Lake County’s premier Class B rivalry took to the hardwood at Arlee High School when the Mission Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs took on the Warriors and the Scarlets.

A raucous Arlee gym was filled with a strong Mission contingent as both teams battled. As the crowd roared on throughout the night, it was not enough to secure a home sweep for Arlee. The girls fell 61-25 while the boys won a close 65-57 brawl.

Lady Bulldogs 61, Scarlets 25

It was the girls who started the night and it was another great performance for a team gunning for a state championship trip. 

The Lady Bulldogs were stalwarts in the first quarter, scoring easily while preventing the Scarlets from finding any opportunities. Despite both teams having early turnover issues, Mission was the team able to capitalize the most. They led 16-3 going into the second quarter.

It was more of the same in the second quarter with Mission freshman Mary Lamere and junior Kieran Incashola trading buckets. Their scoring touch was evident as the defensive effort kept the Scarlets from finding any momentum. The first half ended 37-11 with Mission in the lead.

Nothing changed in the second half as the Lady Bulldogs put another 14 points in the third quarter. They also continued to allow only single digits from the Scarlets.

While the Lady Bulldogs only scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, the lead they had mounted was too much for the Scarlets. Arlee only managed six points to close the game out as Mission went on to win 61-25.

Lamere was the scoring star for Mission with 24 points, while Incashola held up the secondary scoring duties with 16 points of her own.

Warriors 65, Bulldogs 57

The nightcap was the Warriors and the Bulldogs. Despite Arlee’s strong start to the season, Mission wanted a statement win on the road.

The Bulldogs started out strong, putting up tough buckets early. However, the Warriors are a stout team and did not go down easily. Mission senior Lex LaFrombois and Arlee senior Josh Horn battled and, despite not guarding each other, traded buckets when the chance arose.

Arlee got the edge in the first quarter with a 21-18 lead but Mission stayed focused.

The second quarter was more of the same. Both teams traded points, with Arlee staying steady despite the Mission charge. It was more defensive but the balance between both teams kept it close. It was tied up 34-34 going into halftime.

After halftime, it was loud on both sides. The Mission fans were excited as they felt what could be an upset incoming.

It was another back-and-forth quarter for the teams. Mission found a way to get tough midrange looks while keeping the close shot scoring consistent. However, Arlee was too crafty on offense as Mission struggled to slow them down. The Warriors benefited from a steal and score to close out the third quarter but it was only enough to lead 51-49.

The Bulldogs struggled to contain a strong 14-point fourth quarter outing from the Warriors. Mission had kept up scoring for most of the game but Arlee’s pace was too much. They closed out an exciting game at home with a 65-57 victory.

Mission will host the Troy Trojans starting at 5:30 p.m. for varsity on Jan. 16 at St. Ignatius High School. The Arlee girls will take on Hot Springs at 7 p.m. on Jan. 16 in Hot Springs. Both Arlee squads face the Florence Falcons, with varsity starting at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 at Florence High School.

    Arlee senior Aiden Swab dribbles the ball up the court against the Mission Bulldogs on Jan. 9 at Arlee High School. (Max Dupras/Leader)
  

    Sophomore Taryn Haynes-Matt puts her arms to her stomach to attempt a pass against Arlee on Jan. 9 at Arlee High School. (Max Dupras/Leader)
  

    Arlee sophomore Malia Standing Rock dribbles the ball up the court against Mission on Jan. 9 at Arlee High School. (Max Dupras/Leader)