BUTTE — The opening round of the Western A boys basketball divisional tournament saw Columbia Falls, Hamilton and Butte Central win games Thursday morning to advance to the semifinals.
In later first-round games Thursday, Butte Central and Browning also moved into the semis with wins over Bigfork and Frenchtown, respectively.
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Columbia Falls 51, Dillon 49
Cody Schweikert scored 16 points and Jace Hill added 11 points and seven rebounds as Columbia Falls advanced with a 51-49 victory over Dillon.
The Wildcats made 1 of 2 foul shots to take a two-point lead in the waning moments, and Dillon's final shot hit off the back iron at the buzzer. Hunter Goodman chipped in 10 points for Columbia Falls.
Kyler Engellent had 15 points and nine rebounds to pace the Beavers, who dipped into loser-out play. Carter Curnow had 13 points and six boards.
Hamilton 59, Ronan 49
Three players scored in double figures as Hamilton jumped on Ronan en route to a 59-49 first-round victory, which set up a semifinal contest versus Columbia Falls.
Cannan Magness had 18 points for the Broncs, hitting all five of his 3-point attempts. Jackson Jessop scored 15 points and Tyler Jette added 12 for Hamilton. Tristan Koerner pulled down 14 rebounds.
Kolby Finley had a double double of 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Ronan, which will play in a loser-out game Friday. Marlo Tonasket had 14 points for the Chiefs.
Butte Central 71, Bigfork 55
A big first quarter boosted Butte Central to a 71-55 win and a berth in Friday's semifinals. The Maroons held a 24-10 lead after the first eight minutes in a wire-to-wire victory.
Owen McPartland hit all five of his 3-point tries and led Central with 22 points. He also had seven rebounds. Jack Keeley added 18 points and 10 rebounds while Zane Moodry added 12 points and six boards.
Asher Knopik's 16 points led Bigfork. Austin Savik had 13 points and six rebounds for the Vikings, and Colin Wade added 10 points.
Browning 71, Frenchtown 55
Browning raced into the semifinal round with a 71-55 victory over Frenchtown on Thursday to set up a matchup with Butte Central.
Maurice Redhorn III had 25 points and seven rebounds for the Indians. He was complemented by Jude Reevis' 16 points and Tommy Running Rabbit's 10 points and five steals. Browning made 20 of 24 from the foul line.
Hank Smith had a double double of 21 points and 16 rebounds for Frenchtown. Eli Quinn also had 21 points for the Broncs, who will play in the loser-out round Friday.
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