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Anaconda is a basketball town with a rich history in the sport. The Anaconda boys' basketball team, also known as the Copperheads, has produced star players like former Minneapolis Laker Ed Kalafat and Utah State legend Wayne Estes. The team participates in the Class B boys' basketball tournament, with recent wins over Red Lodge in the opening round of the 2024 tournament. Anaconda's victory over the Rams showcased their defensive prowess, with Senior River Hurley leading the way with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Copperheads' success continues to revive the city's proud basketball tradition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Anaconda Basketball Team Name | Copperheads |
| Anaconda Team Member | Braxton Hill |
| Anaconda Team Member | River Hurley |
| Anaconda Team Member | Brody Galle |
| Opponent Team | Red Lodge |
| Opponent Team Member | Nic Morean |
| Opponent Team Member | Calvin Garmann |
| Tournament | MHSA State Class B Basketball Tournament |
| Location | First Interstate Arena at MetraPark |
| Date | March 7, 2024 |
| Score | Anaconda: 50, Red Lodge: 50 (Anaconda won in overtime) |
| Anaconda's Record | 16-8 overall |
| Red Lodge's Record | 20-3 |
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What You'll Learn
Anaconda Copperheads' 2024 Class B Boys Basketball Tournament
The Anaconda Copperheads boys' basketball team had a successful run in the 2024 Class B Boys Basketball Tournament. The Copperheads, the Western A Divisional runner-up, made it to the final four of the tournament, alongside Fairview, Missoula Loyola, and Poplar.
In the quarterfinals, the Anaconda Copperheads faced the Southern B Divisional Champions, Red Lodge, on March 7, 2024, at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark. Anaconda pulled off an upset, winning a gritty game in overtime, 52-50. Senior River Hurley had an impressive double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds, playing all 36 minutes. Cael Mikalatos added 12 points, and they both knocked down crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the Copperheads' victory. Anaconda's defense was key, frustrating Red Lodge and forcing them to play at Anaconda's pace.
In the semifinal round, the Copperheads faced Fairview, who had defeated Arlee 52-47 in their quarterfinal matchup. Fairview, in their first season at Class B, presented a strong challenge. Anaconda, with an overall record of 16-8, fought hard but ultimately fell short, with Fairview advancing to the state championship game.
The Anaconda Copperheads' 2024 Class B Tournament run showcased their resilience, defensive prowess, and ability to pull out tight victories. Their success was driven by strong individual performances, teamwork, and a commitment to their game strategy. The team's accomplishments in the tournament highlighted the talent and potential of the Anaconda Copperheads boys' basketball program.
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Anaconda's basketball star Braxton Hill
Anaconda is a basketball town with a rich history in the sport. The Montana town is the birthplace of former Minneapolis Laker Ed Kalafat and Utah State legend Wayne Estes, both of whom were star ballplayers for the Copperheads. Anaconda's basketball program is built by legends, and Braxton Hill is now one of them.
Braxton Hill is a star point guard for the Anaconda Copperheads. Hill's record-breaking accomplishments have earned him a place in the history of Anaconda's basketball program. In 2019, Hill broke the Copperheads' all-time boys' scoring record, previously held by Ed Kalafat, with a 33-point performance against Thompson Falls. Hill also surpassed the scoring record of Ali Hurley, becoming the most prolific scorer in Anaconda basketball history, regardless of gender.
In one game, Hill scored five points in the final 35 seconds, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Hill's outstanding performances have not gone unnoticed. Blake Hempstead, the radio voice of the Copperheads, commented: "Wayne (Estes) is Anaconda, and that's kind of nice, what we're going through now with Braxton." Hill's achievements have revived the city's rich basketball memories, with his season taking the community back in time.
In addition to his basketball prowess, Hill also excels in football. After committing to play football at the University of Montana, he demonstrated his versatility and athletic prowess by donning the maroon colors of his high school football team in the fall. Hill's impact on the Anaconda community, both on and off the court, has left a lasting impression, solidifying his legacy as one of the town's sports heroes.
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Anaconda's 2018 basketball star River Hurley
Anaconda is a high school basketball team, competing in the Class B boys basketball state tournament. Anaconda's River Hurley is a leading basketball player, who helped the team reach the state tournament for the first time since 2018. In the Western B divisional semifinal basketball game, Hurley scored 22 points in an overtime win against Eureka.
Hurley is a key player for the Anaconda Copperheads, with his performance in the opening game of the 2024 Class B boys basketball state tournament standing out. He scored 25 points and had 10 rebounds, playing all 36 minutes in a victory over the Rams. The Copperheads employed a 1-3-1 defence, with Hurley making a free throw in the final moments to secure a 50-50 tie. Anaconda ultimately won in overtime, with Hurley's performance contributing to a successful defensive strategy.
The Hurley family has a rich basketball legacy at Anaconda High School. River Hurley's grandfather, Bob, was the first in the family to reach the 1,000-point club at AHS in 1954-57. Bob's sons, Rob and Scott Hurley, continued the family's scoring prowess, with Rob holding the record for points scored in a game (44) and Scott achieving the highest points in a season (683). River Hurley is following in their footsteps, moving closer to the 1,000-point milestone in his career.
River Hurley's performance in the 2024 Class B tournament showcases his talent and contribution to the Anaconda Copperheads' success. With his family's basketball legacy and his own impressive achievements, Hurley is a standout player in the Class B basketball scene.
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Anaconda's basketball history
Anaconda has a rich basketball history, with the city being known as a "basketball town". The city has produced several basketball legends, including former Minneapolis Laker Ed Kalafat and Utah State legend Wayne Estes, both of whom played for the Anaconda Copperheads.
Ed Kalafat was Montana's highest-drafted player in the NBA or ABA. He was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1954 ABA draft by the Minneapolis Lakers after successful careers at Anaconda and the University of Minnesota. Kalafat was an all-state basketball player at Anaconda, accumulating 1,561 career points. He also helped lead the Copperheads to the 1948 state championship, the last in the program's history.
Wayne Estes, another Anaconda legend, is also known for his impressive scoring records. Estes' scoring record of 1,614 points was broken by Braxton Hill in 2019, who scored 33 points against Thompson Falls. Hill played through a torn labrum injury and led his squad to a second consecutive Class B state championship game.
Anaconda's Meela Mitchell also made history by becoming the fifth Copperhead girl to reach 1,000 career points. Mitchell, who looked up to Estes and Kalafat, joined a list of notable names, including the Hurleys and Torry Estes.
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Missoula Loyola's 2024 Class B Boys Basketball Tournament
The Missoula Loyola boys' basketball team had a successful 2024 season, winning their second consecutive Class B state championship. In the first round of the tournament, Missoula Loyola beat Manhattan 64-39 to advance to the semifinals. They then faced Fairview in the MHSA State Class B boys' title game at First Interstate Arena, winning 69-54 to complete a 25-0 season.
Missoula Loyola's Reynolds Johnston was named the 2024 Gatorade Montana Player of the Year. He led the team to victory in the championship game, scoring 17 consecutive points in the first quarter, resulting in a final score of 91-57 against Lodge Grass. This was Missoula Loyola's third consecutive Class B state title, a feat that had not been achieved since Lodge Grass won three straight titles from 1988 to 1990.
The Missoula Loyola boys' basketball team had a dominant season, showcasing their skills and powering past opponents like Malta and Harlem to advance to the state championship game for the third year in a row. Their size and strength on the court, with all five starters being 6-foot-2 or taller, combined with accurate 3-point shooting, contributed to their success.
Looking ahead, Missoula Loyola set its sights on the upcoming state tournament in Missoula in 2025. Both the boys' and girls' teams delivered commanding performances, with the boys taking on Thompson Falls and showcasing their prowess. With four starters returning for the 2025 season, Missoula Loyola was expected to make a run at becoming the first Class B three-peat team since the 1988-90 Lodge Grass Indians.
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Frequently asked questions
Anaconda basketball is a Class B boys basketball team.
The Anaconda basketball team is called the Copperheads.
Anaconda has a rich basketball history and is considered a basketball town. It is the birthplace of former Minneapolis Laker, Ed Kalafat, and Utah State legend, Wayne Estes, both star players for the Copperheads.
The Copperheads' colours are not known, however, their name suggests shades of red and/or copper.
