Eagles knock off Heat

The Valley Christian Eagles have come a long ways in only a few weeks.

Rebounding from a 53-43 loss to the Savage Heat in Hot Springs back on Jan. 3, the resurgent Eagles knocked off the Heat 77-60 in Missoula Saturday.

Hot Springs coach Scott Fredrickson was impressed with how the Eagles played against his Heat the second time around.

“They played well, that was the best man-to-man defense we have seen all year,” Fredrickson said. “Their coach has them playing good basketball, they will be a threat if they continue to play like they did against us.”

Fredrickson and his Heat have another Sanders County weekend on tap, visiting Plains for a 14C conference-counter Thursday and hosting Noxon in another 14C game Saturday.

“We hope to get back on track this week,” Fredrickson said. “We will be a little short-handed but should be all right.” Fredrickson said a few of his players may not be available this week due to grades, but expects them back in the coming weeks.

One of the leading scorers in western Montana this winter, senior Brandon Knudsen threw down 32 more points against Valley Christian to lead the Savage Heat in Missoula.

Luke Waterbury added six points, Lincoln Slonaker five, Kyle Lawson four and Nathan Lawhead three.

Eyan Becker scored 27 points for Valley, Brennan Cox had 25 and Riley Reimer eight.