HOT SPRINGS - Arlee's defense proved to be stout this past

weekend, going up against Superior on Friday and then Hot Springs

on Saturday.

Against Superior on Friday, the Warriors held the Bobcats to

just 41 points, 15 of those in the first half, but fell to Superior

41-23. However, it showed Arlee could certainly play with Superior

and come district tournament time, it could be a different

result.

HOT SPRINGS - Arlee's defense proved to be stout this past weekend, going up against Superior on Friday and then Hot Springs on Saturday.

Against Superior on Friday, the Warriors held the Bobcats to just 41 points, 15 of those in the first half, but fell to Superior 41-23. However, it showed Arlee could certainly play with Superior and come district tournament time, it could be a different result.

Arlee head coach Dustin Keltner knew the tall front court of Superior would be a challenge, as the team had outscored his Warriors 28-10 in the paint the first time these two squads met.

Keltner focused on shutting down the passing lanes and making sure Superior was forced to take outside shots. On the offensive side, Arlee took outside shots over the big tree toppers of the Bobcats' post players.

"We were pretty efficient with that in the first half," Keltner said.

Arlee led 10-6 after the first half and trailed Superior just 15-14 going into halftime. However, the Bobcats went on a 16-7 run to begin the second half and then held Arlee to two points in the fourth quarter.

"They hit some outside shots and were able to get a double-digit lead," Keltner said. "Then we had to go out and defend them and they were able to get it inside where they hit some key shots."

Keltner was pleased with his team's defensive effort, but the offense in the second half proved to be factor in Arlee's loss.

"We had opportunities," Keltner said. "We had some pretty good looks that just went in and out."

Sam Nelson led the team with seven points.

On Saturday, Arlee bounced back with a 57-38 victory over Hot Springs thanks to the efforts of the Warriors and tough-nosed play by Christian "Slash" Haynes. Known for playing just about every position of the football field for the Warriors, Haynes has shown tremendous drive out on the basketball court and his hard work paid off with 16 points on Saturday.

"Christian is going to give you 100 percent, he doesn't take a play off," Keltner said. "If there's a loose ball, he'll go and get it. He battles and he was able to finish around the rim."

Arlee led 14-7 after the first quarter and 30-17 at halftime. Then Zan Ligas came off the bench to start the second half and sunk two big three-pointers to help put the game on ice.

"That kid has spent a lot of time in the gym," Keltner said.

The win improved Arlee to 5-6 on the season and 3-4 overall in the district.

"It was an important win but we're still trying to find consistency," Keltner said. "We have about as tough of a schedule as you can, but our kids are battling and we've been in almost every game. We've just got to bring it every night."

The Warriors will host Loyola on Thursday and then St. Regis on Saturday.

ARLEE 57, HOT SPRINGS 38

Arlee - 14 - 16 - 12 - 15 - 57

H.S. - 7 - 10 - 6 - 15 - 38

Warriors scoring - Sam Nelson 9, Christian Haynes 16, Mark Fullerton 8, Justin Adams 2, Josh Reed 6, Zane Ligas 6, Dominic Burland 3, Camas McClure 2, Pancho Torres 5

SUPERIOR 41, ARLEE 23

Superior - 6 - 9 - 16 - 10 - 41

Arlee - 10 - 4 - 7 - 2 - 23

Warriors scoring - Sam Nelson 7, Christian Haynes 2, Mark Fullerton 5, Dominic Burland 1, Justin Adams 4, Josh Reed 4