Whitefish Basketall, on Senior Night, Splits with Polson

    Whitefish High School Basketball Seniors

    Both Whitefish basketball teams would play host to Polson, Tuesday night, for Senior Night.

    This was the final home game of the regular season, for both teams.

    It was a traditional double header with the girls playing first and the boys in the nightcap. Senior Night festivities happened between both games.

    In the girls game, the Lady Dawgs led after one quarter of play, 6-5.

    Whitefish was without one of their seniors, Jude Perry, who had to sit out while serving a one game suspension. That coupled with Bailey Smith getting into foul trouble hurt the Lady Dawgs as the Lady Pirates took a 19-13 lead into the intermission.

    The thrid quarter was dominated by Polson's freshman guard, Rylee Taylor-Jefferson, who dropped in 13 points in the frame as the Lady Pirates extended their lead to 37-22 after three and held on for the 49-33 victory.

    Smith did respond in the 2nd half, for Whitefish, as she finished with 12 points to lead the way for the Lady Dawgs. Colby Wharton was awarded the start in this one and garnered the Ortho Rehab Player of the game.

    Polson was led by Taylor-Jefferson with a game high 15.

    With the win Polson finishes the season 9-9 overall, 6-6 in league play and sit as the No. 4 seed in the Northwest "A" Conference.

    Whitefish falls to 6-12 overall, 3-9 in league play. Lady Dawgs have earned the No. 5 seed.

    Senior Night Recognition Video

    After the Senior Night festivities it was the boys turn to take the court. The Dawgs would take to the court sporting some throwback uniforms that haven't been worn in a game, in 10 years.

    The Dawgs and Pirates played a spirited back-and-forth opening frame with Whitefish leading 11-9 after one quarter.

    Whitefish would grab hold of the game in the second behind stellar team play as they took a 29-24 halftime lead into the break.

    The Dawgs played suffocating defense in the third, holding Polson to just six points in the frame and led 41-30 after three.

    Every single player that dressed for the Dawgs would play in this one as they ran away with the 61-45 win.

    On Senior Night, it was the seniors that showed out as Mason Kelch led the way with 22 points, made four 3-pointers. Mason Genovese added 17, five made 3's. CJ Thew dropped in a cool 12.

    Polson was led by Anthony Lichtenberg with 12.

    Following all the action, the Dawgs finish the season 10-8 overall, 6-6 in conference play. No. 5 in the NW "A".

    Polson finishes 2-16 overall, 1-11 in league play. No. 6 seed.

    Up Next: The Playoffs are here.

    Both Whitefish teams will take part in the Play-in tournament.

    The Lady Dawgs host Ronan, on Thursday, for a 5:30pm tip-off.

    The Dawgs will host Polson, once again, with tip-off at 7pm.

    Catch the call of both games live on KSAM.

    Post-game featuring interviews with Dane Hunt and Mason Kelch

    In other Northwest "A" Hoops, Ronan boys host Libby on Thursday while the Polson girls host Libby.

    Winners of Thursday's contests will match-up on Saturday. The last teams standing earn the No. 4 seed for the Divisional Tournament.

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