George Ferguson Column: Havre thriving so far in new divisionals

When it was decided that Class A would go to two divisional tournaments instead of four, no one was too sure how it would affect their teams, or their schools. But, I think it’s safe to say that, at least for Havre High, so far so good.

This past weekend, the Blue Pony boys and girls basketball teams were in Billings for the Eastern Divisional tournament, which combined both the Eastern A and Central A divisions for what some were calling a super divisional. The Western A did the same, combining the Southwest A and Northwest A in Butte over the weekend.

And for Havre at least, the new divisional tournament was something to behold.

Of course, it was a spectacular weekend for the Blue Pony boys, who hadn’t won a divisional tournament since 2004. But, in front of a tremendous atmosphere at the Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings, Havre put an end to that drought.

The Ponies ripped through the first two rounds of the tournament, beating Eastern A stalwarts Laurel, the defending state champion, and Billings Central. The highly anticipated showdown was supposed to be between Havre and Miles City in the championship game, but that game didn’t happen thanks to a win by Hardin in the semifinals.

Then, in Saturday night’s championship bout, in front of a huge pro-Hardin crowd, the Blue Ponies became the true beasts of the East, coming back from an early deficit to beat the Bulldogs and hoist the big trophy.

Meanwhile, the Pony girls took a different route at their first Eastern A. Havre was in new territory after losing a semifinal game to Billings Central Friday, as the Ponies had won the last four Central A titles. However, Havre made the most out of their first trip to Billings, winning an overtime thriller against Miles City, then beating rival Lewistown to finish third. And with making the state tournament being the ultimate goal anyway, the Pony girls left Billings with their mission accomplished.

Yes, it was a weekend to remember in Billings, and, the tournament was the talk of the state this past weekend. Even Havre High head coach Curt Leeds, who started the week with concern about the tournament being so long, was singing the event’s praises Saturday night.

“Here, it’s been absolutely amazing all week long,” Leeds told the Billings Gazette. “I give it to Billings Central for putting this on, the Metra … the town of Billings has been amazing. Our boys have been received anywhere we’ve gone. And look what Hardin brought for fans. That was amazing. That’s what you live for.”

Of course, success in the new divisional format has been something the Blue Ponies have been experiencing all school year.

The first foray was a trip to Livingston for the Eastern A volleyball tournament back in November. There, the Havre Blue Ponies made a spectacular run, finishing third and qualifying for their first state tourney in nearly a decade. So, if there were any concerns about the new format, at least in volleyball, they were put to rest pretty quickly.

Then came wrestling — and Havre got host the first, new-look Eastern A divisional tournament. And what better place to get the new wrestling format started than inside the HHS gymnasium, the home of the top wrestling program in all of Montana?

The outcome of that divisional tourney was never in doubt, as the Blue Ponies dominated from start to finish on their way to their 13th straight team title at divisionals. But, I can attest, coaches and wrestlers raved about the tournament all day long that Saturday last month, and it seemed to be a big hit.

And now, with the Eastern A basketball tourney in the books, it certainly looks like Blue Pony athletics shouldn’t have too many concerns about divisional tournaments going forward. Why? Because, after four Eastern A tournaments this school year, Havre High has brought home two championships and two third-place trophies.

So, I guess it’s safe to say, at least for this school year — the Blue Ponies are certainly the new Beasts of the Eastern A.