Polson, Whitefish gearing up for state tournament

Whitefish coach Dean McFadden says there is absolutely no pressure on his Whitefish girls basketball team when it comes to the Class A state tournament, which begins today in Miles City.

He also likes it that way.

"We're the eighth-place team coming in," said McFadden.

Thus, he's preached the Cinderella theme to his players all week.

"Our coaches have related their Cinderella experiences, good and bad," he said.

Whitefish (13-7) draws a toughie right off the bat, tangling with Anaconda (20-0) at 2 p.m.

In the same bracket are two more powerhouses - Browning (20-0) and Miles City (20-2). Those two play at 8.

The winners from the evening session advance to Friday's 8 p.m. semifinals.

"Just looking at the teams on our side, I couldn't have asked for a better spot," said Polson coach Bruce Thomas.

"Maybe not a good chance, but it's better on our side."

Polson (19-1) faces Dillon (13-7) at 2 p.m. In the other afternoon matchup, Laurel (19-1) plays Livingston (13-8).

Those winners are in Friday's 6:30 p.m. semifinal.

This marks the second straight year Polson advances to state. Whitefish did not qualify last year, but has played at state five of the last six years.

"We've been pretty fortunate," said McFadden of state appearances.

Whitefish finished second in 2003 and third in 2004.

Whitefish and Polson were also in the tournament field the last time Miles City hosted this event. That was 2000.

"It's nice to go back-to-back," said Thomas of state trips.

"Now the kids won't be so big-eyed, big-mouthed."

Polson's lineup will remain the same - Jen Orchard, 5-foot-5 sr. guard; Kara Huyser, 6-foot-1 sr. post; Emily Fors, 5-9 sr. forward; Gracie Sartori, 5-7 jr. guard; and Jaelin Vandeberg, 5-4 jr. guard.

Polson has changed its starting lineup just once this season and that was because of an illness.

"I play nine kids, have a good rotation figured out," said Thomas.

"They're all comfortable with their roles."

Orchard leads the team offensively, 12 points per game, with Huyer a close second, 11.8.

Whitefish's starting lineup for Anaconda will consist of Desiree Clark, 5-6 soph. guard; Kristen Blackburn, 5-3 jr. guard; Ashley Ferda, 5-6 soph. guard; Tracy Schwada, 5-10 sr. post; and Erin Greiner, 5-8 sr. post.

Class A

At Miles City

Today

12:30 p.m. - Laurel (19-1) vs. Livingston (13-8)

2 p.m. - Polson (19-1) vs. Dillon (13-7)

6:30 p.m. - Anaconda (20-0) vs. Whitefish (13-7)

8 p.m. - Browning (20-0) vs. Miles City (20-2)