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Best of Preps — Winter 2017

Top basketball players, wrestlers and swimmers from Flathead County

By Greg Lindstrom & Dillon Tabish

Logan Stephens

School: Columbia Falls

Class: Senior

Position: Guard

When the going gets tough, leaders step up. And that’s exactly what Logan did this season as Columbia Falls struggled with a depleted, undersized squad. As a third-year varsity basketball player, Logan transitioned smoothly from a successful soccer campaign and helped push the pace for the Wildcats, averaging 12 points per game, a team high. At the Western A Divisional tournament, Logan scored 20 points to lead the Cats past Stevensville, 54-51. Now Logan is taking his talents to the track, where he will vie for all-state honors in the relay and sprints, as well as the long jump.

“We played with a nothing-to-lose attitude.”

 

Peyton Kehr

School: Columbia Falls

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

Growing up in Columbia Falls, Peyton spent hours in the gym playing basketball. Her two favorite competitors and supporters were friendly household rivals: her mom, Robyn, and her dad, Dave. Before school, they would shoot hoops and practice, and the hard work paid off. Peyton’s senior season played out in storybook fashion. She averaged 14 points per game, and in the Class A state championship game, she led the Wildkats with 22 points and helped bring home the program’s first title since 1983. She was named MVP of the state tournament.

“This was what we’ve been shooting for all four years. This is every athlete’s dream — to win a state title. I’m so happy I was able to go out winning.”

 

 

 

Anders Epperly

School: Bigfork

Class: Sophomore

Position: Point Guard

Looking for the quintessential point guard? Look no further than Anders. Only a sophomore, the pressure-tested athlete has already developed the poise and team-oriented mindset of an experienced leader. He was Bigfork’s only returning starter this winter and helped usher in a new group of standout Vikings. He averaged 15 points per game and eight assists as Bigfork finished the season 19-5 overall. Against Thompson Falls, Anders set a school record that could stand the test of time: 17 assists. His high-scoring mark was 24 against both Libby and Columbia Falls.

“I’d rather have more assists than points at the end of the game. It makes both guys happy.”

 

Jaime Berg

School: Bigfork

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

As Bigfork’s only returning starter, Jaime found herself in a true leadership role and made the most of it. As the Valkyries’ talented co-captain, she averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game. Against Missoula Loyola, she scored a season-high 25 points, and she posted a triple double against Deer Lodge, with 12 points, 10 blocks and 10 rebounds. She focused on being a positive and reliable leader for teammates, and along with all-state teammate Abby Ellison, the Vals rallied together as a team and finished 15-9 overall.

“We really came together and I think we proved a lot of people wrong.”

 

 

 

 

Tyler Johnson

School: Flathead

Class: Junior

Position: Forward

After the first few games — a one-point thriller against Whitefish, a triple-overtime win over Great Falls CMR and an overtime victory over Polson — Flathead knew it was in for an exciting season, and the Braves didn’t disappoint. With a well-rounded lineup that included Tyler and fellow towering junior Sam Elliott, the Braves finished the regular season on a six-game win streak and advanced to the Class AA state tournament for the first time since 2012. Tyler lead the team in scoring, averaging 14 points per game, ninth best in the state, while averaging five rebounds per game.

“Being so close as a team was a big help toward the end of the year.”

 

 

 

Tiana Johnson

School: Flathead

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

Tiana got her college plans out of the way before the season started, committing to play at Sacramento State after graduating from Flathead. Solely focused on her final prep season, Tiana put together her best statistical run, averaging the most points in Montana, 17 per game, along with nearly nine rebounds per game. Against Helena Capital, she netted a season-high 27 points. Now she is excited to start a new chapter in California using years of hard work and practice to play in the Division I ranks.

“(Being a leader) was a little difficult in the beginning because I’m kind of quiet. But I learned to be a silent leader and set an example with my work instead of my voice.”

 

 

Jaxen Hashley

School: Glacier

Class: Senior

Position: Post

When they look back on their high school years, Jaxen and his hard-working teammates will have memories that last a lifetime. In Great Falls, the boys hoisted the basketball state championship, claiming the program’s first title with a powerful performance. Jaxen scored eight points in the title contest and was named MVP of the tournament, capping a remarkable multi-sport prep career that includes a championship in football. He averaged 17 points per game this season, third most in Montana, and led the state in rebounds with 12 per game. Now he is off to Bozeman where he will play football for the Bobcats along with teammate and lifelong friend Tadan Gilman, another member of Glacier’s all-time great football and basketball teams.

“We dreamed about (winning state championships in football and basketball) all of our lives together, and that we were able to do it in both sports is pretty exciting.”

 

Nikki Krueger

School: Glacier

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

With infectious enthusiasm and poise under pressure, Nikki led Glacier back to the Class AA state tournament during a rollercoaster season. Glacier had suffered three straight losses before facing crosstown rival Flathead in a raucous playoff game, and Nikki rose to the occasion, scoring a team-high 19 points as the Wolfpack held on to the victory. The powerful forward, fresh off a successful volleyball season, averaged  12 points and nine rebounds per game. Now she eagerly enters her final spring season of track and field as the reigning state discus champion. Then she will take her talents to Helena and play basketball and track at Carroll College.

“When things get tough, a leader makes sure everyone else gets through it and stays positive. That’s what I tried to do, just always put the team first.”

 

Derek Kastella

School: Whitefish

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

Derek celebrated his Senior Night in a big way, scoring six of his team-high 25 points in overtime to help Whitefish defeat conference foe Frenchtown in the final home game of the season. Derek averaged 16 points per game in his senior season, leading the Bulldogs in scoring ahead of fellow standout senior Sawyer Silliker. Derek tallied a season-high 27 points against Bigfork. It was yet another highlight for a standout prep sports career that is about to transition to the college ranks. Derek has committed to playing basketball at the University of Great Falls.

“I wanted to leave the program in a better place and I did.”

Annisa Brown

School: Whitefish

Class: Junior

Position: Guard

In her third year playing varsity and as one of Whitefish’s co-captains, Annisa exemplified the power of positivity. Despite the Lady Bulldogs’ struggles, she helped keep her teammates focused on getting better each and every day and remaining a source of encouragement. She also stepped up when she was needed, playing every position from post to point guard. She led the team in scoring with seven points per game and had a season-high 15 against Bigfork. At the divisional tournament, she turned in a remarkable defensive performance that helped Whitefish defeat Polson.

“We all stayed together and we found the positives in every game. And there were more positives than negatives.”

Bryce Shaffer

School: Flathead

Class: Junior

Stats: Class AA second place 113 pounds

This latest Flathead wrestling team exemplified the old adage, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Without a single individual champion, the squad still racked up a remarkable 251 points at the Class AA state meet and won the championship. Bryce used motivation from his teammates to fuel his individual pursuit as he advanced through the 113-pound bracket, defeating the top seed before finishing runner-up. Hoisting the team trophy was the ultimate reward, and is fueling Bryce and his fellow returning grapplers to gear up for next year’s title defense.

“I was focused on winning for the team and not for myself.”

Justin Gibson

School: Glacier

Class: Senior

Stats: Class AA state champion 138 pounds

A year ago, two weeks before the divisional wrestling meet, Justin broke his arm in practice. It was devastating for the top-seeded grappler. But instead of letting frustration derail his enthusiasm, he healed up after surgery and went back to work even more motivated than before, determined to make his final season a memorable one. Mission accomplished: Justin was 27-5 in matches this season and capped his impressive prep career by overcoming a competitor with only one prior defeat and winning a well-earned state championship.

“I actually wasn’t nervous going into the state championship match because I knew that everything I’d done previously would decide what would win the match or not.”

Colton Babcock

School: Columbia Falls

Class: Senior

Stats: State champion 100 freestyle (46.31 seconds, a state record), second place 500 freestyle, fifth place 200 freestyle relay and seventh place 400 freestyle relay

One of the best swimmers in Montana in any classification, Colton leaves a lasting legacy in the Flathead Valley and all of the state. At Columbia Falls, he helped lead a newfound program to a state championship a year ago. During his final prep season, he blazed to multiple victories before setting a new state record in the 100-yard freestyle race at the championship meet. Now he is taking his talents to warmer waters: Colton has committed to compete at California Baptist University.

“I wanted to leave my name on the state record book and just go out with a bang.”

Caroline Dye

School: Whitefish

Class: Freshman

Stats: Third place individual 200 medley, sixth place 100 butterfly, fourth place 400 freestyle relay, seventh place 200 medley relay

Only a freshman, Caroline shined bright in her first year of high school competition, setting school records in every event and helping Whitefish win the team championship. Caroline, named MVP on the title team, showed poise and confidence in the final meet alongside a fellow standout underclassman, sophomore Annie Sullivan. For Caroline, the successful state meet was simply the result of years of practice and competition dating back to when she started swimming at age 4. Her passion for the sport already has her qualifying for top regional events, including last weekend’s Speedo Sectionals in Seattle.

“Since I had been competing for over half my life, it was pretty natural. I wasn’t really nervous (at the state meet).”

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More Stars

Boys Basketball

Sam Elliott, Flathead, Junior, Class AA All State

Tadan Gilman, Glacier, Senior, Western AA 2nd Team

Brec Rademacher, Glacier, Junior, Western AA Honorable Mention

Eric Seaman, Flathead, Junior, Western AA Honorable Mention

Caden Harkins, Glacier, Junior, Western AA Honorable Mention

Sawyer Silliker, Whitefish, Senior, Northwestern A 2nd Team

Beau Santistevan, Bigfork Junior Class B All State

Logan Gilliard, Bigfork, Sophomore, Western 7B 1st Team

Girls Basketball

Kiara Burlage, Columbia Falls, Senior, Class A All State

Cydney Finberg, Columbia Falls, Senior, Class A All State

Dani Douglas, Columbia Falls Junior Class A All State

Sydney Hovde, Columbia Falls, Senior, Northwestern A 2nd Team

Kylee Meredith, Flathead, Senior, Western AA 2nd Team

Abby Ellison, Bigfork, Junior, Class B All State

Wrestling  –  Class AA

Trae Vasquez, Flathead, Junior, 2nd Place 132 lbs

Hunter Rush, Flathead, Senior, 3rd Place 103 lbs

Tilynne Vasquez, Flathead, Freshman, 6th Place 103 lbs

Cody DeVall, Flathead, Senior, 4th Place 120 lbs

Tanner Russell, Flathead, Freshman, 5th Place 126 lbs

Kenyon Fretwell, Flathead, Junior, 4th Place 145 lbs

Payton Hume, Flathead, Junior, 2nd Place 152 lbs

Tucker Nadeau, Flathead, Junior, 3rd Place 170 lbs

Colby Martin Flathead, Sophomore, 6th Place 170 lbs

Hunter Wellcome, Flathead, Junior, 5th Place 182 lbs

Matt Gash-Gilder, Flathead, Senior, 3rd Place 205 lbs

Michael Lee, Flathead, Junior, 3rd Place 285 lbs

Wrestling  –  Class A

Austin Nelson, Columbia Falls, Junior, 6th Place 113 lbs

Winfield West, Columbia Falls, Senior, 5th Place 120 lbs

Ayden Role, Columbia Falls, Sophomore, 5th Place 126 lbs

Hunter Peterson, Columbia Falls, Senior, 6th Place 132 lbs

Ben Windauer, Columbia Falls, Junior, 2nd Place 145 lbs

Colton McPhee, Columbia Falls, Sophomore, 6th Place 160 lbs

Storm Kemppainen, Columbia Falls, Senior, 5th Place 170 lbs

Jakob Freeman, Columbia Falls, Sophomore, 6th Place 182 lbs

Travis Catina, Whitefish, Senior, 2nd Place 205 lbs

Kyler Koski, Columbia Falls, Junior, 4th Place 285 lbs

Wrestling  –  Class B

Matt Farrier, Bigfork, Senior, 3rd Place 170 lbs

Boys Swimming

Nate Burnham, Glacier, Senior, 2nd Place 50 Freestyle / 3rd Place 100 Freestyle / 6th Place 200 Medley Relay Team / 6th Place 200 Freestyle Relay Team

Alex Bertrand, Glacier, Freshman, 6th Place 200 Freestyle Relay Team / 6th Place 200 Medley Relay Team / 10th Place 200 Individual Medley / 11th Place 100 Breaststroke

Keegan Mackenstadt, Glacier, Junior, 6th Place 200 Freestyle Relay Team / 6th Place 200 Medley Relay Team

Miguel Generoso, Glacier, Senior, 6th Place 200 Freestyle Relay Team / 6th Place 200 Medley Relay Team

Sage Wanner, Columbia Falls, Senior, 5th Place 200 Freestyle Relay Team / 7th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team

Zayne Friar, Columbia Falls, Senior, 5th Place 200 Freestyle Relay Team / 7th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team

Samuel Pierce, Columbia Falls, Sophomore, 7th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team

Russell Albin, Columbia Falls, Freshman, 5th Place 200 Freestyle Relay Team

Denver Dicks, Whitefish, Senior, 12th Place 100 Freestyle / 11th 100 Breaststroke

Girls Swimming

Annie Sullivan, Whitefish, Sophomore, 5th Place 500 Freestyle / 8th Place 200 Freestyle / 4th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team / 7th Place 200 Medley Relay Team

Sonja Ring, Whitefish, Senior, 4th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team / 7th Place 200 Medley Relay Team / 11th Place 500 Freestyle

Jessica Young, Whitefish, Senior, 4th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team / 7th Place 200 Medley Relay Team

Maddie Huestis, Flathead, Senior, 8th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team / 9th Place 200 Medley Relay Team

Shayenn Thompson, Flathead, Sophomore, 8th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team / 9th Place 200 Medley Relay Team

Delanie Eliason, Flathead, Senior, 8th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team / 9th Place 200 Medley Relay Team

Emily Cephers, Flathead, Freshman, 8th Place 400 Freestyle Relay Team / 9th Place 200 Medley Relay Team