BILLINGS, Mont. – The Billings Central Rams hadn’t tasted a Class A boys basketball state championship since 2019, but that changed recently in Great Falls with a dominant 70-40 victory over Dillon. For four seniors – Howie Martin, Darcy Merchant Jr., William Snell, and Toby Stewart – the title wasn’t just a culmination of a successful season, but the realization of a goal four years in the making. This hard-fought championship marks the program’s fourth state title overall.
“It means everything to us,” said Martin, reflecting on the team’s journey. “We sacrificed so much as a group, and we really laid everything on the line to get this championship. I could not be prouder of our four seniors and our whole team in general as well.” The Rams’ path to the title wasn’t without its challenges, but a pivotal shift occurred after a narrow 46-45 loss to Lockwood in January.
From Setback to Strengths: A 16-Game Winning Streak
That January loss to Lockwood, described by Merchant Jr. As “probably the worst game we played all year,” served as a turning point. Instead of dwelling on the defeat, the Rams used it as fuel. They responded with a remarkable 16-game winning streak, demonstrating a resilience and determination that carried them through the postseason. KXLH News reported on the team’s dominant performance throughout the playoffs.
“It sucks to lose, right, but you have to lose to win,” Merchant Jr. Explained. “We took a lot from that game and what we could have done.” The loss forced a critical self-assessment and a renewed commitment to their shared objective.
A Double Redemption for Martin and Snell
For Martin and Snell, the state basketball title carried added significance. Both were key players on the Rams football team, which finished as the runner-up in the Montana Class A football championship this past fall. The basketball championship offered a chance at redemption.
“We all just really bought in,” Snell said. “Like Gunnar [Larsen], me and Howie, football guys. We all just came into practice knowing we were going to give it everything we had because we don’t want to feel that loss ever again.” The shared experience of a near-miss on the football field forged a stronger bond and a collective drive for success on the basketball court.
A Family Legacy Continues
The Merchant family has a rich history with Billings Central basketball. Darcy Merchant Jr. Followed in the footsteps of his brother, Cayden, who helped lead the Rams to a state title in 2021. Even further back, his father, Darcy Merchant Sr., was a member of the program’s first-ever state championship team in 1996.
“I went straight to my brother and there was just so much emotion,” Merchant Jr. Recalled. “My dad was there too, and I just kept saying that we got one, we got one. Not many people can say they’ve achieved something like that, and there were sizeable shoes to fill.” The weight of family tradition added another layer of meaning to the victory.
From Lodge Grass to a State Championship
Toby Stewart’s journey to the championship was unique. He transferred to Billings Central two years ago from Lodge Grass High School, driven by a long-held dream of winning a state title alongside his childhood friend, Darcy Merchant Jr. Their friendship, dating back to “diapers, same daycare and everything,” provided a foundation of trust and support.
“We have always talked about it, even after games, we just knew it was going to happen,” Stewart said. “In our hearts and in our minds, it was our one goal. We’ve been friends since we were little. All the hard times and all the fine times, it all built up for this one moment, and we trusted each other.”
Stewart’s connection to Lodge Grass didn’t end with his transfer. He expressed immense pride when Lodge Grass High School likewise secured a state title in Class B, stating, “I went back a few times for games, and those are some of my boys, my lifelong brothers. I saw them get districts and divisionals, and I knew they had a chance at state. Right as it happened, we just called each other and said, ‘We did it, we did it.’”
The Rams’ success wasn’t just about individual talent; it was about a cohesive unit, a shared commitment, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Their 70-40 win over Dillon in the championship game was a testament to their growth and dedication throughout the season. The team finished the season with a 22-3 record, according to MaxPreps.
As the Rams celebrate their championship, the focus now shifts to the future. The departure of the four seniors will undoubtedly create a void, but the foundation they’ve laid provides a strong platform for continued success. Billings Central will commence preparations for the 2024-2025 season in the fall, with tryouts scheduled for November. Fans and supporters can stay updated on team news and schedules through the Billings Central Athletics website.
The story of the Billings Central Rams is a reminder of the power of perseverance, the importance of teamwork, and the enduring legacy of high school sports in Montana. Share your thoughts on the Rams’ championship run in the comments below.
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