BUTTE — Shayla Montague scored a team-high 14 points to lead the Billings West girls into the Eastern AA divisional championship. The Bears defeated Bozeman 49-36 in Friday’s semifinal.
Montague lifted the West offense throughout the contest, receiving help from TyLee Manuel (10) and Willa Albrecht (eight) who combined for 18 points. West used a 17-7 fourth quarter to pull away from the Hawks, who fall to loser-out action on Saturday against Great Falls High.
West carried a 7-6 lead into the second quarter, after each team’s offense struggled in the first eight minutes. Each added 10 points in the second quarter for a 17-16 halftime mark in favor of the Bears. West extended the lead to three points entering the final frame, before pulling away down the stretch.
Bozeman’s Ayla Embry had 22 points in the loss.
Billings West meets crosstown rival Billings Senior in Saturday’s championship. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Butte High School.
Billings Senior 41, Great Falls CMR 31
Kola and Courtney Bad Bear led Billings Senior past Great Falls CMR 41-31 on Friday evening at the Eastern AA divisional semifinals. The win pushed the Broncs into the divisional championship against rival Billings West.
Both Bad Bear players got off to hot starts as Senior opened a 14-5 lead on the Rustlers. But CMR chipped away, with Addison Gardner and Kyra Willis hitting big shots, bringing the Rustlers to within three at 14-11.
Gardner had 16 points in the first half, while Kola Bad Bear added 12 points and six rebounds, giving Senior the 25-23 advantage. The Broncs pushed their lead to 12 early in the fourth quarter, before holding on for the 10-point win.
Senior tips off against Billings West at 8 p.m. in the divisional championship game on Saturday. CMR meets Butte in loser-out action at 10:30 a.m.
