The past weekend was filled with intense high school basketball games across Montana, showcasing both dominant performances and nail-biting finishes. Teams like Bozeman Gallatin, Missoula Hellgate, and Sidney delivered standout victories, while others such as Dillon and Missoula Loyola continued their unbeaten streaks. Notable moments included a double-overtime thriller between Missoula Hellgate and Butte, where the Knights emerged victorious after an exhausting four-quarter battle. Other highlights included Gardiner's first win of the season and Alberton's Shea Fredette scoring an impressive 34 points. The weekend also saw several players joining the 20-point club, adding to the excitement of the season.
In a game that set the tone for the weekend, the top-ranked Bozeman Gallatin Raptors secured a commanding 62-18 victory over Belgrade. The Raptors established an early lead, outscoring the Panthers 21-3 in the first half and extending it to 48-7 by halftime. Twelve different players contributed to the Raptors' score, with Grant Vigen leading the charge with 12 points. On the other side, Ryder Tolley provided Belgrade's best effort with eight points, but it wasn't enough to challenge the Raptors' dominance.
The night's most thrilling encounter came from Missoula Hellgate's 76-74 double-overtime win against Butte. After a tightly contested four quarters, the game remained tied at the end of the first overtime. However, Hellgate managed to edge ahead in the second OT, winning 7-5. Key contributors for Hellgate included Parker Link and Zane Gillhouse, who each scored 19 points. For Butte, Hudson Luedtke put in a remarkable performance with 31 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.
Sidney's comeback against Fairview was another highlight of the weekend. Despite trailing by seven points going into the final quarter, Sidney mounted a 15-5 rally to clinch a 39-36 victory. While no individual stats were reported for Sidney, Troy Karst led the Warriors with 11 points, and Eliot Thompson added eight. This win showcased Sidney's resilience and determination to turn the tide in their favor.
The weekend concluded with several teams continuing their winning streaks. Dillon's Beavers extended their record to 6-1 with a decisive 67-20 win over Livingston. Kyler Engellant was the star of the show, contributing 20 points, while Carter Curnow and Will Hansen added 12 and 10 points respectively. Similarly, Missoula Loyola's Ethan Stack led his team to a 71-26 victory over Thompson Falls with 25 points, further cementing their position as leaders in the league.
As the weekend came to a close, several players joined the 20-point club, adding to the excitement of the season. Standout performances included Shea Fredette's 34 points for Alberton, Spencer Laird's 31 points for Missoula Loyola, and Isaac Bedway's 23 points for Lone Peak. These individual achievements not only highlighted the talent on display but also underscored the competitive spirit of Montana high school basketball.