In a hard-fought Western A Divisional tournament play-in matchup on Saturday, March 1, the Polson Pirates came up short against the Bigfork Vikings, 55-46, in a contest where crucial momentum swings made the difference.

Polson started strong, jumping out to a 19-14 lead in the opening quarter. However, the Pirates struggled to maintain that pace in the second quarter, managing just six points while Bigfork countered with 16.

The advantage flipped in favor of the Vikings at halftime, 30-25.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, with the Pirates trailing only by six and remaining within striking distance.

The turning point came after a back-and-forth start to the fourth, as Polson tied the game twice – first at 36-all following a Cody Haggard and-one at the 5:22 mark, then again at 39-all when Jesse Vail drained his fourth triple with 4:11 remaining.

Bigfork’s Austin Savik answered emphatically, scoring a quick two-pointer and then drilling a crucial three-pointer, giving the Vikings a 45-39 lead. Despite their best efforts, the Pirates struggled to close the gap as Bigfork extended their advantage at the free-throw line, hitting 9-of-13 in the closing minutes to secure the win.

Vail turned in a career-best performance, finishing with 15 points, including four three-pointers. Haggard also stepped up with 12 points, doubling his season average. Polson, which entered the tournament the No. 4 seed, finished the season 10-10.

Polson dispatches Libby

 In the Northwest A Conference play-In first-round game, the Pirates handled business against three-win Libby, securing a 53-39 victory behind a well-balanced team effort on Thursday, Feb. 27.

The game started slowly, with both teams locked at 9-9 after the first quarter. However, Polson found its rhythm in the second period, outscoring the Loggers 15-11 to take a 24-20 halftime lead.

The third quarter proved decisive, as the Pirates clamped down defensively while putting together a 16-point offensive burst, stretching their lead to double digits entering the final frame. From there, Polson controlled the tempo, maintaining their advantage and closing out the win.

Malakai Curley led the way with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a well-rounded performance. Kyson Michel followed closely with 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Cason Graham had a strong night on the boards, finishing with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Cody Haggard chipped in seven points.

Polson’s outside shooting proved key, as they connected on seven three-pointers, with Curley and Michel each hitting three. The Pirates’ balanced scoring and defensive pressure allowed them to control the game, advancing past Libby to another round.

At Polson

BIGFORK 55, POLSON 46

Bigfork - 14 - 16 - 6 - 19 - 55

Polson - 19 - 6 - 7 - 14 - 46

POLSON SCORING: Jesse Vail 15, Cody Haggard 12, Kyson Michel 7, Carson Graham 4, Maddox Bird 3, Holden Emerson 2, Cole Wadsworth 2, Darrin Hewankorn 1

POLSON 53, LIBBY 39

Libby - 9 - 11 - 5 - 14 - 39

Polson - 9 - 15 - 16 - 13 - 53

POLSON SCORING: Malakai Curley 14, Kyson Michel 11, Cason Graham 10, Cody Haggard 7, Maddox Bird 5, Jesse Vail 3, Holden Emerson 3

Polson's Malakai Curley shoots a three-pointer over a Libby defender. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)