It is finally here. Western AA Conference play begins for the Braves and Bravettes.
Flathead will have a lot of work to do as both teams will fight an uphill battle. So many good teams in girls basketball in the west. I compare it to the ACC in a way. I truly think at the end of this everybody will be bruised on the schedule. I really think the Kalispell schools can hang with the Helena schools and Sentinel. The defense is elite, how many points they score is the big question but I think they can answer the bell when the times comes.
On the Boys side, it really is the wild west. You can pick the favorites but do so at your own peril. I expect many close contests and we have already seen that with some of the results from Tuesday night. Sentinel surviving Capital 34-33, Glacier outlasting Big Sky 54-52. Every night there will be a hard fought battle, teams will be lots of bruises and maybe some blood. As the cliche goes "Blood, Sweat and Tears," that is what it will take to win the west.
Flathead Bravettes 4-2 at Big Sky 1-7
The Bravettes defense is the lead actress in this film that is about to be told. The supporting actresses are Jenna Johnson, and Taylor Henley with their offense. The Bravettes will need to find another offensive supporting actress to help if either Johnson or Henley have an off night. This team really cleans the glass, Emily Lembke uses her athleticism to work around players that are taller then her. Her fight and tenacity wills her as well to the boards. Sadie Wilson lightning in a bottle while being a floor general. Sadie Wilson can pick your pocket and hit the fast break before a player looks at her hip and wonders where the ball has gone. Maddie to me can be that third act for the Bravettes offensively and once she gets in a rhythm she will be dangerous. Jenna and Taylor are fun to watch because they are so aggressive.
The Bravettes have only given up 50+ points once this season. They have kept 4 teams under 40 points this season as well. Winning a close game like they did against Post Falls is a good sign of things to come. Areas the Barvettes will need to improve is their free throw shooting. The Bravettes had their chances to put Post Falls away but didn't sink free throws. Right now as a team they are shooting 47% from the line. I am sure Coach Dean will look to increase that number especially by the time divisionals come a knocking.
Big Sky
The Eagles leading scorers are Corbyn Sandau avergaing 9ppg and Tilynn McGreevey, Avari Batt who are averaging 5ppg. Demi Smith is the Eagles leading re-bounder with 4.5pg. The Eagles are not a team to take lightly as they continue to rebuild. This will be a very physical game and while Crosstown looms tomorrow night the Bravettes can not be thinking about that game until they are done with Big Sky.
Big Sky Eagles 1-7 (0-2) at Flathead Braves 3-3
The Braves have been an offense by committee, and that has really worked for them. This team will feed from its defense. When they have locked in the defense is tough to penetrate. The speed of this team is it's strength as they will look to use it to intercept passes and get in transition and out on the fast break. Seth Moon and Anthony Jones are nightmares for opposing guards. Similar to Freddy Krueger and Jason Vorhees on the court. Gabe Adams is a monster in his own right as he grabs offensive rebounds and finds ways to score in the paint. Brett Thomspon and Stephen Bridges have done a really nice job shooting the ball and as the season continues if these guys get hot they could really put the offense over the top. Brett Thompson has scored 10 points or better in each of the last 4 games. Brett's mid-range game is lethal and I would look for him to continue to average 9-14 points per game.
Big Sky
They are lead by Camdyn LaRance he is averaging nearly 20ppg, Dan Morin and Andrew Gardiner are his supporting cast as they both average 8ppg. Glacier was able to out rebound Big Sky, look for Flathead to try and do the same as so far this season the Braves. On the season the Braves out rebound teams by 3 rebounds per game. Brady Tabish leads the Eagles in rebounds averaging 5 per game.
Flathead will have a dogfight on their hands against an improved Big Sky team. This is last years win-less team they will be a tough out tonight and down the road. Flathead will lean on it's defense and good ball movement to find the high percentage shot.
Conference play is here, were in for one wild ride.