Girls struggle with turnovers at tip-off tourney

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team had a tough road trip in Browning over the weekend. The Wildkats lost to Miles City in the opener of the tip-off tourney 53-37 and then had a tough time against Hardin 54-33 Saturday, though they actually played better against Bulldogs, coach Jeremy Grilley noted.

The Kats started off pretty well against the Cowboys with 14 points in the first quarter, but Miles City went to a press and the Kats shooting went cold.

They need to learn that after breaking a press to reset the offense and take some time, Grilley noted.

“We just need to be more poised,” Grilley said.

After the 14 in the first, they wouldn’t have another 14 until mid-way through the fourth.

Against Hardin, the game was closer than the score would suggest. The Kats cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 9 in the third and the girls played hard.

“They competed really hard against Hardin,” Grilley noted.

But they’ve been averaging about 23 turnovers a game and it’s tough to get wins with that many turnovers.

They’re now 1-3 overall and will host Hamilton at home Jan. 3. Varsity start is 3 p.m.

The Kats are very athletic and should be able to right the ship in conference play. Three of the four teams they played so far this season are undefeated.

Rylee Sweeney and Onnikka Lawrence had 10 points apiece against Miles City. Lawrence had 9 against Hardin, Alanis Peterson and Alexa Fiske had 8 apiece.

The Kats will practice over the break, Grilley noted.