Young Bulldogs earn state berth at Western A Divisional

A young Whitefish girls basketball team showed its poise under pressure Saturday night, as the Bulldogs edged Bigfork 39-37 in the third-place game at the Western A Divisional tournament.

"This group has worked really hard this year to have a successful season, and to get to state really puts an exclamation point on to what we have accomplished," Whitefish Head Coach Bob Bolam said. "All the hard work has paid off and being so young means the future looks bright as we can build on the experience."

Freshman Avery Orme and sophomore Allie Shors led the way for Whitefish, combining for 28 points as the Bulldogs held off a late Bigfork push.

"Allie and Avery have both played a lot of basketball growing up and a lot of that time playing together," Bolam said. "They both really understand the game and how it works. It helps them to understand game situations, how to be successful, and not be afraid of the big moments."

Reese Hudson delivered the decisive moment late in the fourth quarter, knocking down a 3-pointer with about a minute remaining to give the Lady Bulldogs a 38-37 lead they would not relinquish.

Bigfork was led by Paeten Gunlock and Payton DeSpain, who scored nine points each. The Vals held a 23-17 lead at halftime and stretched their advantage early in the third quarter when Gunlock scored twice on baseline drives to push the lead to 27-19.

Whitefish responded by working inside and cutting the deficit to four points heading into the final quarter after Orme found Shors open under the basket.

"I was most impressed with the composure and fighting spirit from such a young group," Bolam said. "It was great to see how resilient they were in the face of adversity as we had some very close and exciting games."

The Bulldogs clamped down defensively in the fourth, holding Bigfork to just four points.

"I don't think we made a lot of adjustments in that final quarter," Bolam said. "I think we just got locked into what we wanted to do and worked hard to achieve it. We played a defense we have not played a lot, so it took us a bit to really figure it out."

Shors finished with 11 points and pulled down 16 rebounds before fouling out late in the game.

"Allie has been a great defender and rebounder all season, and her work inside on our defense is outstanding," Bolam said. "Her understanding of rebounding techniques and desire to go get the ball makes her a great rebounder. It is the reason she lead our conference in rebounding this year."

After Bigfork missed a shot in the closing seconds, Hudson grabbed the rebound and was fouled with two seconds remaining, making one of two free throws to push the lead to two points. Gunlock’s half-court attempt at the buzzer fell just long as Whitefish held on for the win.

"I think this team showed from the very beginning of the season that they could be good," Bolam said. "I believe that as we have gone through lineup changes and other obstacles that we have settled into a starting five and subs that have really come together and made us really good. These girls know their roles on the team and how to make that work together so that we can be at our best."

The Bulldogs reached the consolation game after a narrow 48-45 victory over Columbia Falls earlier in the tournament. Whitefish rallied late in that matchup as well, scoring the final seven points of the game.

"It is amazing how our young team has not let big moments or tight games affect them," Bolam said. "We dig in and keep playing hard through the final moments. It helped this past weekend that we have had a lot of close games this year, so we have experienced what it takes to stay focused and win.

"We have talked all year about one game at a time, preparing for the next game and not looking ahead to what might be. They have done a great job at that, and we will do the same going forward. That being said, they are very excited about where we are and what comes next," Bolam said."

Hudson sparked the comeback with a 3-pointer, and later forced a turnover that led to an Orme coast-to-coast layup giving Whitefish the lead with under two minutes remaining. Allie Shors added two free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.

Orme finished with 19 points against Columbia Falls, while Hudson added 10 and Allie Shors chipped in 11.

Dillon defeated Frenchtown 50-35 in the championship game of the Western A Divisional. Whitefish’s consolation trophy marks the program’s first divisional tournament hardware since the 2008 Western A Divisional, when the Bulldogs finished runner-up to Bigfork.

"It has been a long time since the Whitefish girls' basketball program has garnered hardware to add to the trophy case," Bolam said. "Our girls really wanted to make that happen and they are very proud to have accomplished it."

Bolam said it was a great opportunity for the Lady Bulldogs to have experienced success at divisionals and now go to state with such a young group.

"It will be a great learning tool to build off for the future and put a lot of excitement around our program," Bolam said. "I'm also aware that success brings more expectations going forward, and I believe our girls will continue to work to improve so that we can meet those expectations. This team is special for their talent, their hard work and dedication, and mostly, that they enjoy the process and each other so much. They are an outstanding group to coach and be around."

    The Whitefish girls basketball team at the Western A Divisional tournament last weekend. (Photo provided)
  

    Sammie Shors sneaks a layup past the Columbia Falls defense in the Bulldogs game versus Columbia Falls. Seth Anderson Photo.
  

    The Whitefish girls basketball team celebrates with the student section and cheerleaders after clinching the third place trophy at Western A Divisionals on Saturday. (Photo provided)
  

    Stella Frisbee denies Bigforks Paeten Gunlock in the consoltation championship during the Class A Divisional Basketball Tournament. Seth Anderson Photo.
  

    Blake Ruta drives the baseline during the Bulldogs win over Polson at the MHSA Class A Basketball Tournament in Hamilton. Seth Anderson Photo..