Poplar Boys Capture Third Place At District Tournament

After finishing sixth in the regular-season standings, the Poplar Indians earned third place at the District 2B boys’ basketball tournament during the weekend.

The Indians knocked off Harlem, 40-37, in the thirdplace game on Saturday afternoon.

After trailing 17-15 at the half, the Indians were still behind early in the third quarter until Blake Lambert connected on a three-pointer for a 22-21 lead with 5:11 left in the period.

Kaniel Ricker accounted for Poplar’s last eight points of the quarter, including a three-point shot, for a 30-22 lead.

The Indians were able to increase the margin to 10 points early in the fourth period on a 16-footer by Jaizon Gramling and a fast-break basket by Wilder Bearcub.

Ricker connected on a 14-footer to put Poplar ahead 36-28 with four minutes to play.

The Wildcats, however, ran off the next seven points to cut the margin to 36-35 heading into the final minute.

Poplar gained the play it needed when Lambert hit a three-pointer for a 39-35 lead. After Harlem scored on a basket with 35 seconds left, Lambert took a charge to give the Indians possession.

Lambert, a senior, hit a free throw for a 40-37 lead with 26 seconds remaining.

The Wildcats missed on a three-point attempt with three seconds left.

The Indians will face Rocky Boy in the first round of the divisional tournament in Cut Bank on March 6.