The Columbia Falls speech and debate team picked up another win in a close meet Saturday, scoring 145 points to win the Pirate Palooza Tournament in Polson. Whitefish was second with 120 points while Polson was third at 79.

The Wildcats earned three first-place finishes at the tournament, including sweeping the top three places in public forum debate.

Policy debaters Ian Mckenzie and Maggie McKeon won their event and Suzanna Rosalez was first in memorized public address while Cassidy Norick and Kelsey Wright won public forum debate, Lara Erickson and Laney Conger were second and Emma Stephens and Griffin Conger were third.

Along with the top finishes, Raphe Salmon placed third in Lincoln-Douglas debate, Chloe Coberley took fourth, and Emmalee Hellen took third in memorized public address.

It was one of the closest meets of the year for Columbia Falls, which has won the last 13 Class A state titles, last losing to Whitefish in 2005.

“Whitefish has another strong team this year, with many incredible competitors. We always know that Whitefish is going to bring their A game to these tournaments,” Wildcat senior Paige Moriarty said.

The Wildcats will face the Bulldogs on their home turf this weekend as Whitefish hosts the divisional tournament, with the top finishers advancing to the state tournament in Belgrade Jan. 24.

“It’s going to be a tough tournament” Moriarty said. “The top 12 in each event go to state. We know we will be battling in every category, but we are prepared, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Polson Pirate Palooza:

Policy Debate:

1st Ian McKenzie and Maggie McKeon

5th Calie Jo Johnson and Tre Finley

6th Shyane Williams and Ava Foley

Public Forum Debate:

1st Cassidy Norick and Kelsey Wright

2nd Lara Erickson & Laney Conger

3rd Emma Stephens & Griffin Conger

Lincoln Douglas Debate:

3rd Raphe Salmon

4th Chloe Coberley

8th Jayden Webb

Impromptu:

8th Paige Moriarty

Dramatic Interpretation:

5th Emmalee Hellen

Original Oratory:

5th Haileigh Bayee

Memorized Public Address:

1st Suzanna Rosalez

3rd Emmalee Hellen

6th Haileigh Bayee

Sweeps (team score)

1st Columbia Falls 145

2nd Whitefish 120

3rd Polson 79