RONAN — Through the first eight minutes, it looked like the Missoula Loyola Rams and Anaconda Copperheads were well on their way to another instant classic postseason battle. The Copperheads then outscored Loyola 23-4 in the second quarter and never looked back Monday night, punching a ticket to the Class B boys basketball state tournament with a 70-33 win.
The Rams were unable to buy a basket after the first quarter, allowing Braxton Hill and the ‘Heads to pounce. Anaconda outscored Loyola 43-10 in the second and third quarters to all but seal the game heading into the final frame. Hill led all scorers with 22 points, despite playing the majority of the second half with foul trouble. Trent Mikalatos scores 19 points for Anaconda and Michael Galle added 16 more.
Jack Lincoln led the charge offensively for Loyola, scoring 13 points. Jacob Hollenback was the team’s second-leading scorer with seven points.
Anaconda moves onto the state tournament in Missoula as the Western B’s second seed. The ‘Heads open up play on Thursday night at 8:00 at Dahlberg Arena.
