Boys basketball team drops two

Bonners Ferry High School boys basketball team lost its season opener 64-48 to Chewelah on Friday, and failed to rebound Monday, losing 44-41 to Newport.

Head coach Gordon Allured attributed Friday’s loss to the Cougars to opening night jitters.

“Sixty percent of our roster never played in a varsity game,” Allured said. “The kids have been practicing very well and all of us were pretty excited about playing. They were just a little bit overwhelmed and need to gain more experience.”

The Badgers had the ball stolen 17 times and were out-rebounded 32-20. Bonners Ferry also had 30 turnovers.

“We didn’t defend well,” Allured said.

Chewelah outscored Bonners Ferry in three of four quarters. At the half, the Cougars led 27-12. The Badgers outscored the Cougars 20-18 in the third quarter.

Five-foot-10 senior Derek Deitz was high scorer with 10, including going 2-for-3 on 3-pointers. Five-foot-9 seniors Miguel Mendez added 9.

Senior Jacob Parker and junior Carey Reynolds each added a 3-pointer.

Allured called Monday’s loss by 3 points to Newport very disappointing.

“We are not playing as a team and until we do, the outcome will not change,” he said.

“Miguel Mendez did have an outstanding game with 6 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assist, 4 steals and only 1 turnover, followed by (senior) Aaron Hoisington with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks and 3 turnovers.

Derek Deitz added 11 points, including three, 3-pointers on six attempts.