Lady Trojans fall short against Bigfork Vals

With no one on the roster under 5-foot-7, the Bigfork Vals boast impressive height. Long-limbed and athletic, these girls can also play and score at a high level.

The Vals height, athleticism and prowess were on display Feb. 3 as Bigfork roared to a 75-9 victory over the Troy Lady Trojans.

The first quarter saw an aggressive, quick, ball-chasing Bigfork defense forcing the Lady Trojans into multiple turnovers. Those turnovers led to Bigfork points.

Hoping to counter the Vals’ height, the Lady Trojans started and stayed in a 2-3 zone defense throughout the game. But Bigfork ably worked around it, passing to score points.

The first quarter ended 29-0 with the Vals in the lead.

Troy scored at the 7:15 mark in the second quarter after Elaine Folkerts hit a free throw. Bigfork, running in subs without losing much momentum, continued to build their lead.

Folkerts scored again in the second, this time putting up points from mid-range.

The second quarter ended with Bigfork leading Troy 46-4. With the Vals enjoying a 40-point lead, the two teams played with a running clock for the remainder of the game.

Leslie Gravier stole the ball at the close of the third quarter and drove for a successful lay-in. The score sat at 58-6 heading into the final stretch of the game.

Although outmatched, the Lady Trojans held their heads up high. They scrapped until the very end.

“Bigfork is obviously very good,” said Troy coach Cynthia Franke. “Our girls sure hustle and play hard, but competing at Bigfork’s level is tough. We’re not there yet.”

Folkerts and Gravier each left the game with four points. Izzy Tunison scored one point. For Bigfork, Braeden Gunlock netted 22 points while Emma Berreth finished the game with 15.

Bigfork 24 17 12 17 – 75

Troy 0 4 2 3 - 9