BUTTE – Hamilton remained unbeaten by knocking down 11 3-pointers to knock off Dillon, 56-44, and move into the Western A boys divisional championship game on Saturday night. The Broncs also clinched a trip to the State A tournament next weekend in Bozeman.
Dillon led midway through the second quarter, but Hamilton mounted a quick run to build a 30-24 halftime advantage. Hamilton would lead the for the remainder of the game.
Tanner Goligoski and Carter Kearns each made four triples for Hamilton, who shot a sizzling 11-for-18 from downtown on the night. The Broncs shot 61 percent from the field, while holding Dillon to just 36 percent shooting.
Goligoski had a game-high 18 points and Kearns scored 14 while pulling down seven rebounds. The two were the only players in double-figures.
Hamilton will face Southwestern A foe Frenchtown, who survived an overtime thriller against Butte Central in the second semifinal of the night.
With Frenchtown trailing 43-42 and only 6.3 seconds left in overtime, Jared Cole buried a corner 3-pointer to give the Broncs a 45-43 edge with 1.4 seconds to play. Butte Central’s Matt Simkins got a decent look on the other end from downtown, but it bounced off the iron, sending Frenchtown to the Western A boys divisional championship and clinching a spot at next weekend’s State A tournament in Bozeman.
Butte Central led 43-40 with 28 seconds to play when Cade Holter stepped to the free throw line. He missed the front end of a 1-and-1, allowing Frenchtown’s Cade Baker to pull the Broncs within one after a layup. The Maroons were called for travelling on the ensuing possession, leading to Cole’s go-ahead three.
Cole was the only Frenchtown player to reach double-figures, finishing with 12 points. Adam Botkin added eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Braden Harrington had 15 for Butte Central.
Saturday’s title game between Hamilton and Frenchtown is slated for 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center.
Dillon moves to loser-out action where they will take on Browning at 9:30 a.m. at the Maroon Activities Center. Butte Central faces Ronan in loser-out action at 9:30 a.m. at the Civic Center.
