Copperheads edge out Lady Trojans

By BENJAMIN KIBBEY

The Western News

RONAN — A final close game against Anaconda ended the Troy High School girls basketball team’s postseason on Feb. 23.

The Lady Trojans were knocked into consolation play after their first 49-29 loss to Loyola Sacred Heart High School on Feb. 22.

In their last meeting, the Breakers won a 61-28 victory against Troy, taking an early lead and dominating the game.

During their tournament showdown, the Lady Trojans made Loyola work harder for their win, taking an 8-6 lead in the first quarter.

After those first eight minutes, though, the Breakers hammered the Troy defense, scoring double digits in all three remaining quarters.

Heading into consolation play, the Lady Trojans played a steady and close game against the Copperheads, leading most of the game.

In the first quarter, Troy again established a 2-point lead, ending the half with a 21-18 advantage over Anaconda.

The Copperheads outscored the Lady Trojans for the first time in the third quarter, making 10 to Troy’s 9 points.

But it wasn’t until the third quarter that Anaconda was able to push past Troy and win the game with a 5-point advantage.

Seniors Allie Coldwell and Kaitlyn Downey led the Lady Trojans in scoring for the tournament, making 27 and 20 points respectively between the two games.

Feb. 22

Missoula Loyola 49, Troy 29

Troy 8 6 8 7 — 29

Loyola 6 19 13 11 — 49

Troy: Annie Day 2, Allie Coldwell 12, Kaitlyn Downey 6, Grace Dolan 1, Katelynn Tallmadge 4, Montana Rice 4.

Loyola: Brooke Twite 2, Sam Clevenger 7, Kelsey Esh 5, Ashton Libel 1, Sydney Koppang 4, Tessa Burke 20, McKenna Round 1, Kylie Esh 4, Laney Denning 5.

Feb. 23

Anaconda 48, Troy 43

Anaconda 6 12 10 20 — 48

Troy 8 13 9 13 — 43

Anaconda: Claire Miller 4, Lindsey Seitzinger 8, Sydney Peterson 13, Megan Reich 5, Arieona Matson 1, Logan Stetzner 7, Johanna Forsberg 10

Troy: Annie Day 4, Allie Coldwell 15, Kaitlyn Downey 14, Grace Dolan 2, Katelynn Tallmadge 6, Montana Rice 2.