The Harlem Lady Cats were spectacular a season ago. They captured the District 2B conference championship, edging out the Wolf Point Wolves for the regular season title. The wolves returned the favor at the District 2B Tournament, leaving the Lady Cats with a second place finish. The Northern B Divisional belonged to Harlem, earning their first crown in school history, advancing to the State Girls B Tournament for the first time. The season ended after two games but the memories remain.

The Turner Tornadoes returned to the Northern C Divisional for the second straight season after finishing third in the regular season race and at the District 9C. They turned a few heads at the Northern C in Great Falls, advancing to the semifinals where they nearly defeated eventual state champion Box Elder, falling on a buzzer beating three pointer. The Tornadoes then knocked off District Champion Fort Benton the following morning before finishing fourth.

The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds and Chinook Sugarbeeters battled their way through a tough schedule in seasons that ended at the District 9C Tournament.

The Harlem Lady Cats begin the 2019-20 season once again under the guidance of Head Coach Marlin Lawrence. Harlem returns a strong group of girls that are confident about turning in another successful campaign.

Back for her senior season is Montana State University-Northern Skylight commit, and All-State guard, L'Tia Lawrence. A true leader in every facet of the game Lawrence is the catalyst of their relentless pressure defense and fast break offense. Joining her is senior Taeshon Schaeffer who played a huge roll for Harlem a season ago and will look to help lead the team. Seniors Krystyn Kittson, Aria Owens and Kailee Henry are also major contributors and will be counted on again this winter on both sides of the ball.

Depth will be provided by juniors Gabi Bell, Alaynee Hawley and Talia Brown. Sophomore Taya Trottier was a huge boost to the team as a freshman, starting every game last season and gaining valuable experience in the process. Sophomores Chloe Messerly, Vanise Little, Jacy Archambault and Mia Wing are out for basketball this season as well.

Freshman joining the high school program for the first time are Harmony Bigby, Mitchrena Begay, Lacey Bell, Tamira Cliff, Crysie Johnson, Ma'Lea Moore, Lydia Sears and Heaven-Leigh Johnson.

The Lady Cats will begin their season this weekend in Great Falls at the Native American Classic. The Classic this year is being played on the campus of CMR High School. Friday the girls will face St. Ignatius while Saturday the schedule has them taking on the Browning Indian JV squad. Harlem will be on the road on Thursday, December 12 to take on District 1B Cut Bank. Their home and District 2B opener will be Friday, December 20 against the Malta M-ettes.

The District 2B Tournament will be in Malta on February 21-22 and the Northern B Divisional will be in Shelby March 5-7. The State B will be in Butte March 12-14.

The Turner Tornadoes return plenty of veteran leadership that will certainly have them looking to compete with the Fort Benton Longhorns for the District 9C championship and a return trip to the Northern C.

Back for head coach Julie Welsh, is senior All-State performer Sarah Billmayer. Joining is All-Conference selection junior Shyan Krass as well as juniors Brooke Reed and Brandi Calvert.

Sophomore Laci Maloney is looking to contribute to the Tornado effort as well as freshman Dakota Krass. Five eighth graders fill out the roster to start the season and they are Emma Timmons, Gracie Honey, Hannah Richman, Paycee Leo and Katie Kimmel.

The Tornadoes begin their season in Glasgow this weekend at the Class C Showcase. Friday the girls will take on the Plentywood Wildcats. Saturday the opponent will be the North Country Mavericks. Turner will begin District 9C play on Friday, December 20 in Fort Benton and will have their home opener the following night against Chester/Joplin-Inverness.

The Chinook Sugarbeeters are under the direction of first year Head Coach Mike Jones. The 'Beeters are a very young team this winter and will look to lay the foundation to begin building the program back up.

Out this year are juniors Jade Cecrle, Jayden Miller and Lily Surber. Sophomores include Allison Powell and Anna Morrow. Freshman are Belle Elliot, Lexi Pitkanen, Anna Terry, Torin Cecrle, Morgan Friede and Bree Swanson.

The 'Beeters will begin the season in Shelby December 13-14 against Big Fork and Cut Bank. They will open up District 9C on December 20 in their home opener against the Big Sandy Pioneers.

The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds return a unique blend of players that includes solid senior leadership as well as a mix of young talent that gained valuable experience at the varsity level a season ago.

Back is All-Conference standout senior Mulleeah Stiffarm. Joining her in the leadership roll will be juniors Justice Werk, Sierra Chandler, Kassie Perez and Ella Messerly. Sophomores back out are Jaedyn Chandler, Tahtianna Morgan, Lakota Pretty Paint and Judemia Gray. Freshman include Heidi Hughes and Nashone Shambo.

Head Coach Corey Morgan and his team will be in Great Falls this weekend at the Native American Classic. Friday they will take on the Heart Butte Warriors and on Saturday they will face Kanai (Canada). Their home and District 9C opener will be December 20 against the North Star Knights.

Turner senior Sarah Billmayer, above right, and her Turner Tornadoes are among the favorites to represent the District 9C at the Northern C Divisional in February.

The District 9C Tournament will be in Havre, February 19-22. The Northern C in Great Falls February 26-29 and the State C in Missoula, March 12-14.