The Dillon Beavers secured their second consecutive Class A state basketball championship with a 51-46 victory over Lockwood. Carter Curnow, a two-time state champion in basketball and three-time title winner in football, led the Beavers with 20 points, becoming a 1,000-point scorer. Head coach Jeff Edwards praised Curnow as one of the all-time greats in Beaverhead County basketball history.
The victory marked Dillon’s 21st consecutive win and extended their undefeated streak in Class A competition to 13 months. Gabe Lemelin, Kyler Engellant, and Kingston Hugs were standout players in the game, with Lockwood giving the Beavers their toughest challenge in four months.
In the third-place game, Billings Central defeated Ronan 45-40, capturing their first piece of Class A state hardware since 2021. Sophomore Darcy Merchant Jr. played a crucial role in the victory, leading the team with nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Billings Central coach Jim Stergar expressed pride in the team’s resilience and noted the contributions of senior Sam Jagodzinski.
Overall, the tournament showcased impressive performances from top players and teams, with Dillon and Billings Central emerging as champions in the boys and girls divisions, respectively. The competitive matchups and passionate play highlighted the talent and dedication of high school athletes in Montana.
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