Class A Districts: Friday preview

With the opening day of tournament play complete, there were a few things that caught my eye among the 16 opening-round games across the state.

The most notable to me of course, would be the dominating preformances from all four of the top seeds in their respective districts.

Laurel, Fort Macleod, Mission Valley and Belgrade all posted double-digit victories in solidifying themselves as the front runners for a championship run later this month.

There were only two upsets on day one, with the biggest coming in the Western A nightcap in Missoula. The host Mavericks recieved a dominating pitching performance from Anthony Hilliard who went the distance to put his team into a winners bracket game with Libby on Friday at 7 p.m.

The only other upset -- in terms of seeding -- took place in the Southern A, as the Dillon Cubs defeated Helena 11-9 this morning.

Looking ahead to Friday, I'm curious to see how the Bitterroot Bucs respond in their loser-out contest. The other game that has the most intrigue to me comes from the Northern A with Vauxhall and Great Falls. Those two clubs have been going toe-to-toe all year and will get to settle it once and for all.

What games are you looking forward to on day two?

Here is a quick glance at Friday's tournament pairings.

Friday’s Schedules

Eastern A

(At Lewistown)

Losers Bracket

Glendive vs. Billings Cardinals, 8 a.m.

Richland County vs. Miles City, 11 a.m.

Winners Bracket

Laurel vs. Billings Blue Jays, 2 p.m.

Glasgow vs. Lewistown, 5 p.m.

Northern A

(at Medicine Hat, Alberta)

Losers Bracket

Lethbridge vs. Great Falls Stallions, 9 a.m.

Tri-County vs. Medicine Hat loser, 12 p.m.
Winners Bracket

Havre vs. Fort Macleod, 3 p.m.

Great Falls Electrics vs. Vauxhall, 6 p.m.

Southern A

(At Livingston)

Losers Bracket

Helena vs. Deer Lodge, 9 a.m.

Anaconda vs. Bozeman, 12 p.m.
Winners Bracket

Dillon vs. Gallatin Valley, 3 p.m.

Belgrade vs. Livingston, 6 p.m.

Western A
(At Missoula)

Losers Bracket

Kalispell vs. Glacier, 10 a.m.

Bitterroot Red Sox vs. Bitterroot Bucs, 1 p.m.
Winners Bracket

Kootenai Valley vs. Mission Valley, 4 p.m.
Libby vs. Missoula, 7 p.m.