LAUREL – It looked like another Melstone runaway after the first quarter Saturday night. It ended with a game-tying 3-point attempt, and a Broncs sigh of relief.
Plenty Coups overcame a 14-point second-half deficit and had a chance to tie Melstone in the Southern C boys basketball championship game, but Clarence Stewart’s shot caromed off the back of the rim and into the hands of Thomas DeJeagher. He was fouled, hit both free throws, and the Broncs held on to beat the Warriors 62-57.
Melstone star senior Brody Grebe scored 35, though he didn’t shoot the ball well. Grebe was just 11 of 30 from the field and 13 of 20 from the free throw line. Shayden Cooke was the only other Bronc in double figures with 14 points.
Melstone led 20-7 after the first quarter, but Plenty Coups got back within nine at halftime, 35-26. The Broncs took their biggest lead of 14 with 3:20 to play in the third before Plenty Coups’ big run. The Warriors got as close as one but never tied the game or took the lead.
Brendan Falls Down led the team with 16 points, while four others scored between seven and 10 points.
Melstone’s win streak is now at 22 games.
Both teams will advance to the State C boys tournament, after Wibaux beat Bridger 52-48 earlier Saturday in the Southern C consolation final. Since Plenty Coups beat Bridger in Friday’s semifinals, the Scouts cannot challenge.
The State C boys tournament will be held at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings from March 7-9.
