WOLF POINT — Imani Bighorn scored 22 points to help Poplar to a 46-42 win over Wolf Point in the Northern B girls basketball challenge game on Monday.
The Indians forced the challenge game after winning Saturday’s consolation final at the divisional tournament in Cut Bank. Wolf Point lost to Rocky Boy in the championship game, giving Poplar the opportunity to challenge. The game was originally scheduled for Glasgow, but poor travel conditions forced the schools to move the game. A coin flip determined Wolf Point as the home site.
Poplar overcame a slow start on Monday, scoring just four points in the first quarter to dig an early 13-4 hole. The Indians closed the game to 23-19 by halftime and used a strong third quarter to take the lead. Poplar outscored Wolf Point 18-10 in the third.
Bighorn scored 12 points in the third period to spark the run, and Sasha Youngman scored all seven of her points in the fourth to help the Indians secure a berth at this week’s State B tournament.
Abby Juve scored 14 points and Aubrey Zilkoski had 11 for Wolf Point in the loss.
Poplar will join Northern B champion Rocky Boy at the state tournament, which begins Thursday at Dahlberg Arena in Missoula. The Indians will play undefeated Three Forks in a first-round game at 10:30 a.m. Friday.
