KTVQ

Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:45 PM
Updated: Mar 11, 2010 6:58 PM

BILLINGS - Montana's version of March Madness is underway at MetraPark in Billings, with the AA boys and girls state basketball tournaments underway.   In order to host the boys and girls tournaments at the same time, some teams have to hit the hardwood as early as 9 a.m. for the first tip off.

"I went pounding on doors at 6:30 this morning, making sure they were up," said Butte High School girls coach Jeff Arntsen.  "I suggested cold showers anything to make sure the players were wide awake...whatever it takes," explained Arntsen.

Even after the early alarm, Butte's Lady Bulldogs were still able to pull out a win against Missoula Sentinel 43-32.  So what is it like to play at that hour of the morning ?  "Nine o'clock is tough, hard to get a lot of fans here at that hour," said Arntsen.  "I know our band and cheerleaders left very early this morning to get here for this game."

Some of the vendors opened early to accomodate the fans Thursday morning.   Universal Athletic Service was one business geared up for the tournament's opening day.  "It's not the time, but the teams playing.  As teams head home, they tend to buy more merchandise," explained Universal's Pat Carahasen.   "This is a special deal.  They can only purchase this merchandise at the state tournament."

To organize both the boys and girls tournament games the Montana High School Association puts in long hours from 6 a.m. til midnight, and then they have to do it all over again the next day.  Even selling tournament merchandise turns out to be a team effort.  "We need two scorers, two timers, and there are plenty of volunteers who need to get together to get this set. They are longs days, but good days," said Mark Beckman, MHSA Executive Director.