12 teams join new 13C conference

Now that the Class C basketball season is almost over, with only the state championships this weekend left to be played, it’s time to bid a fond adieu to the existing 14C conference.

And in its place, we have the new, improved and larger 13C conference beginning next season with Class C basketball, volleyball and track all falling under the new conference alignment.

Starting with volleyball this coming year, the 14C will in effect become part of a new 12-team 13C conference after the proposal was approved this past Fall by the Montana High School Association Executive Board.

The idea behind the move is to create a more streamlined and competitive regular season and playoff situation for the state’s smallest schools.

The move will result in a new 13C conference with members Alberton, Charlo, Drummond, Granite (Philipsburg), Hot Springs, Lincoln, Noxon, St. Regis, Seeley-Swan, Two Eagle River, Valley Christian and Victor.

St. Regis coach Jesse Allan was among those in favor of the move, which was generally accepted by all schools involved.

“I think that it (merger) will make for a more exciting district tournament atmosphere most of all,” said the St. Regis basketball, football and track coach. (Football is not involved in this realignment) “With only six or seven teams in a district, finding a host, game splits and a lack of competitive games can be tough. I think a combined tournament will really force teams to compete at a high level early, especially in the semifinals when they will have to play their best basketball”.

St. Regis won what was the final 14C District basketball tournament last month, then finished fourth in the Western C Divisional tournament the following weekend. That tournament featured teams from 14C, 13C and 12C.

Allan said he expects the level of postseason play in particular to be more intense with the realignment.

“I think there will be some really good mid to low seed ‘play-in-games’ that will add to the energy of the tournament”.

Allan noted that a similar move by the 12C conference to expand a few years ago created just such a competitive edge which has led to 12C domination of recent West Division tournaments.

“The 12C has had a similar format the past few years and they have kind of dominated the divisional tournament over the last six years or so,” Allan added. “We still have some particulars to work out, but I really think this is going to be great for teams and fans”.

Noxon Activities Director and track coach Matt Havens agreed with the improved competition concept.

Manhattan Christian won this year’s West Divisional tourney, as it has several times in recent years as a member of the 12C conference. The tournament final was a matchup this year between MC and fellow 12C conference member Harrison.

“I know the new 13C will be more competitive than in the past,” Havens said. “The combination will make a better tournament”.

Under the new format, Havens noted, each team will play each other once during the season, which will create a more positive environment.