Andersen’s 28 not enough as Ronan pulls away from Libby

Despite a big night from Tristan Andersen, Libby couldn’t keep pace with Ronan in the regular-season finale on Saturday as the Chiefs earned an 84-55 Northwest A Conference boys basketball victory.

The Loggers honored their seniors, including Tristan Andersen, Kale Hall and Bransen Holzer, as well as team manager Addison Skranak.

Ronan (15-3 overall, 10-2 Northwest A) used a strong second quarter to take control of the contest. After leading 16-14 at the end of the first quarter, the Chiefs erupted for 28 points in the second to build a 44-28 halftime advantage.

Matiya Nenemay led Ronan with 21 points, scoring eight during the pivotal second quarter. Kolby Finley added 18 points, while Jhett McDonald and Tryance Matt also reached double figures with 10 and 11 points.

Ronan continued to extend its lead in the second half, outscoring Libby 17-15 in the third quarter and 23-12 in the fourth to seal the win.

Ronan clinched the top seed in Class A Northwest. The Chiefs finished 15-3 overall and 10-2 in the division.

Libby (2-16, 0-12) was paced by Andersen’s game-high 28 points. Andersen scored 13 in the second quarter to help the Loggers stay within striking distance early. Bransen Holzer added 19 points.

The Loggers ended the regular season on an 8-game losing streak with an average margin of defeat by 25.3 points per game.

The Loggers play at Bigfork at 5 p.m. Thursday in a Class A Northwest play-in game. 

Libby dropped both regular season games to the Vikings, including 59-25 and 52-31.