Glacier outmans Libby on the hardwood, 63-44

Efficient shooting and two-man depth at all five positions led the Glacier Wolfpack (6-4) past the Libby Loggers (1-9) on Tuesday, 63-44.

Glacier jumped to a 21-10 lead after the first quarter behind a barrage of three-pointers and layups. Kyler Harkins, who led the Wolfpack with 19 points, scored 11 in the first quarter, including three makes behind the arc. Harkins finished with five three-pointers.

Reigning All-State  senior sharpshooter Jared Winslow led all scorers with 20 points, including four three-pointers of his own. Fellow Logger guard Collin Johnson scored nine points.

As in the preceding girls’ game, the Loggers faced a serious challenge in depth. Glacier ran line changes more akin to hockey, substituting five players at once, while the Loggers were left gasping for air. The Loggers showed impressive conditioning and determination, however, winning the final quarter 15-13.

While the young Loggers continue to go through growing pains, freshman Erik Lauer’s fourth-quarter performance flashed signs of a promising future. Lauer earned six free throws in the final frame. His two-of-six shooting is something to work on, but the lithe, 6-foot-4-inch post is a budding matchup nightmare. A summer or two in the weight room could transform Lauer into a formidible defensive anchor.

The other young Logger to keep an eye on is sophomore guard Jonny Cielak. The 5-foot-9-inch ball-handler scored his only basket in the second quarter. Cielak is still adjusting to varsity competition, but has shown impressive court vision.

The Loggers host Thompson Falls at 7 p.m. Friday.