Blue Ponies win Eastern A Divisional

While the Havre High girls basketball team has had success the past few years thanks to several Class A State titles, a championship from the Eastern A Divisional always eluded them. That is no longer the case as the Blue Ponies have now won a divisional title thanks to a 69-50 win over Hardin at the Metra in Billings Saturday. After falling short in divisionals the past few years, HHS head coach Dustin Kraske was happy to see his team bring home the title this year.

"It's wonderful. Our kids played great and they had a great weekend," Kraske said. "We defended very well. That's the key to the kingdom for us so I have nothing but compliments for our team."

After an early 4-4 tie, the Ponies went on a 9-0 run to take control of the game. Katerena Morrison scored to put an end to the run, but the Ponies had a 13-6 lead to end the first.

The Ponies then opened the second quarter on an 11-3 run to build themselves a 24-9 lead. Sierra and Tierra Parker combined for all 11 points during the run. The Ponies continued to play well as they had a 31-17 lead late in the half. Amaya Jarvis then knocked down a 3-pointer to give Havre a 34-17 lead at the break.

The Bulldogs played better in the third quarter and were able to cut Havre's lead to 44-33 heading into the fourth. But the Ponies retook momentum in the fourth to pull away for the win and the divisional championship. Yelena Miller led the Ponies with 16 points while Jarvis added 13 points in the win.

The Ponies advanced to the championship game thanks to a 57-43 victory over Laurel Friday. After falling behind 4-3 early in the game, the Ponies went on a 9-0 run to take control. Miller made the biggest impact with a pair of baskets to help Havre take a 12-4 lead late in the first.

After some free throws from Laurel, the Ponies continued to roll to push their lead to 17-6. Alyse Aby got going for Laurel with a personal 5-0 run to cut Havre's lead to 17-11 heading to the second.

The Ponies started the second on a 7-0 run to push the lead to 24-11. The Locomotives responded with a run of their own to cut the deficit to 24-17. But the Ponies retook momentum over the rest of the half and they took a 33-22 lead into halftime.

Through the third quarter, the Ponies and Locomotives exchanged scores. Neither team was able to go on much of a run as the Ponies took a 41-32 lead into the fourth.

The Ponies opened the fourth with free throws from Jarvis and a bucket from Ariana Gary to push the lead to 45-32. After the Locomotives cut the lead to 45-36, the Ponies put the game away with a 10-0 run. Jarvis led the way with five points for the Ponies.

The Locomotives had a late run, but there was not enough time left on the clock. Avery Carlson finished the game with 15 points while Jarvis scored 14 and Gary scored 13. Aby led Laurel with 23 points in the losing effort.

Now that the Ponies have a divisional title in hand, they will begin preparing for the Class A State Tournament in Bozeman. As they begin preparing for the most important three days of the season, Kraske wants to see the Ponies carry over their defensive intensity into these games.

"We're very excited with how well we defended so our goal will be to continue with that type of enthusiasm," Kraske said. "Our kids have done a nice job of keeping kids in front of them. They've done a wonderful job of making kids earn their shots."

The HHS girls basketball team will begin the Class A State Tournament March 9 at 5 p.m. at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman.

Friday

Havre 57, Laurel 43, Semifinal

HAV - 17 16 8 16 - 57

LAU - 11 11 10 11 - 43

HAV - Avery Carlson 15, Amaya Jarvis 14, Ariana Gary 13, Yelena Miller 10, Molly Huse 2, Tierra Parker 2, Kyanna Jarvis 1.

LAU - Alyse Aby 23, Emma Timm 8, Kaiya Graves 4, Mya Maack 2, Aubri Roth 2, Madison Erving 2, Savannah Windy Boy 2.

Saturday

Havre 69, Hardin 50, Championship

HAR - 6 11 16 17 - 50

HAV - 13 21 10 25 - 69

HAR - Aiyanna Big Man 11, Dierra Takes Enemy 10, Karis Brightwings-Pease 7, Starry Roundface 4, Diamond Amyotte 4, Katerena Morrison 4, Carlei Plainfeather 4, Dallyn Lopez 3, Alex Morrison 3.

HAV - Yelena Miller 16, Amaya Jarvis 13, Avery Carlson 9, Sierra Parker 9, Tierra Parker 9, Ariana Gary 8, Kenzie Kallenberger 3, Kyanna Jarvis 2.