Badger defense foils Loggers

IBBY   — The Libby Loggers hung with Bonners Ferry through the first half Feb. 11 but a stiff Badger defense left the Loggers winded in the second half and the Badgers cruised to a 47-31 victory.

“Defensively, we played as good a second half as we have played all year,” said Badgers coach Brian Woods. “The boys did a good job of playing long and having active hands. It was very disruptive and we held them to 10 second half points.”

Kyler Rice led the Badgers with 15 points and 4 steals. “Kyler played a great second half for us,” said coach Woods. “He attacked on offense, stayed focused on defense and was hard to guard. He created problems for Libby.”

Josh Pluid had a solid game off the bench for the Badgers, netting 9 points and grabbing 5 boards.

“Connor Bennett did a good job after he settled down with the ball,” said coach Woods. “He played a much better second half.”

Bonners Ferry is on a four game winning streak and has won six of their last seven games.

“They are really starting to gel and its fun to watch,” said coach Woods. “They caused me some real heartburn with their seven first half turnovers. We will work on that in practice.”

The home court win follows a 64-29 Feb. 6 win for the Badgers in an away game against the Coeur D’Alene JV team. Nick Ray had his best game of the season with 11 points, 4 assists and no turnovers. He hit three first half 3-pointers, including a 30 foot long bomb to end the second quarter.

The Badgers were ahead by 20 points at the half. “We overwhelmed them defensively,” said Coach Woods. “Good defense makes for great offense and that’s what we had in this game.”

The Badgers used a half-court trap to disrupt their opponent. Kyler Rice had a lot of lay-ups, said coach Woods. He led the Badgers with 19 points.

Josh Pluid had 15 points. “He was a man inside,” said Woods.

Matt Sabin had 6 points and 6 rebounds. “Matt played well for us. He’s getting smarter every game,” Woods said.

The Badgers played both games without senior Cameron Woods, who is still nursing an injury. “The guys played great. Everyone stepped up their games,” coach Woods said.

The Badgers play at Timberlake Feb. 15. Their final home game of the season is Feb. 18 vs. Priest River.