GETTING INSIDE

Which is it going to be?

The Grizzlies have looked like a championship contender at times, and an also-ran at other times. The inconsistency was readily apparent in early December when Montana hosted a two-game conference homestand. On Dec. 4, the Grizzlies looked great in a 71-54 victory over Northern Arizona. The next night, Montana couldn’t hit anything in a 59-48 loss to Northern Colorado.

Although a few young standouts have emerged, most notably freshman guard Will Cherry, the Grizzlies haven’t had that championship look so far. To be sure, road losses at Washington (63-59) and Colorado State (62-61) could have gone either way.

With All-American candidate Anthony Johnson in the backcourt, Montana could well emerge on top in March. Through mid-December, Johnson was averaging 19 points while shooting 91 percent from the foul line.

Junior forward Brian Qvale and sophomore center Derek Selvig also have played key roles thus far. Qvale had several big games before missing some time with an illness. He was averaging 11 points and nine rebounds through Montana’s first eight games.

The 7-foot Selvig stepped in when Qvale was sidelined and turned in two impressive performances. He scored 18 points in Montana’s 82-73 victory at Loyola Marymount on Dec. 10, then followed up with a 10-point, nine-rebound effort at Colorado State.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Freshman guard Will Cherry has cracked the starting lineup and was averaging 6 points while shooting 49 percent from the floor through mid-December.

• Senior swingman Jack McGillis, who transferred to Montana from Oregon State two years ago, was averaging just 6 points through the Grizzlies’ first 10 games.

Key Early-season Conference Game:   at Weber State, Jan. 2—The Grizzlies lost twice to Weber a year ago but have enjoyed some success at the Purple Palace in Ogden in the past. It could well be a statement game for a veteran Grizzly team that might be talented enough to win the league title.

Last Year  ‘S CONFERENCE RECORD: 11-5, tied for second in Big Sky.

Quote To Note:   “We told the guys in the locker room that that’s another team we thought we should have beat and we need to quit learning those lessons.”—Montana head coach Wayne Tinkle, following a 62-61 loss at Colorado State on Dec. 12.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

What We Learned In November:   Anthony Johnson can still shoot the basketball. The senior guard averaged 17.6 points a year ago while earning Big Sky Newcomer of the Year honors. He was at about 19 points per game through mid-December and had swished 50 of his first 54 free throws.

December At A Glance:   Montana’s Big Sky road opener is New Year’s Eve at Idaho State. Then three days later it’s on to Ogden, Utah, and a battle with Weber State. Montana has the opportunity to build significant momentum for that road trip thanks to a four-game homestand starting Dec. 16 against NAIA foe Montana State-Northern. UC Riverside and Fresno State also visit Missoula later this month.

Player Rotation:   Usual Starters—F Jack McGillis, F Ryan Staudacher, C Brian Qvale, G Anthony Johnson, G Will Cherry. Key Subs—F Derek Selvig, G Michael Taylor, F Raason Young.

Roster Report:  

• Sophomore F Derek Selvig missed some time early in the season because of a leg injury. His freshman campaign ended early because of a similar problem.

• Senior G Anthony Johnson bulked up during the offseason thanks to a dedicated weight-training program. But he’s been bothered with some tendinitis in his knees this year.