Girls hoops splits the bill, Stoltz injured

Hungry Horse News

Despite beating Corvallis, it was the Columbia Falls girls basketball team that took the real beating Saturday.

Seniors Bekah Stoltz and Lindsay Johnson both left the court with injuries in the first and third quarters, respectively, and later walked back to the bench on crutches. Stoltz hurt her ankle and shoulder, and Johnson injured her knee.

The Wildkats (7-2, 2-1 in the Northwestern A conference) still played well without the two starters, easily recording a 55-42 home win.

Against Polson (5-3) at home on Thursday, Columbia Falls didn't have any injuries, but they didn't get a win either.

The Wildkats fell behind 18-9 early in the game and couldn't surmount the tenacious Pirates for a 54-50 loss. It was Columbia Falls' first loss since Dec. 17.

"We just played catch up the whole game," Wildkats coach Kris Salonen said.

Polson guard Strohm Fouty shook up the Wildkats. On offense, she broke down the Wildkats with her dribbling and drove to the basket for easy shots, scoring 18 points. On defense, Fouty frustrated Columbia Falls by stepping into passing lanes and swiping the ball from sophomore guard Callie Spencer.

"Strohm Fouty just made it really hard for Callie to get into the offense," Salonen said..

Salonen replaced Spencer at point guard with senior Kim Pearce, whose effort down the stretch put Columbia Falls back in the game.

Pearce scored 11 of her team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter. She made a basket with 1:35 remaining to tie the score at 47-47.

But some sloppy play by the Wildkats in the final minute allowed the Pirates to pull ahead 54-47. A three-pointer by Pearce in the final second was not enough as Columbia Falls lost by four.

Columbia Falls had much more control against Corvallis.

The Wildkats led 18-10 when Stoltz left the game and didn't falter in her absence. They still stretched their lead to 32-22 at the half.

Pearce was again playing well for the Kats. She sank two 3-pointers in the second quarter and finished with 11 points.

Early in the third quarter Johnson ran for a loose ball and collided with Corvallis' bench, injuring her right knee.

Nevertheless, Columbia Falls held its sizable lead.

Senior Jenna Toole had multiple rebounds and a few baskets to help keep the Wildkats in charge.

The lead and injuries allowed Salonen to give other players more playing time.

"What a great game to get some kids off the bench," she said.

Reserves Jessica Boyer, Beth Karper and Jessica Davis all added to the 13-point win.

Columbia Falls will likely have to cope without Stoltz and Johnson for some upcoming games.

The Kats have a rematch against Flathead at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Jan. 20) in Kalispell. The Bravettes handed Columbia Falls its first loss. Then the Kats face Hellgate at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Missoula. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Columbia Falls plays at Bigfork.

The JV squad beat Corvallis, 47-16, frosh won 33-18. JV also beat Polson 42-39, but the frosh lost 38-32.

Polson 54, Columbia Falls 50

Polson 15 11 10 18 - 54

Columbia Falls 9 9 14 18 - 50

Columbia Falls 66, Corvallis 42

Corvallis 12 10 10 11 - 42

Columbia Falls 19 13 12 11 - 55