Wampus Cats look to extend season with victory tonight

CLARK FORK — After a season that featured some tough losses against  bigger schools, the Wampus Cat boys are hoping the seasoning from a tough schedule pays off tonight when they host Mullan in the 1A Region 1, Division II tournament.

The Wampus Cats (3-14) beat Mullan (0-16) by 10 points in the first meeting, and 13 in the second, but none of that matters if they don’t take care of business tonight in the loser-out game.

Senior Stillman Berkley has scored double figures in eight games this season, which included 12 games against schools from bigger classifications. A defensive stopper and shot blocker, Berkley also excels at breaking teams down off the dribble.

Junior Zack Klein has shown the ability to carry the scoring load as well, posting games of 30, 24, 15 and 14 while giving the Cats a long range threat.

Greg Boudousquie and Axel Anderson give the Cats size, rebounding and solid post defense. Point guard Zach Nesbitt and swing man Tristin Bristol will need to provide solid minutes for the Cats to win twice and earn a berth at state.

The winner of tonight’s tilt moves on to face host and No. 1 seed Kootenai (6-12) in the championship game, with the winner advancing to state in the single elimination format.

Tip off for tonight’s game is at 6 p.m. at Clark Fork High School.