Granite unable to tame Wildcats in Western Divisional game

DEER LODGE – A night after an astounding comeback from a 16-point deficit to claim a three-point win, the Granite Prospectors were beaten by a hot shooting Harrison-Willow Creek team 59-32 in the Class C Western Division Tournament in Deer Lodge. The loss came in the Consolation semifinals and ends the Prospectors’ year while the Wildcats move on.

From the opening tip off, the Wildcats were on fire offensively. In taking a 32-17 halftime lead, Harrison missed just a hand few of shots while extending a zone defense that cause Granite problems most of the night.

“Harrison played a near perfect game,: said GHS Head Coach Dustin Keltner. “They shot a phenomenal percentage from the field. We aren't built to extend on a team with that size and length. After their fast start, they forced us to play that game.

“I can't put into words what this team and this group of seniors mean to Philipsburg and to me personally. They took us all on one hell of a ride.”

Guard Brian Ward led Granite with 12 points.

SCORING

Harrison-Willow Creek – 18/14/10/17 — 59

Granite – 10/7/6/9 — 32

Harrison-Willow Creek - Nye 18, LCima 14, KHomner 10, JCima 6, JHernval 6, Cromwell 2, Buus 2, Bacon 1

Granite - Ward 12, Tallon 7, Cutler 4, O'Donnell 4, Metesh 3, Pitcher 2