Loggers stopped in consolation round

The Libby High School boys basketball team fell out of the Western Class A Divisionals in the first round of consolation play after a hard-hitting game against Ronan, Feb. 23.

In their first game of the tournament, the Loggers faced the Hamilton Broncs in a 71-45 loss.

Though the Broncs made more of their attempts to score, Libby was not far behind them in overall success. Yet, having nine successful 3-point attempts to the Loggers’ two added to Hamilton’s advantage.

The two teams stayed close on turnovers and rebounds, with the Broncs only edging the Loggers out in both areas by single digits.

In the first round of consolation play, Libby faced Ronan for a 51-32 loss.

The Chiefs hit hard early, leaving the Loggers behind 16-2 in the first quarter. Though Libby started to put a few more points on the board, Ronan maintained a 30-10 lead at the half.

The Loggers scored in the double digits through each of the remaining quarters, even outscoring the Chiefs 11-9 in the fourth quarter.

But the first half deficit was too much for Libby to overcome.

Though the two teams were about equal on turnovers, Ronan led the Loggers in both defensive and offensive rebounds.

Fouls proved more of a problem for the Chiefs than Libby, but the Loggers hit about 20 percent of their shots to Ronan’s 40 percent. With more total attempts at field goals, Ronan ultimately knocked the Loggers out of the tournament.

Feb 22

Hamilton 71, Libby 45

Hamilton: 12 20 22 17 - 71

Libby: 9 12 12 12 - 45

Hamilton: Cam Rothie 3 points; Tyler Chouinard 12 points; Hunter Omlid 8 points, 2-3 FT; Tanner Golloski 15 points, 2-2 FT; Carter Kearns 16 points, 0-1 FT; Carson Rostad 4 points; Bridger Bauder 10 points; Drew Brackman 3 points

Libby: Brian Peck 5 points, 1-2 FT; JJ Davis 2 points, 0-1 FT; Ryggs Johnston 15 points, 3-3 FT; Logan Christensen 2 points; Nik Jones 3 points, 1-1 FT; Chandler Bower 2 points, 2-2 FT; Jay Beagle 4 points, 2-2 FT; Keith Johnson 12 points

Feb 23

Ronan 51, Libby 32

Ronan 16 14 12 9 - 51

Libby 2 8 11 11 - 32

Ronan: Ezieiel Misa 12 points; Nat Dennis 2 points; Dallas Durheim 6 points; Anthony Camel 18 points 7-7 FT; Randy Finley 9 points; Bryant Hales 2 points; Vincent Bird-Webster 2 points

Libby: Brian Peck 2 points, 2-2 FT; Ryggs Johnston 12 points, 5-7 FT; Jay Beagle 6 points, 1-1 FT; Nik Jones 4 points, 2-2 FT; Keith Johnson 7 points, 3-6 FT; Kevin Barnes 1 point, 1-2 FT