Eight teams across the Western C boys’ and girls’ winners’ brackets are set to compete in Friday’s semifinals.


BUTTE, Mont. — The semifinal round of the Western C divisional tournament winners’ bracket is set for Friday.

The undefeated Drummond girls will take on Shields Valley, while West Yellowstone will play Charlo. On the boys’ side, West Yellowstone is paired up against Lincoln, and Manhattan Christian is scheduled to play St. Regis.

The Lady Trojans are now 21-0 on the season following their 46-20 victory over Manhattan Christian on Thursday, senior Kimber Parsons pacing the stat sheet with 16 points.

Shields Valley, meanwhile, is looking to advance to state after missing last year following an upset loss to Manhattan Christian in a challenge game. The Rebels made quick work of Superior 67-19 in an impressive defensive effort.

West Yellowstone represents the only school to get both its boys’ and girls’ teams into the semifinals, the latter overcoming a late deficit to beat Seeley-Swan 45-41.

The Wolverines hold the rare status of having the same head coach for both the boys’ and girls’ squads, Nubia Allen in her second year at the helm.

“I truly feel it has made me a lot better [coaching both],” Allen said. “The boys’ game is so much faster, a lot more athleticism. I think I take that to the girls’ side. The same with the girls and discipline, I take it back to the boys. It’s been a fun experience.”

The West Yellowstone girls reached the Class C state tournament last season for the first time since 1999. The boys, who outlasted Two Eagle River 76-71 on Thursday in a thrilling game, are seeking their first state tournament appearance ever.

“I can’t even imagine what that would be like,” Allen said of the potential to lead both West Yellowstone teams to the state tournament. “I always come here, last year and this year, with that goal in mind. I’m super to have both teams [at Western C]. It’s a huge accomplishment. To get to the next level, that would be unreal.”

The Wolverine boys will next play Lincoln, now 20-1 on the season. Despite winning 18 games each of the past three season, the Lynx have not advance to the state tournament in that time. Thursday’s 58-35 victory over Superior was powered by Roegun Dietz’ 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Manhattan Christian, meanwhile, overcame an early deficit to knock out Seeley-Swan 71-53. The Eagles have participated in each of the last four Class C boys’ championship matches, winning two state titles in that time. Andrew Kimm put up 30 for MCS in the win.

All four Western C semifinal games on Friday will be played at the Maroon Activity Center (MAC), starting at 3 p.m.