BILLINGS — Miles City and Billings Central had little trouble advancing at the Eastern A girls divisional basketball tournament Thursday at First Interstate Arena.
The Cowgirls and Rams each moved on to Friday's semifinals with first-round victories. Miles City ran past Laurel while Central took care of Sidney.
Later Thursday, Havre rallied to beat Hardin and advance, while Lockwood took control early in a win over Lewistown.
Miles City 55, Laurel 31
It was all Miles City in its first-round matchup with Laurel, as the efficient Cowgirls raced to a 55-31 victory to punch a ticket to the semis.
At the end of the first half, Miles City's Ramsey Pryor hit a corner 3, was fouled and converted the free throw to put the Cowgirls up 30-13 at halftime. Alli Glasscock had a game-high 15 points to pace Miles City. Camdyn Waterman chipped in 14 points and five rebounds.
Laurel shot just 29% from the field while Miles City hit at a 46% clip. Aubri Roth's seven points led the Locomotives, who slipped into Friday's loser-out round.
Billings Central 54, Sidney 33
Central started fast and never relinquished command on the way to a 54-33 first-round win over Sidney.
Kamryn Reinker filled the stat sheet with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals to lead the Rams' efforts, which produced a 29-6 halftime advantage. G.G. Hastings had 10 points while Annika Stergar and Coral Old Bull each added seven to help Central to the semifinals against Miles City.
Ave Norby led Sidney with 14 points, and teammate Hallie Schantz contributed nine points and seven rebounds as Sidney slipped into loser-out action Friday.
Havre 54, Hardin 48
Havre was chasing the lead for most of its first-round game versus Hardin — until Amaya Jarvis took charge and led the Blue Ponies to a 54-48 victory.
Jarvis scored 12 of her game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter, including an 8-0 run of her own that gave Havre a 45-44 lead midway through the fourth. Big plays by Ariana Gary and Ela Harber also proved beneficial to the semifinal-bound Blue Ponies down the stretch.
Hardin, which fell into loser-out play, was outscored 19-6 in the final eight minutes. Dierra Takes Enemy led the Bulldogs with 18 points. Karis Brightwings-Pease added 12 points and Taylor Slater had nine.
Lockwood 55, Lewistown 38
Lockwood set up a semifinal matchup with Havre with a 55-38 victory over Lewistown in Thursday's first round.
Dani Jordan led the way for Lockwood, scoring 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting to go along with six rebounds and seven steals. Tailey Harris added 14 points and five assists for the Lions, and Taysha Little Light had 10 points.
Lewistown, which will play the loser-out bracket Friday, was led by Lexy Burnham's 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jaden Martin grabbed 10 boards for the Eagles.
