Sports Plus

Although the Panthers failed to qualify for the southern divisional tournament for the first time in several years, its still possible for Panther fans to enjoy some really great high school basketball.

 Action starts on Thursday at the Metra in Billings. First round boys’ games on Thursday: Joliet versus Colstrip at noon, Broadwater against Lodge Grass at 1:30 p.m., Lame Deer versus Shepherd at 6:30 p.m. and Roundup against Whitehall at 8:00 p.m. On the girls’ bracket Shepherd takes on St. Labre at 9:00 a.m., Three Forks plays Lame Deer at 10:30 a.m., Colstrip and Red Lodge meet at 3:00 p.m., and Roundup faces Big Timber at 5:00 p.m. 

The top three in both boys and girls advance to the State B tournament the following week at Billings. Whitehall and Broadwater have excellent chances to advance for the boys and Three Forks for the girls. Big Timber may slip in also. This year the West sends three, South three and North two to State. The West has had their Divisional tournament with Anaconda, Missoula Loyola and Bigfork boys advancing. Ronan, Florence and Bigfork advance for the girls.