Playing their fourth game in three days, the Bravettes basketball team lost to Billings Senior 50-39 to take fourth place in the Class AA tournament consolation game, Nov. 23.
"When you beat a team once, it's hard to beat them a second time in the same tournament," said coach Dennis Latimer of the loss to the Broncos.
"I thought the season went well despite all the injuries," said senior Hillary Diede.
To open tournament play, the Bravettes defeated Billings Senior 42-27 advancing to the semifinals to play top-ranked Bozeman.
Against Bozeman, the Bravettes struggled to defend the Hawks perimeter shooters. Lady Hawk Alyssa Hyem made four three pointers in the first half to give Bozeman a 28-17 lead.
Senior Shannon Grace had 18 points, the only Bravette to score in double figures, but it wasn't enough as Bozeman went on to win 52-38.
Thirty-three of the Hawks' points came from three-point range, where they shot 53 percent.
"They had a lot of talent," said Latimer. "A good inside-outside game."
In consolation play the next morning, the Bravettes rebounded to beat Great Falls High 62-47 to earn a spot in the consolation finals.
Earning all-state honors for the Bravettes were Grace and junior Darcy James. Grace led the Bravettes in scoring with 57 points.
"Our team got along really well this year," said senior Kelci McBroom. "We were good friends on and off the court."
Said Latimer:
"I am proud of the way the team bounced back and competed at the end of the season."