Loggers battle Browning, Whitefish but fall

The Libby Loggers came up short in a pair of Northwest A Conference contests last week, losing to Browning at home after dropping a road game at Whitefish.

Browning used steady scoring across all four quarters to secure a 74-57 win over Libby on Saturday.

The Indians (10-7, 7-4 Northwest A) built an early advantage and maintained control, scoring 19 points in each of the first three quarters. Browning led 38-19 at halftime before matching Libby’s output in the second half to seal the victory.

Royce Madplume led Browning with 13 points while Eli Edwards added 12 off the bench.

Libby (2-15, 0-11 Northwest A) was paced by Tristan Andersen, who poured in 28 points. Andersen caught fire after halftime, scoring 19 of his points in the second half. Bransen Holzer added 13 points for the Loggers and Blaise Erickson contributed eight.

Libby found more rhythm offensively in the final two quarters, scoring 19 points in both the third and fourth, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

On Thursday, Whitefish surged early and held off Libby for a 68-51 victory.

Will Sisson led the Bulldogs (6-9 overall, 2-7 Northwest A) with 23 points, knocking down four 3-pointers — all in the first quarter — as Whitefish raced out to a 22-10 lead. Leo Bungener added 12 points off the bench, while Aiden Rickels contributed eight, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Libby was led by Tristan Andersen and Bransen Holzer, who combined for 31 points. Andersen finished with 16 points, while Holzer added 15. Blaise Erickson chipped in eight points.

The Loggers trailed 35-26 at halftime and were unable to slow Whitefish’s offensive pace down the stretch.

Libby is back in action Saturday, hosting Ronan. It's Senior Night for the Loggers.