MISSOULA — The much-anticipated Class B girls basketball state tournament started Thursday at Dahlberg Arena, and the favorites didn't disappoint in the first round.

Baker built a double-digit lead and then held off Malta, while Missoula Loyola and Huntley Project cruised past Jefferson and Fairview, respectively. Chinook outlasted Florence in the last game of the day.

Baker 63, Malta 56

Two of the best players in Class B put on a show Thursday, but ultimately Madison O'Connor's Baker Spartans advanced back to the semifinal round with a 63-56 win over Malta.

Baker, which won the 2024 state championship, used a 20-6 advantage in the third quarter to turn a 31-30 halftime lead into a 51-36 lead going to the fourth quarter. O'Connor, who has committed to play at Montana State University,

See Full Page