Local talents transcend tall tasks in Texas
John Heglie Special to Leader | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 years, 6 months AGO
The Northwest Blazers Ice pose with their trophy after making the Final Four in the Oklahoma Division of the Super 64 National Championship held in Frisco, Texas, back on July 8. Standing, (back row, from left): Kailee Oliverson (Twin Bridges), Alyssia Vanderburg (Arlee), Cameron Cady (Lewiston, ID), Kendyll Kinzer (Lewiston, ID), Taylor Sullivan (Helena Capital). Kneeling; (front row, from left): Micalann McCrea (Ronan), Akasia Denton (CM Russell), Demi Randall (Lewiston, ID), Kamden Hilborn (Helena High). (Photo courtesy of Keith Denton)
Micalann McCrea of Ronan and Alyssia Vanderburg of Arlee continue to hone their hoops handicraft with the Northwest Blazers Ice summer basketball Gauntlet squad. Below are scores from their quintet of games in which they went 3-2 overall. Remaining on their docket are a pair of tournaments which will close out the summer viewing period:
Arizona Elite Summer Classic, Phoenix, AZ (July 23-25);
Adidas Uprising Summer Championships, Cartersville, GA (July 27-29).
McCrea and Vanderberg are currently standouts in the Mission Valley. McCrea, was an instrumental piece in Ronan’s run to the Montana Class B state tournament last season and will be a key centerpiece in the Maidens’ attempt to return to state under their new basketball coach Steve Woll. Vanderberg, an Arlee product, was one of the key pieces in the Scarlets finishing second last season to the Belt Lady Huskies in the Class C Montana State Basketball Championship game at Belgrade.
Adidas Uprising Gauntlet Finale - Texas
Frisco, TX
July 10-12, 2017
third place
Lady Rebels Platinum (GA) 58,
Northwest Blazers Ice 51
NW Blazers Ice 20 31 – 51
Lady Rebs (GA) 19 39 – 58
NWBLAZIC – Micalann McCrea 1-2 0-0 2 (2r,3a), Alyssia Vanderburg 1-4 0-0 2 (2r,1b).
(W12Jul17gm52)
NW Blazers Ice 64, Aussie Elite 45
Aussie Elite (Australia) 20 25 – 45
Northwest Blazers Ice 31 33 – 64
NWBLAZIC – Micalann McCrea 1-7 0-0 3 (1r,2a,1s), Alyssia Vanderburg 1-3 0-0 2 (3r).
(Tu11Jul17exhib)
Northwest Blazers Ice 52
Della Lamb Running Angels Gauntlet Platinum (MO) 43
(Tu11Jul17gm49)
NW Blazers Ice 60,
PlayHerz 17U Basketball Club 29
PlayHerz 17U (NJ) 10 10 – 29
NW Blazers Ice 37 23 – 60
NWBLAZIC – Micalann McCrea 0-4 0-0 0 (2r,1a,1s), Alyssia Vanderburg 1-5 0-0 2 (3r,2a),
(M10Jul17gm43)
Team Brandan Wright 2018 Platinum (TN) 57,
Northwest Blazers Ice 45
(M10Jul17gm9)
ARTICLES BY JOHN HEGLIE SPECIAL TO LEADER
Sixteen Mission Valley softballers accentuated with athletic accolades
The MHSA sanctioned spring softball season came to a close with the culmination of state tournaments. Thereafter, each conference among the different classifications release a list of players who have been identified as exemplifying some of the best qualities exhibited in their athletic discipline over the course of the season. Honored from the Mission Valley include Northwest A players from both Ronan and Polson along with Western BC softballers from the cooperative venture of Mission-Arlee-Charlo.
Looking back upon a whirlwind season
Wtr2018-19 Arlee Warriors (24-3) 1971pts
Future Polson grads receive scholarship accolades
At the Polson High library, a group of ten student-athletes were recognized for their dual AA blend of achievements both in the classroom for academics as well as for the caliber of their athleticism that will extend their careers at the collegiate level. The gathering was accompanied by a simulated signing session to commemorate commitments to various collegiate athletic programs, many of which rely on academic incentives to assist athletes. Many of these student-athletes have been recognized multiple times on the honor roll. Several will be graduating with academic honors. Below are the institutions to which they have committed along with some of their accomplishments.