Stars ready for State B

During the offseason the Rocky Boy Stars made the big leap from Class C to Class B. But as far as the boys basketball team is concerned, the change had no effect on postseason dreams. Playing in their first year as a Class B team, the Stars are also making their first trip to their first Class B state basketball tournament today at the Four Season Arena in Great Falls. The tournament will start with the No. 1 Stars out of the north facing the No. 2 team out of the south, the Shepherd Mustangs. Just last weekend in Glasgow, Coach Tim Henry's Stars improved to an astounding 23- 0. In the Northern B title game they defeated the Shelby Coyotes 58-48, clinching the No. 1 spot and a flawless record in the mean time. The Stars also defeated the Coyotes two weeks ago in the 1B finals, edging the competition by just one point. Rocky Boy is coming off two straight Class C state championship game appearances. The Stars came up short in both tries to claim a Class C state title, and last year, their only loss of the season came in the final game of the season. But Rocky Boy has made the transition to Class B look easy. The Stars are averaging around 79 points per game, but have shown they can play in the half court, as many Class B teams try to play a more physical and slow-tempo game against Rocky Boy. The Stars also have shown they have the depth to run the table in Class B. Leading scorers Jerod Parker, Erik Schildt and Lyndsey Eagleman are all veteran players who have plenty of state tourney experience. But the Stars also get good help from the likes of forwards Leisin Oats and Garrett Lafromboise, as well as guards JC Hawk and Loren Standing Rock. The state tournament runs today through Saturday and joining the Stars and Coyotes in the opening round of play will be No. 1 out of the west Florence- Carlton taking on No. 3 out of the south Columbus at 2 p.m., No. 1 out of the south Huntley-Project taking on No. 3 out of the north Wolf Point at 6:30 p.m. and No. 2 out of the north Shelby taking on No. 2 out of the west Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart at 8 p.m. Aside from the heavily-favored Stars, Florence and Missoula Loyola are also teams which could bring home the state title this weekend. The Stars get things started today at 12:30 against Shepherd. All of the Class B state tournament action takes place at the Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls.