After epic girls state title game, Ponies and Rams clash again

The season so far for the Havre High girls basketball has not been easy, but the Blue Ponies have been able to persevere.

In their season opener, the Ponies gutted out a 50-47 win over Laurel and then held on for a 43-40 victory on the road at Malta this past Tuesday. And things will not get any easier for the Ponies as they head on the road to play Billings Central Saturday.

"It's going to be a great game," HHS head coach Dustin Kraske said. "We haven't been down there for a couple years so we're looking forward to the trip."

The Rams enter the game with an 0-1 record after losing to Hardin, 55-51, in their season opener Tuesday. Not only will Rams be looking to avoid an 0-2 start to the season, but they will be looking to avenge an overtime loss against Havre in last year's state championship game.

With that recent history, Kraske expects a tough outing from the Rams this weekend.

"Both of our programs are striving to continue to be good," Kraske said. "Playing Billings (Central) just makes us better and we're thankful for that opportunity."

The Rams return several players from last year's runner-up team. Solei Elletson and Mya Hansen return for their senior seasons after being named all-state selections last year. Maria Stewart also returns after being named honorable mention all-conference last year in the Southeast A. From the little film he has seen on them this year, Kraske believes the Rams' strong play will continue on.

"They're a strong defensive team," Kraske said. "They share the ball well. They do a lot of on-ball dribble, handoff, cuts and then they're just well coached."

The Ponies also have several returners from last year's team. In their first two games this season, Avery Carlson and Yelena Miller have led the Ponies as Carlson has averaged 16.5 points a game and Miller has averaged 13.5 points. But Kraske credits the entire team's intensity and experience for their two wins this year.

"Our kids are playing pretty hard," Kraske said. "We have kids who have been here before and we're relying on them quite a bit right now."

The Rams may be the toughest outing yet for the Ponies this year. While the Ponies are 2-0, they still need to improve in order to compete with the Rams this weekend and demonstrate why they were the state champions last year.

"We've got to continue to grow as a team and as a program," Kraske said. "Our kids need to focus on fundamental basketball and continue to gain some confidence in their shooting."

The Ponies will play at Billings Central this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The Ponies return home next weekend to host Glendive and Sidney.