BUTTE, Mont. — The Western C Divisional Basketball Tournament has reached its final stage at the Butte Civic Center, setting the stage for exciting championship games after thrilling semifinal matchups. On Saturday evening, the girls’ title will feature Shields Valley taking on West Yellowstone, following their respective victories on Friday.
Shields Valley secured their spot by edging White Sulphur Springs 58-56 in a nail-biting overtime clash. The game was nothing short of dramatic, as the Hornets managed to tie the game with just seconds left on the clock. Julianna Feddes hit a pivotal three-pointer, pushing the contest to overtime. During the extra period, Shields Valley outscored the Hornets 10-8 to clinch the win.
Gaige Taylor was the standout for the Rebels, contributing 25 points to the victory, followed closely by Nicki Swandal, who added 11 points. On the opposing side, Natalie Fisher excelled for White Sulphur Springs, racking up a game-high 27 points, with support from Feddes, who scored 16. This gripping encounter marked yet another chapter between these 12C rivals, adding to their competitive history this season.
Meanwhile, West Yellowstone also advanced with a hard-fought 37-30 win over Drummond. The Wolverines kept the game tight throughout, leading 8-5 at the end of the first quarter and 17-14 at halftime. Brookelyn Hales topped the Wolverines' scoreboard with 13 points, and Ari Spence added 11. For Drummond, Kimber Parsons stood out, scoring 16 points. The Wolverines' ability to apply pressure laid the groundwork for their victory, forcing 20 turnovers and stifling their opponents’ shooting percentage.
On the boys’ side, the semifinals were equally thrilling. Manhattan Christian posted the most points of the tournament so far, scoring 85 against Seeley-Swan—a commanding victory with Christian Triemstra leading the way. He scored 25 points with remarkable efficiency, hitting 10 of his 15 shots and netting four three-pointers. This performance not only secured their spot in the finals but also set the bar for scoring across the tournament.
Across the court, Lincoln took on St. Regis, pulling off a solid 55-31 win. Lincoln's zone defense proved impenetrable against St. Regis, who struggled to secure shots, finishing with just 29% from the floor. Lincoln showcased their strength, making 50% of their attempts, handing St. Regis only their second loss of the season.
The finals for the Western C Divisional Tournament promise to deliver excitement, with the girls’ game between Shields Valley and West Yellowstone set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. Following this, the boys’ championship game will feature Manhattan Christian facing Lincoln at 6 p.m. Both matchups reflect intense rivalries and season-long competition, guaranteeing action-packed basketball.
The final day of the tournament will not only highlight individual talents but also demonstrate the commitment and determination of these teams to claim the prestigious divisional title.