The Bigfork Vikings have had the target on thier back since they hoisted the Class B state trophey this time last year. I have had some people describe to me that the Flathead Valley is on an island, it sure seems to be that way. No outside media wants to come up all that often. Thier missing out. That same outside media seems to have forgotten about Bigfork. Not entirely sure how you forget the defending champs but the feeling is in previews that it’s about the Southern B and Northen B teams. Now I will complain here but I get the sense the Vikings don’t care at all. They like to make thier statements on the hard wood. Which brings me to today’s action, the start of the Class B State tournament.
“The wolf on the hill is never as hungry as the wolf climbing the hill”-Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The vikings are a team on top of the hill and the wolves are circling. With teams that are defending thier title, this is the most pressing storyline. Getting there isn’t easy at all but staying on top is a whole different animal. From what I have seen spending time with this group on the way to Belgrade is this is a tight unit, a unit that keeps it loose and has that family chemistry I have mentioned before on this blog. It really has been a pleasure getting to know these young men. Learning Anders favorite teams, listening to Jim Epperly’s stories, watching Sam Tudor the Head coach laugh and joke with his guys going back and forth between the front and back of the bus. listening to Anders, Logan, Randy and Luke crack wise. Now does that mean this team will win the trophey just because of that? No, but this team doesn’t seemed phased by the big stage they are traveling too.
Sam Tudor described to me in one word his team. Determined! That’s the word that will ring the bell. This team isn’t just satisfied by one championship a season ago. These guys want to leave more then just the legacy of the 2018 title team, they want more. The eyes can really tell you everything and from what I have heard the Vikings eyes say they are not satisfied.
Big Timer 23-1
This team resembles Bigfork in a lot of ways, veteran players who have been here before, big post players, and guys who can shoot it from downtown. Many media members have told me that this game is the best first round matchup in Class B. The field for Class B is tough and every team is here for a reason.
Now I don’t have any stats on Big Timber but speaking with Coach Tudor he tells me that they are well coached and a really good basketball team. It starts with their bigman Ethan Bullock thier 6’6 post playe. Kell Schwers is a very good shooter and Casey Gunlikson is fast and probably one of the fastest guys in the state.
This game will be a battle and an interesting test of teams from different regions of the state. I’ll breakdown the game more during the Three Rivers Bank pregame show on AM 600 and FM 96.5 as I call the game this afternoon.
“I believe that if you are a champion, you can’t be afraid to go out there and test yourself against the greatest challenges”- Jon Jones.
Bigfork has a big challenge this week that they are ready to embrace.
