Athletes of the Week

Both the Harlem Wildcats and the Hays-Lodge Pole Thunderbirds won the state championship in their respective classes Saturday night, bringing home the first-ever titles for each school.

Harlem won its title with a 69-67 win over Wolf Point, while Hays-Lodge Pole won its championship with a 90-71 win over the two-time defending state champs, Heart Butte.

Chris Cole was the hero of the finals game for Harlem, hitting the game-winning three-point basket with three seconds remaining in the game. The play was one the Wildcats had only used twice in competition before, but each time it proved to be a game-winner.

Cole led the Wildcats in the championship game with 18 points, with Kevin Bigby and Hank Brockie each adding 13.

The Thunderbirds's title came somewhat easier. Hays-Lodge Pole took a 12-point lead after the first quarter en route to the 19-point win.

Five Thunderbirds scored in double figures in the game, led by James Flying with 22, Russell Doney with 19, Shawn Shambo with 18, Derek Small with 17, and Nathan Martin with 11.