Badgers clinch IML championship

As expected, the Bonners Ferry Badger boys clinched the Intermountain League Championship on Tuesday, Feb. 20, for the chance to compete at state. What was unexpected was who they played.

On Saturday, Feb. 17, the Timberlake Tigers, who finished their season ranked fifth, upset number two-ranked Kellogg by an amazing 50-39 for the chance to battle the Badgers.

As expected, the Badgers won, 63-42. Timberlake started out aggressive, fighting to an 11-6 lead at the half, but the rest of the game belonged to the Badgers.

A.J. Bennett led the Badger scoring drive, putting up 12 points, and James Krejci and Josh Hawks were just a step behind, both adding 11.

Also breaking double digits was Ryan Winebark, who put up 10.

Logan Cook, who hurt his ankle in a game shortly before Christmas, led the effort for the Tigers, hitting 12 points, the only player on the team to put up double digits.

 Bonners Ferry    6      16      27     14  — 63

Timberlake      11      9       6      16 — 42

 BONNERS FERRY —  Pluid 6, Bennett 12, Krejci 11, J. Mendez 2, M. Mendez 2, Winebark 10, Hawks 11, Newhouse 4.

TIMBERLAKE — Jones 6, Powers 5, Scherier 0, Gonzales 6, Crump 0, Jutila 2, Denton 3, Cook 12, McGee 0, Logomonta 2, Jacobson 2, Kukowski 4.