Keeping Score: Columbia Falls dominates Whitefish in Cat-Dog showdown
KEEPING SCORE PODCAST | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 1 week AGO
Watch and Listen to the Keeping Score Podcast by the Daily Inter Lake. We cover High School sports weekly and keep you up to date on the Range Riders and the Big Sky Conference. Check out our weekly Poster Player of the Week. Find all our podcasts and videos on the Daily Inter Lake You Tube channel. | February 23, 2026 5:20 PM
On this episode of Keeping Score, we break down the rivalry doubleheader with postgame reactions from Columbia Falls players and coaches, plus insight into what these wins mean for the conference race.
Hear from Easton Brooks, Jory Hill, and Coach Chris Finberg after the Wildkats boys secured a key conference victory, continuing their strong road stretch and balanced scoring attack.
Then, get perspective from Coach Grilley, Alexa Friske, and Onnikka Lawrence following the Columbia Falls girls’ decisive win, highlighted by Friske’s scoring surge and the team’s dominant second-half performance.
With conference standings tightening and rematches looming, this episode dives into momentum shifts, rivalry intensity, and what’s next for both programs as the postseason approaches.
Crosstown basketball delivered everything it promised — intensity, momentum swings, and a finish that came down to free throws and final seconds.
Daily Inter Lake reporter Luke Schmit speaks to Glacier and Flathead players and coaches after Friday night’s crosstown doubleheader at Flathead High School.
In the boys’ game, Glacier survived a furious Flathead rally to escape with a 54–52 win, knocking down 11 free throws in the final quarter to hold off the Braves.
Cooper Pelc led the Wolfpack with 22 points, while Asher Knopik sealed it late at the line after Flathead had a chance to tie in the closing seconds.
Glacier head coach Evan Epperly and players Pelc and Knopik break down the physical play, the pressure at the stripe, and what it takes to stay composed in one of the valley’s most chaotic environments.
Earlier in the night, the Flathead girls made a statement of their own, jumping out early and never looking back in a dominant 65–30 victory.
Freshman Lexi Herion poured in 19 points, while Coach Kaylee Fox and players Grace Gall and Herion reflect on managing crosstown emotions and setting the tone early.
The Cat-Dog rivalry delivered another electric night of Northwest A basketball, and Columbia Falls walked away with statement wins over Whitefish in both boys and girls matchups.
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