Big Horns, Lady Big Horns finish regular season strong, fall in District tournament

By Amanda Eggert EBS Staff Writer

Jackson Wade scored nine points against the Wolverines, helping the Big Horns gain entrance to the 11/12C District tournament. Chris Tompkins contributed 10 points and Eddie Starz earned a game-high 23 points. Photo by Jill Bough

BIG SKY/MANHATTAN -The Big Horns finished the regular season with two home wins, 71-38 over the Lima Bears on Feb. 13 and a 51-44 victory over the West Yellowstone Wolverines Feb. 12. They entered the 11/12C District tournament as the eighth seed.

LPHS faced West Yellowstone again on Feb. 17 at a play-in game for entrance to the tournament, winning 43-34. On Feb. 18, they lost to top seed Ennis 53-32, landing them in the consolation bracket. Shields Valley bested LPHS 54-41 in a Feb. 19 elimination game and the Big Horns finished the season with a 7-15 record.

Ennis claimed the 11/12C District title with a 73-67 win over Manhattan Christian on Feb. 20, and Shields Valley beat Twin Bridges 52-42 for third place.

The Lady Big Horns were on a roll the first half of February, winning three consecutive games as they entered the 11/12C District tournament with a 14-4 record.

Despite strong momentum, they underperformed in the tournament at Manhattan Christian. On Feb. 18, they lost to White Sulphur Springs 51-35 in their first round game and the following day, Shields Valley eliminated LPHS with a score of 57-56. The Lady Big Horns ended the season 14-6.

Manhattan Christian handed Twin Bridges their only loss of the season in a 38-35 victory for the 11/12C District title. White Sulphur Springs fell to Ennis in a 49-37 contest for third place.

The top four teams in both tournaments will continue on to the Western C Divisional Tournament Feb. 24-27 in Hamilton.