Columbia Falls continued its storybook run through the 2008-2009 season by defeating defending champion Browning 64-55 on Friday night in the semifinals of the State Class A Boys Basketball Tournament. Columbia Falls will face Dillon in the championship game on Saturday at 8 p.m. Dillon defeated Billings Central 51-48 Friday night to advance to the final.
The Wildcats, who had to rally late in the regular season just to finish with a 5-5 conference record, have won all of their postseason games. They swept two games at the Northwestern A divisional tournament and now have won both games at the state tourney, which is being held in Great Falls.
Earlier in the day on Friday, Whitefish lost to Butte Central 67-52 to make Columbia Falls the only Northwestern A hopeful left at state. The Wildcats did not disappoint, breaking open a tie game in the fourth quarter en route to the nine-point victory over Browning. Columbia Falls is shooting for its fourth Class A state championship since 2003.