Ponies knock off Maroons in first round of Central A divisional

Heading into Thursday night's first-round game with Butte Central, veteran Havre High boys basketball coach Mark West was a little anxious.

But West can relax for at least a moment because his Ponies were able to open the 2004 Central A boys divisional basketball tournament with a solid 65-40 win over the host Maroons on Thursday night at the Butt Civic Center.

"I was a little nervous because last year the kids just didn't relax in the first game," West said. "And Butte Central is one of those teams that just scares you because they have nothing to lose.

"But the kids came out loose and played...