Five things to watch in local high school girls hoops

The last couple of girls basketball seasons have been really good on the Hi-Line. And by really good, I mean, special.

For the past two seasons, the Havre High and Box Elder girls have captured exactly half of the girls basketball state championships in Montana, and combined the two teams lost less than five total games during that stretch.

But the Blue Ponies and Bears aren't the only really good girls teams in the coverage area. No, in actuality, the Havre area has, and will continue to showcase, some of the very best girls basketball in all of Montana.

So, with the 2019-2020 season about to begin, here are five things to watch out for in local high school girls hoops.

1. The Blue Pony Stampede

Havre High's back-to-back state championships have been remarkable. Now though, the Ponies are on the verge of true history, as they'll go for a Class A three-peat in March. The Ponies, of veteran head coach Dustin Kraske, return the bulk of their 2019 state championship squad, including All-Staters Kyndall Keller, Kadia Miller and Sadie Filius, as well as a senior class that also includes veterans Kylie Walker, Katie Wirtzberger, Jessa Chvilicek and Sam Oliver. Of course, the road to a state title is never easy, and the Ponies' main foes, Billings Central, Hardin and Browning, will all be stout again this season, but with so much star-power, Havre will be the favorite to hoist the trophy again, and put a stamp on a dynasty.

2. Can Harlem get over the last hump?

The Wildcats have had back-to-back great seasons, including last year's first-ever trip to state. Now, with a lot of senior firepower, including three-time All-State selection L'Tia Lawrence, the Wildcats are hoping to really leave their mark on the program. Harlem will be the top contender in both the District 2B and the Northern B, but after last year's success, the Wildcats want to go further, as in, compete for a state championship, or, at the least, be playing Saturday night at the state tourney.

3. Can Fort Benton be stopped?

The Fort Benton Longhorns have really owned the District 9C tournament as of late, but when it comes to the biggest prize in Class C basketball, it's been Box Elder. Going into this season, though, it is indeed the Longhorns who are heavy favorites. With longtime Box Elder head coach Joel Rosette, and daughters Joelnelle and Kyle Momberg having now moved to Spokane, the Bears will have to pull an upset over the Longhorns to to get the 9C crown back. Add to that, Turner and North Star returning loaded squads and the 9C is again top heavy. After three 9C titles in the last four years, but no trips to state, one has to think, though, that this winter has to be the year of the Longhorns in the 9C.

4. Turner's run

The Tornadoes have gone to two straight Northern C tournaments, and that run is coming on the heels of, not so long ago, Turner being unable to field a varsity girls team. Now however, the Tornadoes are one of the 9C's elite, and with a star-studded senior class and powerful junior Shyan Krass, the Tornadoes are not only no longer an underdog but also a contender to win a 9C title, which will no doubt be their goal.

5. Combined State C

Last year it was Class A, now it's Class C's turn. When March rolls around, the Class C state tournament will be combined for the first time in history. The first-ever combined State C tourney will be played March 11-14 at the Adams Center in Missoula. The tournament will feature eight boys and eight girls teams and will be a massive draw given the popularity of Class C basketball. Now, the only question is how many local teams will be there? And with how good girls basketball is on the Hi-Line, some area fans may want to book hotel rooms for Missoula now because, there's no doubt, the Hi-Line is going to be repped well at the historic tournament.