Runnin’ Indians claim wins over Shelby, Ronan

The Browning Runnin’ Indians basketball team overcame Shelby and Ronan last week, powering past the Coyotes, 89-54 on Friday, Jan. 27, and outlasting the Chiefs on Saturday, Jan. 28, 67-54.

The pair of road games leave the Indians with just a single loss in Northwestern A, against Columbia Falls, a game they avenged in their second meeting.

“They were solid,” Coach Dan Connelly said of his team’s progress. “The key is we’re starting to get contributions from players like Delbert Blackman and Payton Grant. The scores don’t always show it but it’s their defense and rebounding that make the difference.”

Browning kept up the pressure against Shelby with more than 20 points per quarter to gain their 35-point margin of victory. Brayds Vielle led with 24, followed by Maurice Redhorn III with 21, Jamerson Lazy Boy 14 and Delbert Blackman with 10 points.

“It was tough and physical,” Coach Connelly noted of the Ronan game, “but Maurice, Brayds and Tommy all showed up, along with the bench.”

Browning managed a one-to-five point edge over the Chiefs in every quarter to post a seven-point margin of victory. Maurice Redhorn III and Brayds Vielle led with 18 points apiece, followed by Tommy Running Rabbit with 15.

This week, the Runnin’ Indians host a pair of Northwestern A rivals, starting with Polson on Friday, Feb. 3, when the freshmen start at 3 p.m., JVs at 4:30 and the varsity plays at 7:30 p.m.

Then on Saturday, Feb. 4, they host Libby when the freshmen start at 1 p.m., JVs at 2:30 and the varsity plays at 5:30 p.m.

Both games promise to be challenging, Coach Connelly said, and are important as the playoff season approaches.