Mountain Cats ready for new season

For the 2015-2016 high school basketball season, Alberton’s Erik Johnson will be the boys head coach, with assistant coaches, John Petersen and Carson Bryant, for the newly formed Clark Fork Mountain Cats.  

“We would have struggled to have a program if we hadn’t co-op this year.  We only have six Alberton boys and four girls,” said Johnson, “with the co-op, we’ll have solid teams throughout the season.”

Johnson said that they’ll have a good team this year.  “We have younger kids with a lot of varsity time on the floor with tremendous potential,” he said.

There are 15 players out so far this year, with eight who started last year. Including All-State Superior senior, Aaron Kelly.  

There’s a lot of support from both communities, and enthusiasm from the students, said Johnson.  It’s not new for C schools to consolidate and there will be unique challenges.  Everyone had to sacrifice a little for the overall good of the program.  There’s a lot of coordination for things like gym time and transportation. 

The players will alternate weekly practices between Alberton and Superior at 4 and 4:30 p.m.  Home games will also alternate between the two schools.  

“Our boys have lost 42 games in a row,” said Johnson, “they are extremely excited about the opportunity to break that streak.”

Their first opportunity will come on December 4th and 5th with a tournament to be held in Frenchtown, with possibly some games in Alberton.  Time TBA.  Sports schedules are available online at www.Alberton.K12.mt.us and www.Superior.K12.mt.us.