Five things to watch in local boys high school basketball this season

It's getting cold outside, but, it's about to heat up in gyms all over the Hi-Line.

Boys basketball returns this weekend, and, as always, the Hi-Line will produce not only some exciting hoops, but some memorable moments for teams from the Havre Blue Ponies, to Harlem and Rocky Boy, to the entire District 9C.

So hold on to your seats because the next three months are going to be one heck of a ride.

Here's five things to watch this season in local high school boys basketball.

1. The Shot Clock

It will be entertaining to see how the shot clock affects boys basketball in the Hi-Line. The shot clock was passed by the Montana High School Association last winter, and most schools will implement it this season. It should likely mean a faster-paced game, but more importantly, the shot clock will eliminate stalling down the stretch of games. Stalling at the end of games, especially in postseason play, has long plagued Montana high school basketball, and the shot clock will eliminate that. Seeing how all of our local teams adapt will be very interesting.

2. Havre Keeps Rising

The Blue Ponies made their first Class A state tournament in five years last spring. They also won a game while there. Now, head coach Walynn Burgess' club looks to go even further. The Ponies will first set their sites on the Eastern A, where they finished fourth a year ago, but could be a favorite further this winter. Havre has a good mix of veterans like Xavier Butler and Shane Patacsil and Crawford Terry, as well as strong young players Tre Gary and Jevin Jenkins among others, so the Ponies should be poised to make another postseason run.

3. The 9C needs to get back to state

It is rare that a District 9C boys team misses the Class C state tournament, but that's what happened last winter. The 9C as a whole will be looking for a bounce-back year, though the Northern C will be really tough again, so, someone is going to have to play really well come February to get the 9C back to the state tournament this March.

4. Class B Streak

Can Harlem and or Rocky Boy keep the streak of consecutive state tournaments going? Last year it was Harlem's turn, but in all, either the Star, or the Wildcats, or both, have been to the Class B state tourney in each of the last seven years. Both teams should be strong this winter, and will look to keep that streak going for the Hi-Line.

5. Big Sandy Double?

Often times, a football state championship can be a springboard to great things on the basketball court. Big Sandy is certainly hoping so after winning the Six-Man state championship. The Pioneers have a very senior-laden team this winter., and not only should they be the favorite in the 9C, they should be poised to make noise well beyond the district tournament.