Despite playing great basketball, Blue Ponies denied a trip to state by Hardin

The Havre High boys basketball team went into the Eastern A Divisional Tournament at Metra Park in Billings this past weekend as the Northeast A No. 1 seed. And they started the tournament strong with a 69-47 victory over Livingston.

Unfortunately, the Blue Ponies suffered back-to-back losses to end the tournament, and their season.

Even though the Ponies did not get the results they wanted, Havre head coach Walynn Burgess commended his team for their efforts.

"We are just really proud of the boys and the way they fought to the final buzzer even though the result didn't end the way we wanted," Burgess said.

Going into Friday's matchup with Billings Central in the semifinals, the Ponies were still alive for a tournament title. However, they lost to Billings Central, 60-55, and were sent to the tournament's consolation bracket.

Havre trailed early on as they fell behind 14-7 by the end of the first quarter. They played better in the second quarter but still trailed 27-18 at halftime. The Ponies outscored the Rams in the second half but it was not enough to come back. It was the second meeting between the two schools this season as Billings Central defeated Havre, 61-41, Jan. 30. Burgess wants his team to be proud of the way they played, especially against Billings Central who went on to win the Eastern A Divisional.

"Billings Central won divisionals for a reason. They are a really good team. It was good for us to compete with them and fight back to have a shot at the end," Burgess said. "You can't ask for much more. We had a few kids step up and make some big plays to have an opportunity."

Josh Warp led the Ponies with 15 points against the Rams. Kellen Detrick and Clint Owens also both chipped in 13 points each in the losing effort. Cayden Merchant and Brock Blatter led the Rams with 16 points each.

Havre went into Saturday looking to rebound from the loss and make a run at the consolation trophy, as well as punch a coveted ticket to state. However, they suffered a 62-55 loss to Hardin in a loser-out game and were eliminated from the tournament.

Hardin quickly took control of the game to get an early lead. However, the Ponies kept battling and went into halftime trailing 26-23. Havre kept the pressure on the Bulldogs as they outscored them in the third quarter to cut the lead to two heading to the fourth quarter. Both teams got their offenses going in the fourth quarter to keep their seasons alive and Hardin scored enough to hold on for the victory. Despite the loss, Burgess was proud of how both his younger and older players battled.

"It was good to see some of the young kids step up and make some plays while we were in foul trouble," Burgess said. "Loved the effort we got out of our five seniors. They all left everything on the floor."

Detrick and Owens led the Ponies with 17 points each. Caden Jenkins also scored 10 for the Ponies in the losing effort. Bryson Rogers scored 20 points to lead the Bulldogs and Teivon Ramos scored 19 to aid the Bulldogs' victory.

The back-to-back losses put an end to Havre's season and while it did not end the way they would have wanted, it was still a successful season as the Ponies finished first in the Northeast A with an 8-3 division record. The Ponies accomplished this in the middle of a shortened season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the season ends, so do the careers of seniors Detrick, Warp, Owens, Max Olson and Nolan Lotton. As they move on, Burgess wants them to know what they meant to the program.

"Just a special group. A group that grew so much over the last three years. We are just proud of the young men they are turning out to be," Burgess said. "They have helped lay a foundation moving forward and that's something they should be proud of."

Central defeated Laurel for the Eastern A title, while Lewsitown beat Hardin for third.

Billings Central 60, Havre 55, SF

Havre 7 11 15 22 - 55

Billings Central 14 13 14 19 - 60

Havre - Josh Warp 15, Kellen Detrick 13, Clint Owens 13, Caden Jenkins 7, Isaas Pedraza 7.

Billings Central - Cayden Merchant 16, Brock Blatter 16, Malachi Stewart 7, Marcus Wittman 6, Nick Pasquarello 6, Junior Brackenridge 4, Clarence Stewart 3, Nate Sasich 2.

Hardin 62, Havre 55, lo

Havre 12 11 15 17 - 55

Hardin 17 9 14 22 - 62

Havre - Kellen Detrick 17, Clint Owens 17, Caden Jenkins 10, Nolan Lotton 5, Josh Warp 3, Max Olson 3.

Hardin - Bryson Rogers 20, Teivon Ramos 19, Hance Three Irons 7, Kevion Ladson 7, Troy Hugs 6, Tegan Medicine Bull 2, Elias Stops 2, Jalen High Hawk 2, Keenan Wuttnee 2.