Granite’s lack of free throws at heart of loss to Mountain Cats

ALBERTON – A big differential at the free throw line proved to be the undoing of the Granite Prospectors Tuesday night, as the locals fell in Clark Fork 53-48.

The Prospectors jumped out to an early 15-8 lead, only to watch it dwindle to a single point by halftime. The Mountain Cats tied it at the end of three stanzas before using a 16-11 surge over the final eight minutes to secure the win.

“The story of the game was on the charity stripe,” said GHS Head Coach Dustin Keltner after the game. “Clark Fork cashed in on 22 of their 26 free throw attempts. We only converted 3 of 9. A 19 point differential at the foul line is tough to overcome.

“We need to clean things up offensively and defensively and that's on me. We are allowing far too many freebies from the line. I'm proud of how hard the kids played tonight. I don't want this team peaking early. We got better tonight.”

Brian Ward scored 20 points to lead Granite with Kade Cutler adding nine.

The Prospectors will not prepare for the renewal of the county rivalry Friday when they host the Drummond Trojans in Philipsburg for their 2021 Senior Night. Games begin with JV play at 5:30 and the varsity at 7.