We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Chinook junior Hallie Neibauer got the season started on Thursday with a 27 point effort in a 70-42 win over the Cut Bank Wolves. Saturday night Neibauer poured in another 28 points in a 66-32 win over the Shelby Coyotes.
Senior Anna Terry connects on a short jumper during first half action Thursday afternoon against the Cut Bank Wolves.
Senior Bree Swanson knocks down a fourth quarter three point bomb to put the finishing touches on their season opening win.
Junior Mya Berreth attacks the basket for a quick 2-0 'Beeter lead Saturday in Chinooks 66-32 win over the Coyotes.
The Chinook Sugarbeeters have high expectations this season and are considered by many to be one of the top teams in the District 9C as well as the Northern C. This year also marks the final season in which the Sugarbeeters will be competing in the Class C ranks. Starting with the 2023-24 season the Sugarbeeters will play Class B basketball and be included in the District 1B lineup.
If basketball fans wanted a taste of how the team might fare after moving up a classification, then this weekend should provide plenty of answers. The Sugarbeeters were in Shelby for the pre-season Coyote Tipoff Classic.
The Sugarbeeters and Wolves matched each other on the scoreboard early on with Chinook getting a pair of three pointers and 10 points from junior Hallie Neibauer to take a 16-14 lead into the second quarter.
Chinook opened the offense up in the second and shored up the defense turning a two point advantage into a 34-24 halftime lead. Senior Bree Swanson scored six in the frame while sophomore Alexus Seymour hit from distance and scored five.
The 'Beeters continued to steadily build on their lead in the third quarter with Neibauer scoring nine more and Seymour dropping in two more long balls.
Leading 53-36 to start the fourth the 'Beeters cruised to a comfortable 70-42 season opening win over the Coyotes, Swanson scored five in the fourth including another from beyond the arc.
Chinook was led in the win by a superb performance from Neibauer. The junior tossed in 27 points including a pair from beyond the arc and 91% shooting from the free throw line. Swanson added 15 points to the 'Beeter total and sophomore Alexus Seymour scored 11.
The 'Beeters were ready to play Saturday night and were looking to jump out to a early lead against the hometown Coyotes. Neibauer torched the nets for 15 first quarter points connecting on seven field goals including one from distance. When the first quarter ended, the 'Beeters had opened up a 26-6 lead and were in complete control of the game.
Chinook took their foot off the gas in the second, scoring just nine in the frame. Neibauer added five more and Swanson three to help Chinook secure a 34-14 halftime lead.
Neibauer, Swanson and senior Torin Cecrle each found their range from distance in the third. Chinook shot the ball extremely well from distance all weekend and continued to do so down the stretch against the Coyotes.
Leading 51-21 to start the fourth quarter the 'Beeters were in cruise control. Swanson scored another triple, sophomore Hannah Schoen got in on the action with a couple of baskets. Sophomores Addison Olsen, Gracie Skoyen and senior Anna Terry also found the scoring column.
Neibauer once again was a force from anywhere on the court knocking down a pair of triples on her way to a 28 point night. Cecrle connected twice from long range and scored eight as did Swanson
Chinook Head Coach, Mike Jones was pleased with his teams start to the season, "I thought girls played really well to start the season. We played with energy and effort and that translated to our game. We need to start building more in our tool box for the rest of the year and get ready for the district schedule."
When a team is considered by opposing coaches to be a favorite or the team to beat, it is certain that each opponent they face will bring their 'A' game looking to create the upset for their team. Chinooks' first three opponents on the conference schedule will certainly do just that.
The Sugarbeeters will begin District 9C play this Friday when they make the short trip down the toad to Big Sandy to take on the Pioneers. Saturday the girls will play in front of the home fans for the first time this season when they welcome the Box Elder Bears to town. Chinook will close out 2022 with a trip to Hays on Wednesday, December 21 to take on the Thunderbirds.
Box Elder has been a premier team in the Northern C for more than a decade, Big Sandy is a team on the rise and the Thunderbirds finished strong a season ago. To close out 2022 at 5-0 would be a huge boost to the remainder of the season
They will return to the court in 2023 on Friday January 6 in Harlem against the Lady Cats.
