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Bigfork Boys, Girls Win Divisional Hoops Championships

Valkyries and Vikings will compete for state titles March 8-10 in Missoula

By Andy Viano
Bigfork junior Rakiah Grende drives around St. Ignatius defenders on Jan. 19, 2018. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

It was all Bigfork at the Western B Divisional Tournament in Ronan, with the boys and girls teams taking home championship trophies and qualifying for the state tournament.

The Vikings (21-0) faced their stiffest test of the season in the divisional semifinals, needing two overtimes to dispatch Anaconda, 58-57 on Feb. 23. One day later, Bigfork bested Missoula Loyola for the third time this year, winning 70-58 in the title game. Anders Epperly and Logan Gilliard led the Vikings with 18 points each against the Rams.

The Valkyries (20-1) edged Deer Lodge 41-36 in the girls title tilt on Feb. 24 to claim the Western B crown. Jaime Berg scored 20 points in the championship game.

Both Bigfork teams will have a week off before the eight-team, double-elimination state tournament begins March 8 in Missoula.

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