Hot Springs girls rout Valley Christian to go 11-1

Heading toward the upcoming Class C girls basketball district tournament, the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat are on fire.

Friday the Hot Springs girls improved their season record to 11-1 with a 66-29 roasting of the Valley Christian Lady Eagles in Missoula.

Looming ahead is a Feb. 15 encounter with the Charlo Lady Vikings, the only team to have defeated Hot Springs this year.

Against Valley Christian the Lady Heat scored early and often on their way to a 22-9 lead after the first eight minutes of play. Their defensive pressure dominated the hosts throughout the first half, holding the Lady Eagles to five points in the

second quarter and four points in the third period.

At halftime, with sophomore guard Katelyn Christensen and senior guard Sydney Jackson directing the offense, Hot Springs held a 36-14 advantage. They also controlled the offensive and defensive boards, behind senior McKennzie Cannon who was patrolling the lanes.

By the end of the third quarter the Lady Savage Heat had upped their lead to an insurmountable 50-18 edge and coasted to victory over the final eight minutes of play.

Seven Hot Springs players scored during the game, led by Jackson’s 17 points. Christensen added 15 points and Cannon chipped in 10 for the night.

This week the Lady Savage Heat will face a pair of district opponents, beginning with a road game to Plains Thursday night to face the Trotters. They then return home Saturday for a game with Noxon.

District tournament play begins Thursday, Feb. 20 in Ronan.