Loggers fall to 'Dogs, 55-46; Ladies whip Whitefish, 49-30

A third-quarter stumble cost the Libby Loggers (0-1, 0-3) on Saturday when they dropped a hoops match against the Whitefish Bulldogs (1-0, 2-3), 55-46.   

Down 28-22 at halftime, the Loggers dropped the third quarter 16-6. Whitefish senior Keaton Nicholson opened the second-half scoring on a layup following an exquisite back-door bounce pass from fellow senior Alex Wilson. Loggers All-State senior guard Jared Winslow, who struggled to find his shot, flashed a moment of brilliance when he converted a three-point attempt while being fouled. The successful free throw made it a rare four-point-play. The Bulldogs would respond by closing the quarter on a 10-2 run. 

“We didn’t show up very well the first four minutes out of halftime,” Coach Wally Winslow said. “We played a decent first half. It was a six-point game, but it could have been only two. It’s frustrating because we had opportunities that we did not capitalize on.”

The bright spot in Libby’s second half was Michael Curtiss’ outstanding post play. The six-foot-three junior played the game of his life, according to his coach. Curtiss scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Although his shot was blocked multiple times by Whitefish’s six-foot-eight senior Garrett Anderson, Curtiss’ soft touch and nimble feet combined to create several strong attempts. Coach Winslow also also praised the 215-pounder for his defensive tenacity.

“He comes from a wrestling background so he likes to play physical in the post,” Coach Winslow said. “Size is not going to intimidate him.”

Whitefish began the game in a 2-3 zone and never wavered from the defensive tactic. Jared Winslow finished with 14 points but could not find the outside shooting rhythm required to break the Bulldogs out of the zone.

The Bulldogs wore a yellow and green color combination reminiscent of Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse North Dakota State and boasted gridiron-caliber size. Ten players for the visitors stood taller than six feet. 

The Loggers claimed the fourth quarter 18-11. The offense came to life as it coughed up few of the 19 total turnovers it suffered during the contest. 

Sophomore guard Jonny Cielak saw extensive playing time and scored four points. His coach sees a player adjusting to the pace of varsity competition after playing freshman ball a year ago. The court vision is clearly there for the five-foot-nine guard. Cielak sprung Collin Johnson into transition and the Loggers’ first basket with a clever no-look bounce pass after a leaping save by Jared Winslow to keep a loose ball in bounds. Cielak also displayed great effort in the closing moments of the first half when his pressing defense caused a timely turnover.

The Loggers return to the hardwood at 6 p.m. on Jan. 3 in Flathead (0-0, 2-2). 

In the girls game:

LIBBY 49, WHITEFISH 30: At Libby, the Lady Loggers (1-0, 1-3) ran Whitefish (0-2) off the court, jumping out to an 18-2 lead in the first quarter, easing up only when victory was beyond doubt. The team’s first win of the season was a collective effort. Four players scored between seven and nine points, but none reached double figures. 

Defense reigned supreme Saturday as the Lady Loggers allowed two points in the first and third quarters. Entering the fourth quarter, the score was 40-12.

The game could have been even more lopsided had Libby converted at the free-throw line. An eight-of-20 night at the charity stripe will leave something for Coach Jim May to work on with his young team. 

“I was really happy with our first half,” May said. “We came out and executed.”

Junior wing Devon Gallagher finished with eight points. Likely the most athletic of the Libby lot, Gallagher penetrated the opposition with explosive drives. 

“If she realizes her potential she can be great,” May said. “I was pretty happy with her play.”

Shyla Stevenson led the Lady Loggers with nine points. Dayln Germany scored eight points and Taylor Quinn chipped in seven. Ten Libby players scored.

The Lady Loggers next game is at 4 p.m. Jan. 3 at home against Glacier.