GREAT FALLS - Payback time.
Remember about a month ago, when the Flathead Braves were kicked out of the football playoffs by one point in a loss to the C.M.R. Rustlers? Coach Grady Bennett avenged the loss Dec. 12 when he lead his sophomore Braves to a basketball win over C.M.R. 91-88, in four - count 'em four - overtimes.
"It was nice getting a little revenge," said Bennett, who is also the offensive coordinator of the football team. "To get a win so close, it was great."
With the Braves trailing at halftime, Bennett urged his team to come back and beat the Rustlers.
"In the first half, we didn't play very well," said sophomore Andy Dickinson. "Then in the locker room, coach told us to stay confident. The last time he was in Great Falls he lost. He wanted us to get back at them."
"He provided quite a bit of inspiration," said sophomore Braxton Norwood. "He coached a great game. That was the difference."
In the fourth quarter, the Braves started slowly, and fell behind by 14 points. Aftera furious secondhalf comeback, the two teams were tied and went into overtime. Bennett once again called his team to the bench for a pep talk.
"I told them, 'you didn't come back this far to lose,'" Bennett said of his encouragement to his team in the overtimes. "I've got to give the team credit. They had a chance to win in the first and second overtime but fell short. I tried to keep them pumped up."
"It was so intense," Dickinson said. "We were at the edge of our seat in the first overtime, and then in the second it was really intense. In the third it was frustrating because we just wanted to win, and we did. It was pretty intense."
The Braves were lead by Matt Jensen, who scored 22 points on the night. Flathead was also aided by reserve players Jason Robinson, Jeremy Pris and Dave Beekman.
"The bench really stepped up," Bennett said. "All three big men fouled out, so smaller players had to play center. The subs hit some big shots."
The Braves all gave Bennett credit for the win.
"I think he played a huge part," said sophomore Tom Kelly. "He kept us calm, and he kept us intense."
"He coached a great game," said Jenson. "We should have a great season."
On the flip side, Bennett spoke of his players for the reason for the win.
"The team has incredible quickness," said Bennett, adding, "Everyone really stepped it up. This sophomore team has the capability to be a great team."