Following an 0-3 start to the season, Manhattan Christian finally got into the win column prior to Christmas break.

The Eagles defeated Shields Valley 45-36 in overtime in their District 12C opener Friday and then beat Townsend 55-42 Saturday. Sixth-year head coach Layne Glaus said he feels good about how the team is playing after back-to-back victories.

“I feel great going into the break,” he said. “We know we have some work to do but I love that we know what those things are and after the tough start are hungry to clean a few things up. After the weekend, we have gained some confidence and have seen some signs of what could be.”

Friday’s game was tight throughout and tied at 34 after regulation. Christian took control in overtime, outscoring the Rebels 11-2.

Andrew Kimm led the charge, scoring a game-high 17 points with nine rebounds and six blocked shots. Beau Venhuizen had eight points.

Saturday, Kimm again led the charge with a game-high 24 points and 11 boards. Tate Hamilton and Venhuizen each had seven points, while Zach Venema had nine rebounds and six points.

“As a group we rebounded the ball well on the offensive end. Zach and Andrew were relentless on the offensive boards,” said Glaus. “Will (Ruffatto) did a great job getting to the paint and making plays for us. Tate (Hamilton) controlled the tempo for us well.”

Shields Valley was led by Robbie Anderson’s 12 points, while Tavyn Anderson tallied 22 points for Townsend.

“Max (Venhuizen) and Blaise (Bolich) played great defense and helped limit (Tavyn) Anderson’s good looks throughout the game,” said Glaus.

Christian (2-3, 1-0 District 12C) returns to action Jan. 2 at Ennis.

Manhattan Christian wrapped up the December slate of the schedule with a pair of road losses Friday and Saturday. The Eagles were defeated by Shields Valley in their District 12C opener, 49-28, and then lost to Townsend, 43-23.

“We knew we had a tough schedule. I think it’s the toughest schedule we’ve had since I started coaching, so the last six years,” first-year Christian head coach Ryan Ruffatto said. “A lot of tough Class B schools and we got some tough teams in our district too.”

The Eagles’ schedule has featured games against four Class B programs, including Jefferson and Missoula Loyola, which were state tournament teams a year ago. Their lone win thus far is a non-conference victory against Gardiner.

“Tough start but proud of the girls,” Ruffatto said. “I think we’re getting better, they’re working hard, they’re not giving up, they continue to battle, and we’ve had a tough schedule. Just proud of them for continuing to work and getting back to each day.”

Friday, Shields Valley jumped out to a 23-7 lead after the first quarter. Over the next three quarters, the Eagles were only outscored 26-21.

Emily Straatman recorded a double-double, 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Karissa Van Kirk had eight points and four boards.

Christian had a similar start in Townsend, trailing 14-1 after the first quarter and by 20 at halftime. Straatman again led the charge with 12 rebounds and eight points, while Raegen Swenson had five points and three steals.

The Eagles received a boost with the return of sophomore Markelle Johnson, who was injured last year and had offseason surgery. She scored two points Friday and then added three points and three rebounds Saturday.

“Having Markelle back is great. It’s kind of limited minutes but she’s back, so that’s great,” said Ruffatto. “She’s an athlete, she’s competitive and gritty. She’s a tough player so we’re really excited to have her back.”

Nicki Swandal and Gaige Taylor each scored 15 points for Shields Valley, while Townsend was led by Kaitlyn Noyes, who tallied a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

“I keep telling the girls we’re going to be battle tested, tournaments are what matter,” said Ruffatto. “I know they’re tired of losing but they are getting better and continuing to work and hopefully things will start to click and we’ll make a nice little run here after Christmas and start putting things together.”

Christian (1-5, 0-1 District 12C) returns to action Jan. 2 at Ennis.

Manhattan Christian 45, Shields Valley 36

Christian                              10  9  8  7  11  –  45

Shields                                    7  9  9  9    2  –  36

MANHATTAN CHRISTIAN (1-3) – Blaise Bolich 1 0-0 3, Beau Venhuizen 2 2-2 8, Max Venhuizen 1 2-2 5, Tate Hamilton 2 2-2 6, Owen Venhuizen 1 1-2 4, Ben Dykema 0 0-0 0, Will Ruffatto 0 1-2 1, Zach Venema 0 1-2 1, Andrew Kimm 8 1-6 17, Nathan Stewart 0 0-0 0. Totals: 15 10-18 45.

SHIELDS VALLEY (1-4) – Dawson Matzinger 2 3-8 8, Robbie Anderson 5 1-2 12, Cody Rushbrook 1 0-0 3, Levi Rushbrook 0 0-0 0, Rylan Roberts 2 1-2 5, Andrew Long 0 0-0 0, Beau Holiday 1 1-2 4, Wyatt Dunkel 2 0-4 4. Totals: 13 6-18 36.

3-point goals: MC 5 (B. Venhuizen 2, Bolich 1, M. Venhuizen 1, O. Venhuizen 1), SV 4 (Matzinger 1, Anderson 1, C. Rushbrook 1, Holiday 1).

Manhattan Christian 55, Townsend 42

Christian                                 12  16  8  19  –  55

Townsend                              12    8  9  13  –  42

MANHATTAN CHRISTIAN (2-3) – Tate Hamilton 2 3-4 7, Max Venhuizen 0 2-2 2, Owen Venhuizen 0 0-0 0, Andrew Kimm 12 0-1 24, Blaise Bolich 1 0-0 3, Beau Venhuizen 2 2-2 7, Nathan Stewart 0 0-0 0, Zach Venema 3 0-0 6, Will Ruffatto 3 0-1 6. Totals: 23 7-10 55.

TOWNSEND (1-3) – Braden Martin 1 0-0 2, Tannen Tuffelmire 1 0-0 2, Rylan Hoveland 0 0-0 0, Kaden Richtmhyer 0 0-0 0, Tavyn Anderson 8 2-4 22, Bryce Lessley 2 0-0 4, Colby Flynn 1 0-0 2, Trace Giomi 0 1-2 1, Pierce Howard 0 0-0 0, Blake Graham 2 4-6 9. Totals: 15 7-12 42.

3-point goals: MC 2 (Bolich 1, B. Venhuizen 1), Tow 5 (Anderson 4, Graham 1).

Shields Valley 49, Manhattan Christian 28

Christian                                    7   7  5   9   –  28

Shields                                      23  9  4  13  –  49

MANHATTAN CHRISTIAN (1-3) – Brook Leep 0 1-2 1, Addie Venema 1 0-0 2, Joy James 1 1-4 3, Bella Cash-Rich 0 1-3 1, Raegen Swenson 0 1-2 1, Karissa Van Kirk 4 0-1 8, Payton James 0 0-0 0, Markelle Johnson 1 0-0 2, Lena Venhuizen 0 0-0 0, Emily Straatman 5 0-4 10. Totals: 12 4-16 28.

SHIELDS VALLEY (4-0) – Addison Lookhart 1 0-0 3, Everly Sarrazin 0 0-0 0, Nicki Swandal 6 1-4 15, Gaige Taylor 6 0-2 15, Sierra Wilcox 2 0-0 4, Mylee Peterson 1 0-0 2, Shayne Taylor 4 0-0 10, Kaitlin Anderson 0 0-0 0, Catherine Ramsey 0 0-0 0, Paisley Swartz 0 0-0 0. Totals: 20 1-6 49.

3-point goals: MC 0, SV 8 (G. Taylor 3, Swandal 2, S. Taylor 2, Ramsey 1)

Townsend 43, Manhattan Christian 23

Christian                                   1    7   4  11  –  23

Townsend                              14  14  10  5  –  43

MANHATTAN CHRISTIAN (1-5) – Brook Leep 1 1-2 3, Addie Venema 0 0-2 0, Bella Cash-Rich 0 0-2 0, Raegen Swenson 2 0-0 5, Karissa Van Kirk 2 0-2 4, Markelle Johnson 1 1-4 3, Lena Venhuizen 0 0-0 0, Emily Straatman 4 0-4 8. Totals: 10 2-16 23.

TOWNSEND (2-1) – Kaitlyn Noyes 8 2-3 18, Kymber McCartney 0 0-0 0, Jazel Ragen 0 0-2 0, Janeth Garcia 1 0-0 2, Emmalin Fischer 2 1-2 5, Taylor Cartwright 0 0-0 0, Emily Taves 0 0-0 0, Bryleigh Erickson 4 1-2 9, Kinsley Heggen 0 0-0 0, Mishayla Lambott 3 0-0 6, Jacey Brunette 1 0-0 3, Savannah Paulsen 0 0-0 0. Totals: 19 4-9 43.

3-point goals: MC 1 (Swenson), Tow 1 (Brunette).