Poplar Wins One Game At Class B State Tournament

Poplar’s hot shooting in the first half was more than Lodge Grass could handle as Poplar cruised to a 71-55 victory in the opening round of the Class B state boys’ basketball tournament in Billings on Thursday, March 7.

The contest was deadlocked at 7-7 with 2:40 left in the opening quarter when Poplar exploded for nine straight points on a three-pointer by Delray Lilley and six points by Kaniel Ricker.

Lodge Grass ended the first quarter with a three-pointer by JJ Bends to close the margin to 16-10.

Lilley opened the second period with consecutive three-pointers. After a basket by Lodge Grass, Poplar earned a 30-12 advantage on a free throw by Geordy Medicine Cloud, a three-pointer by Ricker, a fastbreak hoop by Quinn Sutherland off an assist from Ricker and a steal and drive by Lilley.

Ahead by a 32-18 margin, Poplar ended the second quarter with seven straight points on a three-pointer by Sutherland, a 14-footer by Lilley and a tip-in at the buzzer by Walker Burshia for a 39-20 half-time advantage.

Lodge Grass tallied seven of the last nine points of the third quarter to cut the margin to 58-43.

Poplar gained further control with the first six points of the fourth period on baskets by Ricker, Lilley and Burshia for a 64-43 lead.

Lodge Grass got as close as 64-47, but Poplar responded with free throws by Burshia, Medicine Cloud and Lilley.

Lilley led Poplar with 24 points. Also reaching double figures were Burshia with 16 and Ricker with 14 points.

Rounding out the scoring were Medicine Cloud with eight, Sutherland with seven and Cetan Growing Thunder with two points.

Leading Lodge Grass were Hugs with 14 and Lance Little Nest with 12 points.

Poplar hit 21 of its 27 freethrow attempts in the victory compared to Lodge Grass’ 16 of 29 tries.