North Country Nips Plentywood In Eastern C Title Contest

North Country overcame an outstanding defensive effort by Plentywood to edge the Wildcats, 46-44, for the Eastern C divisional girls’ basketball championship in Wolf Point on Friday, March 3.

In the battle of two previously undefeated squads, Plentywood took a 39-38 on two free throws by Mallory Tommerup and a short jumper by Emma Brensdal. The Mavericks, however, moved back ahead, 43-39, when Kora Labrie hit two free tosses and Paige Wasson knocked down a three-pointer at the 1:34 mark.

Plentywood didn’t back down as a drive by Annie Kanul produced a two-point game with 1:34 remaining. A fast-break drive by Paityn Curtiss resulted in a threepoint play to put the Wildcats ahead, 44-43, with 52 seconds left.

North Country went ahead to stay when Wasson hit a pair of free throws with 37 seconds remaining. After Plentywood missed a shot, Shelbi Labrie added a free throw with seven seconds left. The Wildcats were unable to get off a final shot.

Leading the Mavericks were Wasson with 26 and Teagan Erickson with 12 points.

Brensdal finished with 15 points for the Wildcats. Tommerup, Kaul and Curtiss added eight points each.

Brensdal accounted for 13 rebounds and four assists.

Plentywood held a 25-23 half-time lead. The game was deadlocked at 33-33 after the end of the third quarter.