Hardin and Havre have become quite familiar with each other over the past several years, having not only played in the Eastern A girls basketball divisional championship but also in consecutive State A title games in 2018 and 2019, with Havre winning both. The rivalry will add another chapter on Friday night, as both the Bulldogs and Blue Ponies dominated in Thursday's opening round of the Eastern A girls divisional tournament inside First Interstate Arena at MetraPark.
Hardin 72, Sidney 37
Hardin is moving on to Friday night's semifinal after a wire-to-wire victory over Sidney in the first round of the Eastern A girls divisional basketball tournament.
The Bulldogs shot the lights out in the first half, hitting north of 50% of their shots from the field and knocking down four 3-pointers to build a 39-17 halftime advantage. Hardin was on cruise control in the second half for a 72-37 win.
Three players were in double figures for the Bulldogs, led by Kamber Good Luck's 14 points. Hardin also had all 11 players in the scoring column. Sidney's Sophie Peters led all scorers with 16 points.
Hardin will face Havre in the semis on Friday night at 4:30 p.m. Sidney moves to loser-out action and will play Livingston on Friday at noon in Lockwood.
Havre 50, Livingston 23
Havre put together a dominant second-half performance on Thursday morning inside First Interstate Arena at MetraPark.
The Blue Ponies outscored Livingston 22-5 over the final 16 minutes, including a 10-0 third quarter that saw Havre's lead double from 10 points at halftime to 20, 38-18, after three quarters.
Havre got it done defensively on Thursday, as the Blue Ponies forced 31 turnovers and allowed just 28 shot attempts. Havre had 18 steals, six of which belonged to Avery Carlson. The Blue Ponies also dominated the glass, racking up 17 offensive rebounds.
Loy Waid led Havre with 12 points, while Sadie Filius added 11, all in the first half.
Havre and Hardin will square off at 4:30 p.m. on Friday night in the semifinals. Livingston will play Sidney at noon on Friday in Lockwood in loser-out action.
