The name Gunlock has echoed through Bigfork in the last few years. For Paeten Gunlock it started first as a coach’s daughter, then as a sister, and now as something entirely her own.

Gunlock’s basketball career didn’t begin in the spotlight she created. It began with a state championship as a freshman, her mom on the sideline as head coach and her sophomore sister Braeden on the floor beside her. What followed were expectations, adjustments, postseason heartbreak — and a senior season that proved exactly who she is. 

“My freshman year was probably my favorite year,” Gunlock said. “We were all just so close together. We were all best friends. There was no drama, no nothing. So it was really nice.” 

Paeten’s first season, in 2022-23, ended in Great Falls with a 26-0 record. Bigfork closed its final season in Class B with a 49-37 victory over Big Timber, giving the Valkyries the first basketball state championship in school history. For a freshman stepping into a championship lineup, it could have been overwhelming, but Gunlock scored seven points and contributed major minutes in the title game at a young age. 

Her sophomore season brought change. Bigfork returned to Class A for the first time since 2009 and the Vals hit the ground running and made a run to the state championship game, falling to Billings Central, 42-39. 

“It was also a fun year,” Gunlock said. “We lost some pretty good players, but still having Braeden, Keni (Wade), and Ava (Davey), it was still nice to play with them. It just felt like we could see where each other were the whole time.” 

Junior year marked the final chapter for the Gunlock duo. Paeten led Bigfork in assists and averaged 17 points per game — second in Northwest A — trailing her sister’s 21.2. The Valkyries reached the third-place game at state but couldn’t close with a win against Havre. 

“It was definitely tough losing that last game with her,” said Gunlock. “I definitely wanted to end it with a win. But those are memories with your sister and I would go back and relive that every day.” 

The foundation started at a young age for Paeten. Her first memories of basketball stem from growing up in gyms, driveways or travel tournaments with her sister Braeden. 

“Braeden and I have been playing basketball ever since we were first graders,” said Gunlock. “We would always play one-on-one outside. We’d probably get in fights and stuff, but it’s just been a part of our whole lives.” 

For parts of those first three years, Gunlock admits she felt defined in relation to others — her mother as coach, her sister as a standout. 

“Last year, I felt like I was just Braeden’s little sister; this year, it feels really good. I’m building my own name for myself. Now people know I can do things without Braeden,” Gunlock said. 

Her senior season has been the clearest statement yet. 

On Feb. 15, Gunlock reached the 1,500-point club in a 22-point effort against Whitefish. 

After four seasons she sits at 1,518 points while shooting 46.8 percent from two-point range and 30.3 percent from three. She’s made 253 free throws, grabbed 451 rebounds and handed out 491 assists.  

This winter alone, Gunlock scored a career-high 39 against Whitefish on Jan. 24, averaged 25.9 points per game, posted eight triple-doubles and recorded an extremely rare quadruple-double. 

Opponents across the conference have attempted to adjust accordingly. 

“Trying to guard Paeten, that’s a handful,” Ronan head coach Steve Woll said. “Nobody’s found a way to do it yet in four years.” 

Full-court pressure. Double teams. Trapped in the half court. Gunlock has seen it all and has learned how to handle it. Instead of forcing the issue, she expanded her game.  

“At practice, we work on face-guarding and double-teaming,” said Gunlock. “That is definitely getting me better. I’m finding new moves to finish at the basket. I’m looking more for my teammates when teams key on me.” 

First-year Bigfork girls coach Isaac Martel has watched that evolution unfold in real time. 

“She’s a really, really special player, a special young lady,” said Martel. “She makes my job easier than it should be. She takes a lot of pressure off of me and off her teammates. She shoulders a lot of pressure herself. It’s been fun to watch her blossom this year.” 

The two have navigated the season together, adjusting nightly to defensive schemes. 

“We have conversations every day about it,” Martel said. “We don’t know how people are going to guard us, and that’s just part of the game. Finding that balance for her — sometimes she makes great decisions, and sometimes I need to talk to her. That’s just her and me learning together.” 

Inside the locker room, her presence extends beyond the stat sheet. 

“She is awesome,” said sophomore teammate Payton DeSpain. “She is super competitive. Obviously, she is a great player and pushes us all to be the best we can be. Outside of basketball she is hilarious and a great person.” 

Gunlock credits much of her success and resilience to her early years playing under her mother, Cortnee Gunlock, who stepped down from the program before this season. 

“When my mom was coach, she was hard on me and Braeden, but I think that helped us grow as players. Later in college, those coaches are going to be hard on us. That definitely prepared us,” Gunlock said. 

Bigfork returns to action on March 5 with a matchup against Western A Divisional host Hamilton at 8 p.m. The Vals defeated the Lady Broncs 64-38 in their season opener on Dec. 9. 

Gunlock missed the last week of practice due to injury, but all signs point to her being available for one last run. 

As Paeten’s high school career closes, she hopes her legacy stretches beyond championships and career totals. 

“Maybe that she wasn’t just a good basketball player, that she was good academically, a great student, I want them to remember my name too,” Gunlock said. 

In Bigfork, they will remember. 

They’ll remember the undefeated state title. They’ll remember the runner-up finish in the return to Class A. They’ll remember the younger sister who became the reason for each opposing coach’s migraine. And they’ll remember a senior who didn’t shy away from expectations — she grew into them. 

The name Gunlock may have opened doors, Paeten made sure hers stands on its own.