Keeping Score

The Bigfork Valkyries are officially heading to Hamilton as the Western A #1 seed, and the atmosphere at practice is electric. In this episode of Keeping Score, host Luke Schmit goes behind the scenes to talk with the key figures driving this championship push. Senior standout Paeten Gunlock discusses the unique pressure of being the final member of her storied basketball family to play at Bigfork, her transition into a leadership role, and her future playing for Carroll College. 

Joining her is teammate Payton DeSpain, who highlights the team's fierce competitiveness and the "loyal" culture that keeps them g...

Redemption has never tasted so sweet! In this episode of Keeping Score, we celebrate our Poster Player of the Week, Julia Kay of the Flathead Bravettes. After a heartbreaking injury cut her championship dreams short in 2025, Julia returned to the mats at the All-Class State Wrestling Tournament in Billings with a mission.

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The mats have been rolled up at First Interstate Arena, and the Keeping Score team is back to break down an unforgettable weekend of high-stakes competition. Host Luke Schmit sits down with Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen to review the 2026 All-Class State Wrestling Tournament in Billings, where local athletes from across the Flathead Valley left their mark on history.

The conversation highlights the incredible resilience of the Flathead High girls’ team, who defied pre-tournament rankings to secure a second-place trophy. We dive into the details of Julia Kay’s dominant performance to claim her third stat...

The Flathead Bravettes just sent a massive message to the rest of Western AA! In this episode of Keeping Score, we break down a dominant performance by our Poster Player of the Week, Reese Rosenberg. Reese was absolutely lights-out from beyond the arc, dropping 15 points and three triples to lead Flathead to a commanding 66-42 victory over the Glacier Wolfpack.

Learn more:

Crosstown: Defense fuels Pack boys; Bravettes romp | Daily Inter Lake 

Keeping Score: Inside Flathead girls and boys basketball | Daily Inter Lake 

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Poster Player of the Week Olivia Warriner stepped up big for the Glacier Wolfpack, dropping 7 points and a triple against the undefeated Western AA leaders, Missoula Big Sky.

Glacier prepares to host the Flathead Braves at the Wolf Den on Thursday, February 19th. With the boys looking to repeat their narrow January victory and the girls seeking redemption after a tough loss to the Bravettes, everything is on the line. Can Glacier defend home court, or will Flathead take over the Den?

Watch our interviews after the last crosstown game!

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The Cat-Dog rivalry delivered another electric night of Northwest A basketball, and Columbia Falls walked away with statement wins over Whitefish in both boys and girls matchups. On this episode of Keeping Score, we break down the rivalry doubleheader with postgame reactions from Columbia Falls players and coaches, plus insight into what these wins mean for the conference race.

Hear from Easton Brooks, Jory Hill, and Coach Chris Finberg after the Wildkats boys secured a key conference victory, continuing their strong road stretch and balanced scoring attack. Then, get perspective from Coach Grilley, Alexa Friske, and Onnikka...

Columbia Falls junior guard Alexa Friske is this week’s Poster Player of the Week after a standout performance in the Cat-Dog rivalry matchup against Whitefish. Friske poured in 21 points, knocking down three first-half 3-pointers and scoring 14 points after halftime to lead the Wildkats to another rivalry win.

The victory marked Columbia Falls’ ninth straight win over Whitefish dating back to 2021, continuing one of Northwest Class A’s most intense girls basketball rivalries. The two teams will meet again on Feb. 17 with conference implications on the line.

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Flathead Braves senior guard Lance Schneller is our latest Poster Player of the Week after a strong two-game stretch against Helena Capital and Helena High. Schneller led Flathead in scoring against one of the Western AA’s top teams, showcased his consistency across back-to-back nights, and continues to be a defensive force as the Braves’ steals leader.

Read more:
Stellar Schneller: Flathead guard having solid senior season
Physical Capital downs Flathead boys
Bengals overcome Braves' hot start Friday

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Crosstown basketball delivered everything it promised — intensity, momentum swings, and a finish that came down to free throws and final seconds. Daily Inter Lake reporter Luke Schmit speaks to Glacier and Flathead players and coaches after Friday night’s crosstown doubleheader at Flathead High School.

In the boys’ game, Glacier survived a furious Flathead rally to escape with a 54–52 win, knocking down 11 free throws in the final quarter to hold off the Braves. Cooper Pelc led the Wolfpack with 22 points, while Asher Knopik sealed it late at the line after Flathead had a chance to tie in the clos...

Clutch free throws. Crosstown pressure. Big-time performance.

Glacier’s Cooper Pelc earns Poster Player of the Week honors after dropping 22 points in a 54–52 win over Flathead.

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Thanks to Corwin Motors for sponsoring the Keeping Score podcast! They’re proud to be family-driven for over 100 years. Corwin’s commitment goes beyond selling cars; they’re dedicated to serving our community and providing you with the highest quality vehicles to fit your lifestyle. Whether yo...

Glacier senior Karley Allen delivers a performance to remember, pouring in 30 of the Wolfpack’s 45 points in a thrilling back-and-forth battle with the Sentinel Spartans. Allen buried five 3-pointers, including four in the first half, showcasing the poise and scoring ability that has made her one of the most dynamic athletes in the Flathead Valley. 

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A packed gym, a tight game, and one shot that changed everything. On this episode of Keeping Score, host Luke Schmit goes courtside in Bigfork after Austin Savik drains a game-winning basket to lift the Vikings in Northwest A conference play.

Luke sits down with Austin Savik, Tamret Savik, and Treker Hicke to break down the moment, the mindset behind staying confident, and what’s fueled Bigfork’s resilience. The players talk defense as their identity, the grind behind their shooting, and the heart and brotherhood that define this team.

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On this episode of Keeping Score, we spotlight Whitefish wrestling standout Sam Akey, our latest Poster Player of the Week. Akey delivered a dominant performance in the 215-pound class at the Libby/Browning/Whitefish dual, winning all three of his matches...two in under a minute.

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Thanks to Corwin Motors for sponsoring the Keeping Score podcast! They’re proud to be family-driven for over 100 years. Corwin’s commitment goes beyond selling cars; they’re ded...

Bigfork Vikings guard Austin Savik is this week’s Poster Player of the Week after a standout stretch that showcased his scoring ability and leadership on the court.

Savik knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 23 points in a hard-fought loss to Lockwood, then followed it up with 16 points the next day to help lift Bigfork to a win over Havre. As conference play begins in Class A basketball, the Vikings head on the road to face Columbia Falls and Libby with momentum and confidence.

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Bjorn Pedersen is our Poster Player of the Week after a dominant opening stretch for the Columbia Falls boys’ basketball team. Pedersen caught fire from deep, knocking down five three-pointers and scoring 28 points in an 86–43 blowout win over Miles City. He followed that performance with 23 more points the next day as the Wildcats rolled past Hardin 74–47, showcasing offensive depth and early-season chemistry.

With Pedersen leading the charge, Columbia Falls has jumped out to a 3–1 start and heads into the holiday break riding momentum. The Wildcats return to action on Jan. 3, traveling to Hamilton for a matchup with the Bron...

Columbia Falls boys basketball is off to a strong start, and Jory Hill is setting the tone. On this episode of Keeping Score, we spotlight Hill as this week’s Poster Player of the Week after he led the Wildcats in scoring at the Western A Tip-Off in Frenchtown.

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Thanks to Corwin Motors for sponsoring the Keeping Score podcast! They’re proud to be family-driven for over 100 years. Corwin’s commitment goes beyond sellin...

Flathead High School boys and girls basketball are officially back, and Keeping Score takes you inside both programs ahead of opening weekend. Host Luke Schmit sat down with seven players and coaches — Grace Gall, Taylor Greene, Caitlin Converse, Coach Kelly Fox, Coach Dan Trageser, Boston Case, and Ben Reichner — to break down team chemistry, off-season growth, key returners, leadership, and the defensive identity they’re building for the season.

The girls highlight improved chemistry and deeper post play, while the boys discuss buying into culture, embracing new roles, and leaning on versatility and length. Both programs open the se...

The Glacier Wolfpack are Class AA State Champions — and this week’s Poster Player of the Week is the quarterback who led them there. Jackson Presley capped an undefeated season by throwing for 158 yards and punching in a 7-yard touchdown run that gave Glacier a lead it never gave back in a 16–3 win over Billings West. 

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Thanks to Corwin Motors for sponsoring the Keeping Score podcast! They’re proud to be family-driven for over 100...

The Glacier Wolfpack are state champions! After a gritty 16–3 win over Billings West, Keeping Score brings you exclusive, emotional postgame interviews with quarterback Jackson Presley, running back/linebacker Asher Knopik, and head coach Grady Bennett. Presley reflects on the undefeated season, the brotherhood that shaped him, and the touchdown that sealed Glacier’s second-ever Class AA title. Knopik shares what it meant to overcome two straight championship losses and lead a team united by trust, humility, and relentless effort. And Coach Bennett breaks down why this senior class has reshaped Glacier football forever — from leadership to culture to program standa...

Glacier’s Dylan Banzet is our Poster Player of the Week after hauling in two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal a 35-0 semifinal win. Now the Wolfpack head to the state title game against Billings West with momentum and confidence. 

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Thanks to Corwin Motors for sponsoring the Keeping Score podcast! They’re proud to be family-driven for over 100 years. Corwin’s commitment goes beyond selling cars; they’re dedicated to serving our community and providing...

The Glacier Wolfpack stand one win away from the AA State Championship, and this week on Keeping Score, we’re on the practice field for an inside look at how the undefeated Wolfpack are preparing for their biggest test yet against Billings West. 

Quarterback Jackson Presley shares how the brotherhood in Kalispell shaped his journey from California to championship contender. Receiver Cooper Pelc breaks down why he believes Presley is the best quarterback in Montana, and sophomore standout Kruz Robinson explains how Glacier’s defense has built its identity on effort, toughness and leadership. With three straight trips...

The Glacier Wolfpack are once again championship-bound. Glacier shut out Gallatin 35–0 at Legends Stadium to punch their ticket to the AA State Championship for the third straight season — and they looked every bit the title contender they set out to be back in August.

In this episode of Keeping Score, Daily Inter Lake reporter Luke Schmit catches up with Asher Knopik, Dylan Banzet, and head coach Grady Bennett moments after the win. Knopik — praised all season long for his leadership and consistency — scored three rushing touchdowns, building on the momentum he helped establish in their season-opening win over Bil...

Glacier quarterback Jackson Presley threw two early touchdowns to lead the Wolfpack to a 42–7 quarterfinal win over Bozeman and keep their undefeated season intact. Glacier plays Gallatin in the Class AA semifinals on November 14.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Thanks to Corwin Motors for sponsoring the Keeping Score podcast! They’re proud to be family-driven for over 100 years. Corwin’s commitment goes beyond selling cars; they’re dedicated to serving our community and providing you with the highest quality...

The Glacier Wolfpack are one win away from the Class AA state championship, and reporter Luke Schmit caught up with Kaleb Fuehr, Wayne Cox and Maverick Diede ahead of their massive semifinal showdown with Gallatin. The seniors break down their preparation, the “one day at a time” message that drives the program, and how the Wolfpack plan to bring physical, disciplined football back to the state title game. From playoff pressure to brotherhood, leadership, and home-field energy in Kalispell, Glacier reveals what it will take to finish the job this season. 

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The wait is over for Columbia Falls girls soccer - and Onnikka Lawrence made sure of it. The Wildkats captured their first Class A state championship in 21 years, defeating Bigfork 4-0 behind Lawrence’s two-goal performance.

PHOTOS: Wildkats claim Class A crown with 4-0 win over Bigfork

Read more:
Kats, shining bright
Full Count: Vals are no less amazing this season

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The Whitefish Bulldogs enter the Class A playoffs behind two of Montana’s top prep football playmakers — quarterback Luke Dalen and running back Cole Moses. In this episode of Keeping Score, host Luke Schmit of the Daily Inter Lake talks with Dalen and Moses at practice ahead of their playoff opener against Butte Central to talk about leadership, lessons learned, and the mindset driving this team’s postseason push.

Dalen discusses his growth at quarterback, the team’s “never quit” mentality, and how Whitefish has rebounded from tough losses to reclaim momentum. Moses reflects on his four-year journey, the...

Whitefish senior running back Cole Moses delivered when it mattered most — powering the Bulldogs to a 21-10 comeback win over Bigfork and clinching the No. 2 seed in the Northwest A Division. Moses bulldozed his way to 98 rushing yards and scored a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown to seal the victory in the final regular-season game.

Read more:
Whitefish rallies past Bigfork for No. 2 seed
PHOTOS: Bulldogs come back to beat Bigfork, 22-21
Football: Whitefish picks up win over Eureka

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Whitefish standout Kyler Jonson delivered a hat trick performance to lift the Bulldogs to a 3-1 victory over Bigfork in the Class A boys soccer play-in game on October 14th. In this episode of Keeping Score, host Luke Schmit of the Daily Inter Lake breaks down the intense, physical match that sent Whitefish to the next round and features postgame reactions from Jonson, teammates Wyatt Carlson, Jack Oehlerich, and Gavin Sibson, plus head coach Eric Sawtelle. Bigfork head coach Trevor Moll also joins to share his thoughts on his young team’s growth, their season of improvement, and what’s ne...

Flathead volleyball standout Makenna Aldrich delivered a powerhouse performance in a statement win over the Glacier Wolfpack. With a team-high ten kills — including the game-clinching spike — Aldrich helped lead the Bravettes to a straight-set sweep, marking their second victory over Glacier in the last three matchups. The Daily Inter Lake sports team spotlights Aldrich’s intensity, leadership, and impact on a rising Flathead squad now gaining momentum in the Western AA.

Watch our interview with Flathead's Volleyball team earlier this season on our YouTube channel!

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Columbia Falls pulled off one of the most thrilling comebacks in Cat-Dog rivalry history. After trailing 18-0 heading into the fourth quarter, the Wildcats exploded for 19 unanswered points to defeat the Whitefish Bulldogs 19-18. Host Luke Schmit recaps the stunning finish with postgame reactions from head coach Kelly Houle, quarterback Banyan Johnston, and wide receiver Easton Brooks, who reflect on the brotherhood, belief, and grit that powered their win.

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