BILLINGS — After playing one of the games of the season in the Eastern A Divisional semifinals two weeks ago, Havre and Billings Central's girls will meet again in the State A semis after cruising to opening round wins Thursday.
Havre 62, Hamilton 33
Havre dominated from the opening tip, using a balanced offense and stifling defense to beat Hamilton 62-33.
2019-20 Gatorade Player of the Year Kyndall Keller led the Blue Ponies with 13 points, six rebounds, and four steals. Havre forced 23 turnovers overall.
They led 10-4 after the 1st and 27-13 at halftime, before opening the 3rd quarter on a 14-0 run to put the game away.
Kadia Miller added 12 points on 5-6 FG shooting. 11 Havre players scored in the contest.
Layne Kearns led Hamilton with 13 points.
Billings Central 47, Dillon 24
After trailing by one after the first quarter, No. 1 Billings Central outscored Dillon 34-10 over the final three quarters to pull away for a 47-24 victory.
The Beavers led 14-13 after the opening eight minutes, but Central opened the 2nd quarter on a 14-0 run to seize the lead.
Dillon couldn't handle Olivia Moten-Schell down low. The Rams senior scored 21 points on 9-12 FG shooting, to go along with seven rebounds. Mya Hansen added 10 for Central, who shot 42.2% (19-45 FG) as a team. Dillon struggled from the field, making just 7-33 field goals (21.2%), including 1-17 in the second half. The Beavers also committed 22 turnovers.
No Dillon player scored more than five points.
NEXT: Havre and Billings Central will meet in the first girls semifinal Friday at 6:30 p.m. Hamilton and Dillon will play a loser-out game at 12:00 p.m.
