Sports

Montana has recently seen a huge, impressive rise in a lot of different departments, but sports is going for number one.

Not everything is mountains and sunshine.

Class B District Basketball action is underway this evening as the number one ranked Anaconda Lady Copperheads take on the fourth ranked Deer Lodge Lady Wardens at 6 p.m. in the Snake Pit. Missoula will also host district play tonight as the number three ranked Florence Lady Falcons take on the number two ranked Loyola Breakers at 6 p.m. The Lady Copperheads are heading into the tournament with a win last Saturday against Loyola 62-52 in Zoo Town. Although, they fell short last Friday night 33-24 on their home court against Florence, the Anaconda girls are looking to set the tone and dominate tonight.

You'd have to be living under a big rock in Montana NOT to know the Brawl of the Wild is this Saturday in Bozeman! The thing about it, though, is that some Bocat/Griz Fans are more prepared and organized than others. Hence, the ones ahead of the game purchased their tickets weeks ago for the game, had their tailgate festivities planned out, and booked hotel reservations way in advance. Serious gamegoers even know exactly what "team logo" layers of clothing they plan to wear to match weather conditions. Then there are the "winging it" Bobcat/Griz fans. The ones that procrastinate purchasing tickets for whatever reason and then end up with NONE. Yet, because they love a good Bobcat/Griz football matchup and want to be part of the festivities, they make every attempt to be there in the flesh even though it would have been easier to maintain some level of organization by purchasing tickets and a hotel room in the first place. Or so I've been told. Lol!

The Lady Copperheads Volleyball Team is all about the GAME, both LITERALLY and FIGURATIVELY this year, and fans couldn't be prouder! It has been an incredible season for the Lady Heads, and they will continue their diligence in a match-up this morning in Divisional Class B Volleyball action against the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks for a second time this week in Florence at 10 a.m.! Upon entering the tournament on Thursday, the Lady Copperheads blew away the St. Ignatius Bulldogs by beating them in THREE matches. However, a minor setback occurred later in the day when they fell short in their match-up against Thompson Falls, losing 3 to 1. Voice of the Copperheads, Blake Hempstead

For fans of basketball, this event is a keeper! Coming up this Saturday, November 5, the Butte Elks Lodge will host their district's Youth Hoop Shoot Contest at the Maroon Activity Center. Participants ages 8 to 13 have signed up and are set to display their basketball skills on the MAC court, with the girl's division beginning at 10 a.m. and the boy's division at 11:30 a.m. The competition is laid out distinctly, with each player allowed 25 free throws, split into two rounds. In addition, the contest rules are specific in that each player is only allowed to bounce the ball four times between shoots. The technicalities of the event are crucial in helping young athletes better understand the many techniques and aspects of basketball.

Next, the almighty Copperhead school assembly and downtown parade took place Friday with traditional entries on tap to include Anaconda High Royalty, class floats, and pillaring firetrucks with Copperhead athletes on top. Loyal fans and alum lined the streets for blocks to pay tribute to the Heads. Then, in true homecoming style, the Copperheads football team took to the field Friday night with royalty and the Anaconda High marching band performing during the half. The boys played hard but were defeated by Big Fork. Nonetheless, the support, energy, and spirit of true Copperhead fans were evident from the week-long Homecoming festivities. As with any admiration for an alma mater, this is a feeling that can never be taken away from anyone, no matter the circumstance or outcome. So tell us some of your favorite memories of your alma mater's Homecoming. See more amazing photos from Homecoming below!