Polson downs Billings Central to move on in state tournament

BOZEMAN - Polson will live another day. The Pirates downed Billings Central 67-62 today in Bozeman to advance to the consolation semi-finals of the Class A Boys' basketball state tournament. Senior Louis Mohr scored 33 points with 19 of those coming in the second half as Polson pulled away from the Rams.

Billings Central had the 13-12 lead after the first, then Mohr scored 12 points in the second quarter to help Polson take a 33-27 lead into the locker room at halftime. They scored 21 points in the second quarter and appeared to have better rhythm on offense than in their first game of the state tournament.

Right out of the chute in the second half, Polson went on an 11-2 run to build a comfortable 44-29 lead. Mohr would scored 12 in the period and finished the game 11-for-19 from the field.

In the fourth quarter, Polson scored 11 of its points from the free throw line and weathered a 20-15 run by the Rams to win the game.

Polson again saw some great play by junior Tyler Krell, who scored 12 points to be Polson's second highest scorer. He's been an offensive force so far in the post-season.

Senior Kyle Bagnell scored 11 despite battling through injuries.

Polson will play Laurel tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. for a chance to play for third place at 6:30 p.m.

Polson 67, Billings Central
Polson - 12 - 21 - 19 - 15 - 67
Billings Central - 13 - 14 - 15 - 20 - 62

Pirates scoring - Louis Mohr 33, Tyler Krell 12, Kyle Bagnell 11, Sheldon Fisher 5, Zac Camel 3, Vince DiGiallonardo 3

Here are some photos from the game today...