BOZEMAN — The dynasty continues for the Havre.
With a 17-point win over Hardin in the Class A state championship game, Saturday marked three straight crowns for the Blue Ponies and five over the last six years.
"I can't put it into words," Havre senior guard Avery Carlson smiled. "it's amazing. It's exactly how we wanted our season to end."
That’s a three-peat for Havre! 👑👑👑
— Ashley Washburn (@ashleyjwashburn) March 12, 2023
The Blue Ponies route Hardin in a 17-point victory to claim the State A Championship, 74-57. #mtscores pic.twitter.com/Ttpkaijg60
However, before any trophies were hoisted in Saturday's 74-57 win, Havre had to crawl back from quite the first-quarter deficit.
With 4:21 remaining in the first frame, Hardin's Dierra Takes Enemy capped off a 7-0 run for the Lady Bulldogs with a short jumper to lead by eight, 12-4.
Hardin led by as much as nine points in the first quarter, but two back-to-back three-pointers from Havre freshman Amaya Jarvis tied the game at 17.
Havre didn't take their first lead of the night until 3:46 remaining in the first half. Avery Carlson, who scored 11 of her 14 points in the second quarter, drew an And-1 after an offensive rebound and completed the three-point play to give the Blue Ponies a one-point edge, 24-23.
"Whatever my team needs I'm going to do it," Carlson explained. "Whenever I need help my team does it for me. We have each other's backs."
With a 32-26 advantage at the half, Havre never relinquished their lead despite letting the Lady Bulldogs get within six points during the final frame.
Havre had four scorers finish in double-figures: Yelena Miller (21), Amaya Jarvis (18), Avery Carlson (14), and Sierra Parker (12).
Dierra Takes Enemy led Hardin with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Katerena Morrison added 14 points.
