BUTTE – The top contender for Game of the Year in Montana tips off in Butte, a Class C state title rematch between Manhattan Christian and Arlee.
Last year the Warriors beat the Eagles by four points in the state championship game. And this year Arlee has already taken down Manhattan Christian in the divisional semifinals. It’s a dream matchup that many knew was coming and the Eagles are ready.
“We’re excited to be back, we’re excited for the opportunity to play a great team again that we know,” said Manhattan Christian head coach Jeff Bellach. “Two communities that are just so passionate about their team. It’s going to be a lot of fun, I think there’s a lot of respect, mutual respect between the two.”
The Eagles are coming in to the underdogs, losing the last three times they have played Arlee in postseason play. There’s no hiding that Arlee is the best team in the state and Manhattan Christian is aware of what they are walking into. But they are ready for some revenge.
“Not necessarily looking forward to them in the state title game,” Bellach said. “But just getting back there after last year. It’s been a focus and the kids, like I said, they left the locker room hungry.”
