By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
The Lone Peak High School boys basketball team continues to assert their place in Montana Class B, winning their first-round game at the District 5B tournament for the second time in as many years in the conference. The Big Horns defeated Broadwater High School (Townsend), 61-57, at Manhattan Christian School on Thursday, Feb. 27.
No. 5 Lone Peak and No. 4 Townsend were tied in the standings and split their two regular season matchups.
“You knew that either team could win that game,” said Lone Peak head coach Al Malinowski. He praised junior Ebe Grabow for dropping 24 points in the win.
“Probably one of his better games in a while,” Malinowski said. “But he just looked so under control out there at all times, whether he was shooting from the outside or driving the rim, everything was balanced. Everything was just controlled with him, which was great to see.”
In the fourth quarter, with the Big Horns trailing 48-43, Grabow brought his team to life. The Big Horns scored 12 unanswered points to capture a 55-48 lead—Grabow scored 10 of them, including a 3-pointer, plus another 3-pointer by sophomore Ryan Malinowski.
Asked about his playmaking abilities, Grabow said everyone is contributing late in games, and when the Big Horns move the ball well, it gives him opportunities to score.
“Everyone on the team really capitalized late in the game,” Grabow said.
Coach Malinowski said the Big Horns were able to gain momentum in the fourth quarter due to improved ball movement which opened up lanes for the Big Horns to attack.
“That was good team basketball… We were moving the ball quickly, and forcing the defense to react. It created good opportunities and then we made some good decisions,” coach Malinowski said.
Malinowski has emphasized the need for depth throughout the season, and said he saw more contributions outside of the top scorers on Thursday. Six total players scored in the win, including 17 points from senior Isaac Bedway, early baskets from junior Oliver McGuire, and clutch free throws and strong ball movement from sophomore Sid Morris.
“Everyone that’s come in the game is always putting in work, and that’s exactly what we need to keep moving forward,” Grabow said. “So, our depth has really improved throughout the year, really, and now it’s the best it’s been.”
Malinowski said the Big Horns have a great opportunity to play in the semifinal, but they’ll be facing a top-ranked, undefeated team from Three Forks High School. The semifinal game tips off Friday, Feb. 28 at 1:45 p.m. The winner will punch their ticket not only to the district 5B championship, but to the divisional tournament.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for [Three Forks], but we also feel like we can play with them,” Malinowski said. In their two matchups this season, the game has been close at halftime, with the Wolves leaning on their depth and experience to pull ahead in the third quarter.
“We gotta play our game,” Grabow said. “Because everyone is really solid, and everyone is good in our district.”
With the win over Townsend, the Big Horns won their 13th game of the season. Last year, the Big Horns won seven, including an upset in the first round of the district tournament. This season, Grabow said the team has been working hard and it feels like their effort is paying off.
“Now we look like a team that belongs and is capable of doing some things in [Class] B,” Malinowski said.
