Class A's top teams battle in Belgrade

In the last six seasons, six different teams have won the Class A girls basketball state championship. And four of those teams return for this weekend's 2016 Class A state tourney, which runs Thursday through Saturday in Belgrade. The state tournament also includes six of the eight teams that comprised last year's field, including the three of the top four. So, that should make for a very competitive and exciting weekend in Belgrade.

Here's a quick glance at each of the eight teams in the field for this weekend's Class A state tournament, which the Havre Daily News will once again have complete coverage of.

Browning Indians

Eastern A Champion

It's been a banner year for Browning, which missed out on last year's state tourney. The Indians won the Central A regular season title, then pulled off a thriller in their first trip to the Eastern A Divisional two weeks ago in Billings. Now Browning, led by 6-0 star Tiara Gilham as well as Taylor CalfBossRibs and Jacelyn Croff, the experienced and talented Indians have their sights set on a state title. With Havre and Columbia Falls in their half of the bracket, getting to the finals won't be easy, but the Indians have surprised all season, and this weekend should be no different. Browning is in search of its first state title since 1996.

Frenchtown Broncs

Western A 4th Place

The Broncs have been consistent. They are in the state tourney for the fifth straight year, and they come in having finished fourth a season ago. Frenchtown lost a lot of firepower from that team, but the Broncs still have plenty of talent left in the cupboard. A pair of sophomores in Alivia Williams and Kylie Willett lead a young but hungry Frenchtown team, in search of their first Class A state title.

Columbia Falls Wildkats

Western A 2nd Place

Head coach Cary Finberg's team hasn't just been a fixture at the state tournament, the Wildkats have been a contender for years. And this week in Belgrade is no different. Columbia Falls is big, experienced and talented, and though it seems like they challenge for the title every year, the Wildkats are still in search of their first girls championship at the Class A level. And this year's team has the talent to do just that. Kiara Burlage, Peyton Kehr and Sydney Hovey all average double digits for the Northwest A champs, but the depth doesn't stop there, and players like Allyson Gimbel and Cydney Finberg are equally as dangerous, and have plenty of motivation after playing on last year's third-place team.

Havre Blue Ponies

Eastern A 3rd Place

Like Columbia Falls, it seems like head coach Dustin Kraske has his Blue Ponies in the state tourney on a regular basis. The Ponies, who are just two years removed from their last state championship, took a different route to get to Belgrade, having not won the Central A or divisional title for the first time in five years. Still, with Dani Wagner and Naomi Terry leading the way, the Blue Ponies can't be overlooked this weekend in Belgrade, and while Columbia Falls and Browning might be the favorites on Havre's side of the bracket, the Ponies are a team that neither the Wildkats or rival Indians should want to face right now.

Billings Central Rams

Eastern A 2nd Place

The Rams are another sure-bet to be at state every season. And this year, they are another team that might be coming in under the radar a bit, but they are every bit capable of playing for a state championship. Central didn't quite win the Eastern A in its home town two weeks ago, but with a senior-heavy team, led by Mariah Whitman, Natalie Ruegsegger, Emily Frey and Ellie Hanser, Billings Central is talented and athletic. The Rams are looking to get back to the championship game, which won't be easy with Butte Central on their side, for the first time since 2013, and are in search of their second state championship in the last five seasons.

Dillon Beavers

Western A 3rd Place

The Beavers were once a true power in Class A. Now, they are looking to bring back the glory days of Dillon girls basketball, and a trip to state is certainly a good start. Dillon will be an underdog this week, especially with Billings Central and Butte Central on its side of the bracket, but the Beavers could also be a dark horse. Dillon is a balanced an athletic team, but the Beavers get most of their scoring from the trio of Rachael Nye, Bailey Berrochia and Brylynn Fitzgerald, and with only two seniors on the roster, Dillon, which is in search of its first state championship since back-to-back titles in 2002-2003, should be strong for years to come.

Butte Central Maroons

Western A Champion

No team has higher expectations than Butte Central this weekend. The Maroons have been a Class A power for years, and they came so close to a state title a year ago, losing to Hamilton the title game. Back in the tourney again, Butte Central is a heavy favorite, and with a star in Mollie Peoples, as well as talents like Emily St. John and Kloie Thatcher, the Maroons are young but loaded for a title run, and if they achive it this weekend, it will be their second state championship in the last six years, as well as their fourth trip to the title game during that same stretch.

Lewistown Eagles

Eastern A 4th Place

The Eagles are the feel-good story for the second straight season at the state tournament. And while they will be a big underdog against Butte Central, and the rest of the field this week, the fact they made it two years in a row says a lot about how well head coach Deena Wier has her teams playing at the end of the season. The Eagles also have a star player in Jaree Mane, who is back from a severe knee injury.