Ray, Moran qualify for rodeo nationals

Two local sharpshooters are ready to roll in Rock Springs. 

Kalispell’s Isabella Moran and Whitefish’s Ruby Ray secured their spots at the National High School Rodeo Finals in Rock Springs, Wyoming. 

Ray finishing in a tie for fourth in trap shooting and in a solo fourth for rifle shooting at the Montana High School Rodeo Final at Majestic Valley Arena Thursday. 

Her 13-point performance in the short go-round was enough to grab the final spot at nationals with a total of 158.5. She also nabbed the final spot in rifle shooting with a total of 163. 

Moran took the third spot in rifle shooting with 192 points, earning her spot at nationals. Great Falls’ Katy Ramsey (222) and Dillon’s Sophia Wyatt (215) took the top two spots. 

William Barnett of Absarokee took the top spot in trap shooting with a total of 192, Ramsey finished second at 173 and Lane Bantz of Townsend took third at 168.5. 

Other top qualifiers on Thursday’s early events were Choteau’s JR Branger in cowhorse, Jacob Heggie — also of Choteau — took boys cutting and Belgrade’s Mesa Radue led the girls cutting. 

The late go-rounds Thursday were still going at press time. 

The rodeo continues on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday with championship rounds beginning at 1 p.m.