Wolves Basketball opens Southern B Divisional Tournament on Feb. 28 against Lodge Grass

It will be a battle of two of the perennial powers in Class B when the Three Forks High School Boys' Basketball team opens the Southern Divisional Tournament on February 28 with a 2:30 p.m. opening round game against Lodge Grass.

Wolves Head Coach Terry Hauser said this will be the fifth time in his tenure the two teams have played at the annual tournament at the Metra in Billings.

"It's becoming a little bit of a rivalry with respect for each other as well. We are 2-2 in the four games we have played at the Metra. Lodge Grass has been a top-tier team in the state for as long as I have coached, so it's going to be a great game," said Hauser. "The Southern B Divisional Tournament is awesome, especially having it at the Metra, which, in my opinion, is the best facility in the state."

Regarding this year's matchup with the 3B District Tournament champs, Hauser said Lodge Grass (17-3) has almost everyone back from last year's team that advanced to the Class B State Tournament.

"So, they are a solid team and have the experience as well. They will get after you on defense and capitalize on any mistakes we make. It will be crucial for us to hold our composure, not let the crowd get to us, and take care of the basketball," Hauser said.

The game against Lodge Grass will come 12 days after the Wolves last took to the court and a second-place finish at the 5B District Tournament in Churchill.

Hauser said he loves having the week off between the District and Divisional Tournaments.

"I do enjoy the extra time to prepare, and it also gives the kids a bit of a break," he said.

2024 will be the seventh consecutive trip to Divisionals for Three Forks, with the top three teams advancing to the Class B State Tournament that will also take place at the Metra.

The winner between the Wolves and Indians will advance to the semifinals and a matchup against either the top seed from 4B Columbus or the third seed from 5B, Jefferson High School. The semifinal game is scheduled for March 1 at 4:30 p.m.

The loser of the opening round game will play in an elimination game on March 1 at 10:30 a.m.