Savage Heat top Panthers again

With a win over Alberton on Saturday, The District 14-C Savage Heat (2-4 conf., 7-9 ovr.) have clinched the fifth seed heading into Divisionals. Hot Springs will have a chance to tie Two Eagle River (4-5, 7-10) at fourth with two league games remaining.

Despite heading into the locker room with a 30-28 lead, the Savage Heat fell, 57-62, to Arlee on Friday. The Warriors outscored Hot Springs ,34-27, in the second half as they remain tied with Charlo for the District 14-C lead.

Jess Pfau scored 21 points, including seven in the final frame as the Warriors held on for the victory. Kasey Bridgewaters (15) and Thomas McClure (10) also reached double digits as Arlee advanced to 8-1, 13-3.

Senior Zack Malinak had 17 points to lead Hot Springs. Dave Cross scored 15 points, Cody Hoff 11, Trevor Bras eight, Conner Stobie three, Mike Gray two and Wyatt Nagy one in the loss.

On Saturday, the Savage Heat held the Panthers scoreless in the fourth quarter, as they came out on top, 40-33, in the back and forth affair.

Alberton darted to a 16-10 lead after the first, before a big, second-quarter run gave Hot Springs a 27-22 lead at the break. In the third quarter, the Panthers were off to another quick start, outscoring Hot Springs 11-6, but a staunch Savage Heat defense shut down the Panthers in the fourth.

Malinak led Hot Springs for the second straight game, scoring 13 points in the win. Cross added eight points, Gray six, Trevor Bras five and Hoff four and Nagy four for the Savage Heat.

The Panthers (8-8) were paced by Jake Thompson with points 12 points.

Hot Springs will travel to Noxon on Thursday and Two Eagle River on Saturday in their final weekend of the regular season.