Lady Bulldogs fall to Broncs in overtime heartbreaker

The Lady Dogs fought to the wire against Frenchtown last Friday, but couldn’t hold on in overtime in the 36-30 loss.

Whitefish entered the fourth quarter with a tight 22-18 lead over the Broncs, but Frenchtown came back in the fourth to even things at 27 apiece, led by game-high scorer Shelby Smith. Smith finished with 12 points.

Frenchtown got hot in overtime, scoring 9 points to Whitefish’s 3 for the win.

Mikenna Ells was the leading Lady Dog scorer with 11, while Payton Kastella added 6.

Head coach Bob Bolam said the game was both good and bad for his team.

It was bad in that his team lost a game they should have won, but it was good to see them clean up mistakes and compete like he knows they can.

“They made some free throws and we didn’t so they ended up with the win, but it was a good effort by us,” Bolam said. “I think the girls are still disappointed that we didn’t get the victory. We were right there the whole game and still ahead late, but they’re going to look at it as a win or a loss. I’m looking at it as we played way better and I’m excited about that. Now we just have to develop some consistency.”

The team will get their first home game on Thursday, with a 4:30 p.m. battle against Eureka. On Friday they’ll face off against the Lady Pirates in Polson.

A win heading into winter break will be big for his team, Bolam said.

“Those will be exciting games for us. Eureka always poses a tough challenge. They like to press and play a little 2-3 zone that is kind of a trapping zone, not only does their pressure cause pressure but their zones cause pressure, so you need to take care of the ball,” he said. “Hopefully we can get a win or two Thursday and Friday to go into the break with that attitude to carry us forward.”

Frenchtown 10 4 4 9 9 – 36

Whitefish 9 7 6 5 3 – 30

FRENCHTOWN – Faith Rabich 5, Claire Bagness 3, Lauren Demmons 10, Kiya Shelton 6, Shelby Smith 12.

WHITEFISH – Jadi Walburn 2, Kaci Brubaker 4, Payton Kastella 6, Mikenna Ells 11, Gracey Smyley 4, Hope Brown 3