Northern hoops begins Frontier Conference play

The New Year is here, and that means the long-awaited return of Frontier Conference men's and women's basketball. For the Montana State University-Northern basketball teams, league play begins Saturday at Montana Western.

The women's game will kick things off Saturday where the Skylights bring a 6-7 overall record to Dillon. Ryley Kehr has been a staple for head coach Chris Mouat's team, while junior Shyan Krass is coming off being named Frontier Conference Women's Player of the Week after the Skylights swept their two home games last week.

Meanwhile, Western comes into Saturday's game with an 8-5 overall record. The Bulldogs have been a perennial Frontier power over the last decade, and this season will be no different. Western's high-powered offense includes former Box Elder greats Joelnell and Kyla Momberg, while Shainy Mack is the veteran leader of first-year head coach Britt Cooper's team.

Following the women's game, the Northern men will kick off their Frontier slate. Under longtime head coach Shawn Huse, the Lights are 8-5 on the season, and are looking to battle for a Frontier crown again this season.

Zack Martinez and Myles Dalton have been the veteran leaders for the Lights all season, while Xavier Bailey and Jacob Randall have also stepped up.

Western, meanwhile, has struggled at points this year. Former Light Pat Jensen is Western's head coach and the Dawgs bring a 7-6 overall record into Saturday's tilt. Michael Haverfield is counted on heavily to lead an otherwise young, and new-look Western squad.

Saturday's doubleheader makes the start of an exciting season of Frontier basketball. Northern will then return home to host Montana Tech next Thursday and Rocky Mountain College next Saturday.

First though, the Skylights meet Western at 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by the men's game at 4 p.m.