t have had the time that the job requires.”

Tudor replaced Tricia Dean as coach, and came in with a sparkling resume: A 111-14 record and two State B championships in five seasons leading the Bigfork boys basketball program.

The 2021-22 team finished third at state, the program’s first trophy since 2007. This past March they advanced to the first championship game since Flathead won the 2001 title.

The Bravettes fell to Billings West, 48-43.

“He’s been so fantastic to work with,” Flathead activities director Bryce Wilson said. “He and I have had a great working relationship.

“I was so touched, because before we released anything, he wanted to tell the team. He had a connection with every kid that walked in that room. You could tell they were visibly affected by it.”

This year’s team returns All-State player Kennedy Moore; fellow seniors Harlie Roth, Celie Vandenbosch and juniors Mattie Thompson and Sam Dalagher saw reserve minutes last season.

Reportedly a strong freshman class is coming on as well.

“I would love to coach these kids,” Tudor said. “We’re working hard to keep some continuity going. There’s a lot of talent, a lot of young talent, and whoever takes it over is a lucky person.”

Wilson said the search for a head coach will start immediately. Tudor’s staff the past three seasons has been junior varsity coach Hope Hedges, sophomore coach Chase Fairbank and freshman coach Kaylee Fox.

“We’ll start tomorrow with the whole process, and we’re going to move as quickly as we can,” Wilson said. “We have some people that are interested.”

Tudor wished to thank his staff, his wife Schuyler and family, and the Bravette parents.

“The admin at Flathead has been amazing,” he added. “I could go on forever, but mostly the girls that have played for me the last three years at Flathead were just incredible. And it’s been a great run.”