The Class AA regular basketball season is over and the state tournament is on the horizon. To get a better idea of who the top performers are from around the state, let’s take a look at the final regular season statistics.
I’ll provide a breakdown of the major individual categories for both girls and boys, but you can also go to www.montanasportsmemories.com to see all statistics. Click on “standings” and then choose whether you want girls or boys. Then you’re given options for team or individual, as well as conference or all games.
Ben Cutler, a senior guard from Glacier High School, led the state in scoring all year and really never let anybody get close. He finished the season with an average of 23.3 points per game, one of the better averages in Class AA in the last decade.
For girls, Flathead High School guard Kelsey Hildal finished fourth in the state in scoring at 18.8. Missoula Big Sky senior Joslyn Tinkle, who was recently named to the McDonald’s All-American team, led the state in both scoring (27.5) and rebounding (11.1).
Here’s a breakdown of the major statistical categories, counting all regular season games:
Boys:
Scoring:
1. Ben Cutler, Glacier – 23.3
2. Kendal Maier, Missoula Sentinel – 19.4
3. Matt Miller, Helena Capital – 18.5
4. Josh Huestis, C.M. Russell – 15.1
5. Karl Ingram, Flathead – 14.7
6. Mike LaValley, Missoula Big Sky – 14.1
7. Dustin Schultz, Great Falls – 14.1
8. Shay Smithwick-Hann, Glacier – 13.1
9. Tanner Roderick, Bozeman – 12.8
10. P.J. Burns, Bozeman – 12.8Rebounding:
1. Josh Huestis, C.M. Russell – 11.1
2. Skyler Dutton, Billings Senior – 10.0
3. Shay Smithwick-Hann, Glacier – 9.8
4. Tyler Erickson, Helena Capital – 9.4
5. Jacob Owsley, Bozeman – 8.5
Assists:
1. Gabe Rucker, Bozeman – 7.1
2. Kelan Farry, Helena Capital – 5.0
3. Wyley Agamenoni, C.M. Russell – 4.5
4. Mike LaValley, Missoula Big Sky – 3.8
5. Tanner Roderick, Bozeman – 3.5Girls:
Scoring:
1. Joslyn Tinkle, Missoula Big Sky – 27.5
2. Lexie Nelson, Butte – 21.7
3. Kelsi Brekke, Helena Capital – 19.2
4. Kelsey Hildal, Flathead – 18.8
5. Kellie Cole, Bozeman – 14.1
6. Emilee Hashley, Glacier – 13.8
7. Gwenn Abbott, Butte – 12.6
8. Bryn Hasquet, Missoula Sentinel – 12.6
9. Sammi Bignell, Helena Capital – 12.3
10. Kathryn Newman, Billings Senior – 12.2
Rebounding:
1. Joslyn Tinkle, Missoula Big Sky – 11.1
2. Emilee Hashley, Glacier – 8.9
3. Gwenn Abbott, Butte – 8.8
4. Mary Yoder, Missoula Hellgate – 8.6
5. Jordan Bagley, C.M. Russell – 8.0Assists:
1. Kalli McCloskey, Butte – 7.3
2. Alecia Wilson, Helena Capital – 6.6
3. Jayme Hill, C.M. Russell – 5.6
4. Kylie Kufeld, Billings Senior – 3.4
5. Sarah Lidstrom, Missoula Big Sky – 3.2