THREE FORKS - Depth is a critical asset for basketball teams,

especially as the season progresses and legs begin to get weary.

The Mission Bulldogs are already getting contributions from

starters and bench players alike as they fought to a 1-1 record to

open the season in the Imerys Tournament this weekend.

THREE FORKS - Depth is a critical asset for basketball teams, especially as the season progresses and legs begin to get weary. The Mission Bulldogs are already getting contributions from starters and bench players alike as they fought to a 1-1 record to open the season in the Imerys Tournament this weekend.

On Friday, the Bulldogs hung tough with the hosts, but couldn't quite get the win as Three Forks escaped with a 48-44 win.

Balance was a key to Mission's offense, as Jarred Smith Brown, Dylan Evans and Stuart Grant co-led the team with eight points apiece, while Nikko Alexander was right behind them with seven. Austin Durglo, with six points, Josh Durglo with four and Paden Alexander with three rounded out the scoring for the Bulldogs.

On Saturday, head coach Patrick Irvin and the rest of the Mission boys got into the win column for the first time as they defeated Belt 59-42.

The Bulldogs used big first and fourth quarters to improve to 1-1. Mission bolted to a 16-3 lead after the first quarter, which helped stave off rallies by Belt that got them to within four at 35-31 after three quarters.

In the fourth, the offense came alive for the Bulldogs, outscoring Belt 24-11 in the final period to secure the victory.

Evans had a big game all around with 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Grant hit a trio of threes as part of his 13 points, and added another seven boards.

Smith-Brown filled the stat sheet with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals and Paden Alexander stepped up with eight points and four dimes.

Austin Durglo, with four points and Nikko Alexander and Harry Suta added two apiece.

The boys host Deer Lodge on Thursday night as they look to continue the momentum gained in Three Forks.

MISSION VS BELT

Mission - 16 - 9 - 10 - 24 - 59

Belt - 3 - 16 - 12 - 11 - 42

Bulldogs scoring - Jarred Smith-Brown 12, Austin Durglo 4, Dylan Evans 18, Stuart Grant 13, Nikko Alexander 2, Paden Alexander 8, Harry Suta 2

MISSION VS 3FORKS

Mission - 44

3 Forks - 48

Bulldogs scoring - Jarred Smith-Brown 8, Austin Durglo 6, Dylan Evans 8, Stuart Grant 8, Nikko Alexander 7, Paden

Alexander 3, Josh Durglo 4