Mission and Arlee continue to fight for wins across a tough district 6B and 7B slate, respectively. It was a positive weekend for Mission but less rewarding for Arlee. 

Mission Boys 73, Troy 69

In what was one of the most exciting finishes to a game this week, the Mission Bulldogs won out in an overtime game against the Troy Trojans on Jan. 16.

For three quarters, this game looked like a Mission win for sure. The Bulldogs were impossible to slow down, with Lex LaFrombois shining the most. Mission’s leading scorer looked like the kind of guard you’d see in a video game.

" I spend hours in the gym, late night weekends, weekdays, whatever I can do to get and perfect my craft," LaFrombois said. "So, I just try to do everything I can to help our team."

He made every tough layup, hardly missed a midrange shot and even took a couple of threes for good measure. The Mission Missile was locked on every target that night. But it wouldn’t be so simple for the Bulldogs.

Troy’s offense ignited. Despite Trojan starter Carson Orr fouling out, the team unlocked a scoring touch it had struggled to replicate in the previous three quarters of the game. An absurd 21-point quarter eliminated a 10-point deficit. Also, the Bulldogs weren’t able to keep up the scoring, leading to an eventual overtime.

It was free basketball in The Dog House and Mission was not going to be denied a home victory. LaFrombois willed his team to win with his signature brand of tough buckets. After a smooth 42 points from LaFrombois, the Bulldogs pulled out the victory 73-69.

 "It was definitely a stressful one, and definitely by far one of the most exciting games I've played in over my four years," LaFrombois said.

It was LaFrombois’s third 40-plus point game. He was joined by teammates Jason Leishman and Vinny Shepard in the double-digits.

Mission Girls 70, Troy Girls 25

The first game of the night was the kind of outcome these Lady Bulldogs were searching for as they faced the Troy Lady Trojans on Jan. 16.

It was dominance from start to finish with Mission forcing Troy to just two points in two different quarters. Troy struggled with turnovers and, at one point, had trouble getting the ball past half court.

Mission also spread the love with four double-digit scorers at the end of it. After the first half, the game looked about over as the Lady Bulldogs hardly missed. They allowed the most points against the Lady Trojans in the third quarter but a 27-point response in that same time period was more than enough to stave off any runs.

With the Mission starters almost all off the court by the fourth quarter, the 70-25 win was more than secure.

Cora Matt led the way with 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists. This game also helped push her to over 700 career rebounds. Kieran Incashola, Taryn LaFrombois and Mary Lamere all had double-digit point nights as well.

The win puts Mission at 9-1 on the year and still the best team in district 7B.

Missoula Loyola 70, Arlee Boys 41

The now three-time reigning Class A state champion Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart Rams welcomed the Arlee Warriors to Missoula for what was set to be an exciting game on Jan. 12.

However, it was the Rams who controlled this one. After losing a close game against Three Forks just weeks ago, they dominated the Warriors with a strong first half. Arlee tried to find opportunities but it was facing a dynasty.

Kade DuPuis-Pablo led Arlee with nine points in the 70-41 loss.

Florence Boys 72, Arlee Boys 62

The Warriors ended their two-game road trip with a close loss against Florence on Jan. 17.

It was a tight game against a team that has dropped just two games all season. Despite winning most of its games by more than 20 points, the Falcons had to stop an Arlee team known for pace.

It was a tough win for either team, but Florence found a couple of buckets late to make this one Arlee’s second loss in a row.

Missoula Loyola Girls 78, Arlee Girls 35

Arlee had a tough first challenger on their three-game road trip. It was the Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart Breakers on Jan. 12.

It was a tough start for the Scarlets, only scoring three points to Missoula Loyola’s 25. From there, it was all Breakers. The only close margin was in the fourth quarter when Arlee kept it close with a 12-11 margin.

However, the Breakers' undefeated season continued with a 78-35 win. 

Arlee Girls 48, Hot Springs Girls 45

It was a big game for the Scarlets as it finally secured its second win of the season against Hot Springs on Jan. 16.

It was a close one with both teams tying it up 10-10 in the first quarter. However, the Scarlets struggled to stop the Lady Savage Heat in the second quarter. In a season with much uncertainty, the Scarlets were not going to lose out that easily.

A combo of good shooting and stout defense was plenty to quell the flame, bringing the Scarlets another win on the year. Gracie Haynes led the way with 13 points.

Florence Girls 65, Arlee Girls 5

In its final game of a long week of basketball, the Scarlets faced off against a juggernaut in the Florence Falcons on Jan. 17.

It was a tough game from the start as Arlee never seemed to find a rhythm. Florence’s well-rounded offensive effort, combined with only allowing five points all game, led to the Lady Falcons beating the Scarlets 65-5.

Arlee’s only four-point scorers in its third straight road game were Bella Ellison, Kylie Means, Gracie Haynes and Kaylee Tanner.

    Mission freshman Mary Lamere, junior Kieran Incashola and senior Cora Matt walk down the court against Troy on Jan. 16. (Max Dupras/Leader)
  

    Mission senior Sheadon Kain goes up for a shot against Troy freshman Aspen Orr on Jan. 16. (Max Dupras/Leader)
  

    Mission junior Vinny Shepard goes for a free throw attempt against Troy on Jan. 16. (Max Dupras/Leader)