Daniel Horton Havre Daily News gferguson@havredailynews.com
It was already a full weekend for the Havre High girls basketball team, but with the addition of a makeup game, things just got even busier. The Ponies host the Malta M-Ettes tonight at 7:30 at the Havre High Gymnasium to kick off their three games in three straight days. On Friday the Ponies are on the road to play the Lewistown Golden Eagles at 7:30 p.m. and then return home on Saturday to play the Butte Central Maroons at 5 p.m. “I think our kids are looking forward to playing again.” Havre High head coach Dustin Kraske said. “They still feel like they are a little deprived. They have only played three games so this weekend will be a real boost for them. We’ll enjoy all three games, that’s for sure.” On Dec. 13, the Ponies and M-Ettes were scheduled to play, but when a winter storm blew in their meeting was postponed. Tonight the 2-1 overall, 1-1 in league Central A Ponies will finally get their shot at the Class B M-Ettes. “Malta is an outstanding nonconference opponent for us to play.” Kraske said. “We are really looking forward to playing them and it will be a good challenge for us. For the most part it has always been a pretty good game, and it should be a good game again.” HHS is going to have their hands full with the M-Ettes, who have a solid team on both offense and defense. They have been on top of the District 2B for a number of years and have a good group of players. Leading the M-Ettes is senior Kylee Denham, who has already signed to play for Montana State Billings next season. She is a standout player and has played a big role in their success. She played a big part in the state championship two years ago, and their thirdplace finish last year. “It will be a nice tune-up game for us to get ready for Lewistown and Butte Central.” Kraske said. “They all matter, but the conference games have a little more emphasis on them.” After hosting a tough team, the Ponies are right back on the road on Friday to play another. Last season when the Ponies and Eagles played, the Ponies walked away as victors both times. But even with playing them twice in the regular season a year ago, the Ponies are going to see an unfamiliar team. “From what I understand the kids play very hard, but other than that I don’t know much.” Kraske said. “It would be a shame for us to go down there and overlook them.” The Eagles are averaging roughly 30 points per game and to this point in the season are winless. But what is known about the Eagles is that no matter the outcome, they will show up to compete. In preparation, the Ponies have been working on their own game. They have adjusted their play on both offense and defense according to what they have seen in previous game, and are prepared to match up against either a zone or man defense. The Ponies are hungry for more games, but getting the Maroons on the third night is going to be a true test. They are one of the better teams in the league sitting at 1-1, and have a talented young team led by senior allstate guard, Brook Pokorny. This is Probably one of the better teams the Maroons have had in the past few years because even though they are young, most of girls have extensive varsity experience.. “The Butte Central kids always compete and play hard.” Kraske said. “I think we will have our hands full, especially since it will be our third game in three days. We will have to really concentrate and be ready.” All three games for the Ponies will be a good test for where they are at this point in the season. They are facing three good programs and will have to work at containing some standout talent to be successful. “I like our chances.” Kraske said. “I have been pleased with how well our kids have been practicing and I was really pleased last week with how we played. Our focus has been really good now knowing that we actually have some games to play. If we play hard and defend and are smart on offense, I like our chances against anybody.” The Ponies play the Malta M-Ettes in a make up game tonight at the Havre High gymnasium at 7:30. Then on Friday, they travel to take on the Lewistown Eagles at 7:30 p.m. before returning home on Saturday to take on the Butte Central Maroons at 5:30 p.m.
