Boys handily defeat Spartans

        PRIEST RIVER — Down one point after the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 11, the Badger boys’ varsity basketball team turned up defensive pressure and seized the lead in the second. They held it the rest of the game and went on to win 57-43 over the Spartans.

“It was nice to finally be at full strength for the first time this season,” said coach Brian Woods. “We finally get to play more aggressively on defense.”

The team was glad to have senior Conner Bennett back. Bennett had 18 points, six rebounds and six steals for the Badgers, as well as five assists. Senior Cameron Woods also had 18 points and made four of six from the three point line.

“Wyatt Nelson had his best game of the year,” said coach Woods. Nelson, a junior, had 13 rebounds, two blocked shots and eight points. He also affected a lot of shots, Woods said.

After a slow start, the game moved the Badgers to 2-6 on the year, having lost three games by less than five points.

“It was a good win and something we can build on,” said coach Woods. “We are getting better as a team.”

BFHS Player pts: Bennett 18, Ray 3, Rice 7, Pluid 1, Woods 18, Nelson 8, Stone 2, Newsom 0. Total 57

PRHS Player pts: Nunley 8, Hartwig 14, MacDonald 5, Koch 10, Anselmo 3, White 0, Slinger 3, Linton 0. Total 43.