Bozeman Gallatin boys basketball hopes to build on its state tournament appearance from the previous year

Bozeman, Montana – The boy’s basketball team at Bozeman Gallatin has improved over the past two years, as have many other school sports. The squad from the previous season went to state and demonstrated that it belonged among the top Class AA teams as it entered its third season.

“Those growing pains that we experienced in year one, when we were getting pushed around and bullied by most teams in the AA level, we were able to make some steps last season,” third year head coach Michael Claxton said.

They took some of those milestones by winning games against challenging opponents, such as the state quarterfinals where they gave eventual state winner Helena Capital everything they had.

“The successes and the failures that we experienced at the state tournament have provided a lot of motivation,” Claxton explained. “We played against the state champion and we believed that we weren’t far behind them.”

Under Claxton, who has previously coached in downtown Seattle and abroad, there has been a gradual development. Following a two-win first year, Claxton’s team finished the season with a record of 12-13 overall and a.500 Eastern Conference record. These learning opportunities and progress have assisted the team in developing and getting ready for the upcoming physically demanding season.

“I’m most excited about trying to form a group that they play for the team, play for each other [and] have each other’s back,” Claxton said.

The Raptors lost a few seniors from the previous year, but with the addition of guard Eli Hunter, who was named to the first team of the state all-stars, the backcourt now has tournament experience and is prepared to play.

On December 9 versus Butte, the team faces its first challenge.