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Dillon Defeats Columbia Falls in State Basketball Championship

By Beacon Staff

Propelled by a strong first half, Dillon defeated Columbia Falls 54-39 Saturday night in the Class A boys basketball championship at the Butte Civic Center.

Columbia Falls is now 4-2 in title games under head coach Cary Finberg, with both losses coming to Dillon. The Beavers beat Columbia Falls 54-50 in the 2009 Class A championship game. Last year, Columbia Falls defeated Dillon 55-43 to claim the title.

The Beavers jumped out to a 27-14 halftime lead Saturday night and then outscored Columbia Falls 21-17 in the third quarter to add to their already sizable lead. The Wildcats were unable to mount a magical comeback in the fourth quarter.

Wes Knox and Ben Folsom led Dillon (21-2) in scoring with 15 points apiece. J.T. Linder had 12 for the Beavers.

Austin Barth was the only Wildcat in double figures with 10 points. The Wildcats finish the season with a 19-4 record.

The Beavers and Wildcats have combined to win seven out of the last 10 Class A championships. Columbia Falls won titles in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2011. Dillon won in 2007, 2009 and this year.