Dogs get 'biggest win of year' at Frenchtown

The Whitefish boys basketball team seems to have found a winning formula.

Using their strength in the paint, the Bulldogs outlasted Frenchtown 54-52 on Saturday for another key Northwestern A victory.

The win puts Whitefish alone in third place in the league and just one game back of the Broncs, setting the stage for a showdown in the divisional tournament.

“It was our biggest win of the year,” said Whitefish coach Mark Casazza. “This was important for us.”

The Dogs were led by senior Keaton Nicholson who put up 22 points and sealed the win by going 7-for-8 from the free throw line.

Frenchtown standout John Chapman sank a trio of 3-pointers in the final minutes to keep the game tight, but Nicholson stayed perfect from the line.

“Keaton told me, ‘Get me the ball. I’ll knock them down,’” Casazza said. “He was feeling it.”

Art Doorn had another solid game with 11 points, and Garrett Anderson stepped up with 10. Senior EJ Havens finished with five steals and six assists.

“We executed our offense really well,” Casazza said. “We have to dominate inside and that’s what we did.”

The Dogs were more patient with the ball, as well.

“We made them play defense and didn’t settle for shots,” Casazza said. “We got some good looks.”

“Every week we’re a little better offensively. Our defense is good and rebounding is good.”

Whitefish hosts Libby on Thursday night.

Whitefish 13 13 13 15 – 54

Frenchtown 13 15 11 13 – 52

WHITEFISH – Keaton Nicholson 22, AJ Wilson 3, Cody Olson 2, EJ Havens 6, Art Doorn 11, Garrett Anderson 10.

FRENCHTOWN – John Chapman 19, Trent Mazzola 2, Chris Delaney 12, Andrew Honken 4, Bridger Truett 11, Jordan Moe 2, Bobby Erbaugh 2.