FRENCHTOWN – Darby’s boys proved they deserved the No. 2 seed in District 13C, while Alberton-Superior’s run of upsets came to an end on Monday.
The Tigers won a challenge game over the Mountain Cats, 76-65. Darby now advances to the Western C divisionaltournament starting Thursday in Hamilton. Alberton-Superior’s season comes to an end.
Darby built a 12-point lead by halftime and held a relatively comfortable advantage through most of the second half. Still trailing by double digits, the Mountain Cats started fouling with nearly two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
The strategy worked: The Tigers shot 28 free throws in the quarter, but only made 15. An Aaron Waddle 3-pointer from the corner cut the Tigers’ lead to six in the final minute, but the Mountain Cats would not score again as Darby survived.
Nelson Smith led the Tigers with 21 points. Gabe Smith added 19. Bryan Mask paced the Mountain Cats with 20 points.
Darby will now meet defending Class C state champion Arlee in the first round of the Western C divisional tournament. The Tigers and Warriors tip off at 1:30 p.m. in Hamilton on Thursday.
Alberton-Superior entered the six-team 13C bracket as the No. 6 seed, pulling off upsets over Victor and Lincoln on Saturday to reach the challenge game.
