Spartans Swat Yellowjackets

The 2017-2018 Missoula prep basketball season tipped off Friday night as the Sentinel Spartans and the Stevensville Yellowjackets meet on the court. The Sentinel Boys would host Stevensville and walk away with an 86-36 win to pick up their first win of the season.

The Spartans returned a young team but had two experienced generals in Sam Beighle who has been a smooth ball handler for the Spartans since his freshman year, and the quick hands of Elias DeWaters. Beighle came out and showed why he is one of the top shooters in Class AA basketball with a trio six point quarters in the first and second and third quarters.  The Yellowjackets held on in the first quarter and kept Sentinel close, starting out the second down 17-16 to the Spartans. Sentinel clamped down on the defensive side of the ball causing Stevensville to turn the ball over and make mental errors, out shooting the Yellowjackets 15-4 to lead 42-20 at the break.

With a heavy lead to start the second half the Spartans came out with their starters but quickly filtered in the bench players, giving one young man to shine. Junior center Scott Malikie emerged in the third quarter to lead all shooters with 12 points in the paint to strengthen the Spartan lead. Sentinel cinched down their defense and continued to suffocate the Yellowjackets holding Stevensville to four points in the third quarter. Stevensville did attempt a run late with junior Logan Roth who was effective from the three point line, but Sentinel had to many shooters in their arsenal and maintained a healthy lead.

The Spartans will take the week to get ready for their trip to Billings next weekend to play the Senior Broncs, Skyview Falcons, and West Golden Bears.