Class C field loaded with impressive resumes

It's certainly an exciting time for the Box Elder Bears girls basketball team. Just one week after the Box Elder boys won their historic state title at the Four Seasons Arena, the girls will be in the same arena playing in their first state tournament in 18 years. But, Box Elder has a tough road ahead, as the Class C girls field this week in Great Falls is loaded with good teams, including heavy favorite Belt, which, like Box Elder, will have a home-court advantage in the Four Seasons.

Here's a quick glance at each of the eight teams in the field for this weekend's Class C state tournament, which the Havre Daily News will once again have complete coverage of.

Arlee Scarlet Warriors (20-4)

Western C Champion

Like Box Elder, the Arlee girls are hoping to build on the momentum their boys team started last weekend in Great Falls. And, with how talented the Scarlet Warriors are, they should be able to do just that. Morgan Malatare and Bryndle Goyins are two star players for the Warriors, but Arlee has a lot of seniors, depth and height and that should make them a favorite on their side of the bracket, even with a potential matchup with Box Elder looming in the semifinals. The Arlee girls are also looking for their first Class C state championship since way back in 1979.

Medicine Lake/Froid

Redhawks (18-6)

Eastern C 2nd Place

The Redhawks have had a strong season, especially in the difficult Eastern C, which always produces some of the top talent in the state. Abbie Duebner and Makenzie Dethman lead the Redhawks in scoring, and they will be needed with a tough first-round game against Arlee. And while the Eastern C has produced more state champions than any other division in the last three decades, neither school in the co-op has won a Class C title.

Box Elder Bears (23-1)

Northern C 2nd Place

It's been a magical season for head coach Joel Rosette and his Bears. And while finishing second in the Northern C, especially to Belt, is a huge accomplishment, the Bears take their one loss to state, and have to play an undefeated team right out of the gate. Still, with as deep a roster as there is in the field, led by Tia Russell and Tyrah Gopher, and an up-tempo style which is hard to handle, the Bears are a team that can't be overlooked as they try to repeat the boys feat from last week, as well as win their first state championship since the historic 1998 season.

Broadview-Lavina (24-0)

Southern C Champion

The Pirates bring a perfect record into this weekend's state tourney, and they are just one of three teams in the field with experience from last year's state tournament. Alexi Paybe, Brenna Beckett, Tana Allen, Krista Schott and Kyle Schott all started a season ago for the Pirates and those five players along with a solid bench, gives Broadview-Lavina one of the deeper, more experienced teams, in Class C basketball. And while the Pirates might not be considered the favorite this weekend, there's no reason to think they won't at least contend for their first state title in school history.

Belt Huskies (22-2)

Northern C Champion

The Huskies are making their eighth straight trip to state, and they don't have to go far to play in their home-away-from-home, the Four Seasons Arena. With stars like Dani Urick and Kirsteyn Pimperton, as well as a talented supporting cast, and a suffocating style, it's easy to see why head coach Jeff Graham's team is the favorite this week. But, after coming up short in their bid to repeat their 2014 state title a year ago, the Huskies won't take any team they face this weekend for granted.

Absarokee Rangers (15-10)

Southern C Second Place

The Rangers pulled some upsets at the Southern C to get to Great Falls, so they're definitely a long shot this weekend, especially drawing Belt in the first round. But, winning in the Southern C also takes talent, and the Rangers have that, and they have the size to match up with anyone in the field. Still, the Rangers, who last played for a state championship in 1986, a loss to Big Sandy, will have a lot of work to do to get back to that level this weekend.

Plentywood Wildcats (24-0)

Eastern C Champion

It's no surprise Plentywood is playing in the state tournament in its first year in Class C. After all, a year ago, the Wildcats were still battling the likes of Malta in the District 2B. So, the Wildcats, and their perfect record, make the half of the draw with Belt, and Seeley-Swan a loaded one. Add in the fact that Plentywood is a high-scoring bunch, led by Brenna Osksa and Victoria Obergfell, and the Wildcats, who have never won a state crown in girls basketball, have the team to do just that this weekend.

Seeley-Swan Black Hawks (23-2)

Western C 2nd Place

Seeley-Swan is a dangerous team, and was upset in the Western C and had to reach Great Falls via a challenge game. They're also dangerous because they are hungry for state tournament success after missing out on the state tourney a year ago. The Black Hawks should have an exciting first game with Plentywood Thursday night, and overall, with the likes of Alex Bohlman and Delaney Hozworth leading the way, they are certainly a team to watch all tournament long.