BF Warriors host international tourney

BONNERS FERRY — After playing only three games so far this 2015 season, the Bonners Ferry Lacrosse Club hosted its first tournament Saturday, April 18.

It was a beautiful sunny day at the Bonners Ferry Lindberg Memorial Field with a great turn out of spectators. The teams played hard from 9 a.m. to late afternoon and appreciated the support.

It was a fun and successful day for all, thanks to generous donations of time, talents and treasures. Thank you John Niewieroski for continuing to put your heart and soul into creating growth opportunities for our kids and for bringing communities together through the fun of sports and positive competition.

Thank you Cranbrook, Moscow, Mt. Spokane and Sandpoint for traveling so far to promote the game of Lacrosse in North Idaho.

It truly takes a village…thank you parents for arriving early to prep the field, for bringing equipment, for concession donations and set up, and for cooking (there’s more I’m sure)! Thank you Naples Store for donating the candy and Scott Fuller for buying the team their lunches.

A shout out to our six referees, some from Bonners Ferry and previous Warrior players, and two from Sandpoint.

Bonners Ferry and Moscow kicked off the tournament at 9 a.m. with Ashton Blumenauer, Brandon Westbrook, and Wyatt Hart on attack, Christian Dehlbom, Isaac Wilson, and Jonathan Eby midfield and Wade Rice, Riley and Ezra Delaney on defense.

Moscow came out strong challenging first time goalie Devon Skehan, but the Warriors dug in and hung in.

Their second middies, Donovan Varelman took two great shots on goal and Sky and Tully Reinhardt were quick on their feet and tenacious with ground balls. Seth Rice, Jay Miller and Jon Parker helped keep a tight defense as third middies and Joel Butler, Camille Ussher, Seth Fuller, and Gabe Delaney rotated in to attack and midfield positions. Moscow took the win with 8 goals Bonners Ferry 0.

Sandpoint and Cranbrook played the second game, Sandpoint 6, Cranbrook 2. Mt. Spokane arrived to play Moscow around 11 a.m. and lost 1–0. At Noon, the Warriors played the more evenly matched team Cranbrook, BF taking the win 6 to 5.

The Bonners Ferry defense with Gabe Egge in goal making some great saves stayed strong while the middies and attackers continued their pressure and fight for the ball. Isaac Wilson, Ashton Blumenauer, and Christian Dehlbom each scored a goal and Donovan Varelman scored three.

Continuing the afternoon games, Mt. Spokane played Sandpoint, winning 2–1, then Moscow against Cranbrook, Moscow scoring 9 and Cranbrook 1.

Bonners Ferry and Mt. Spokane played the last game around 3:30 p.m. Mt. Spokane’s more experienced team challenged the Warrior skills.

They were tired, but fought hard and played well. It was a game of gaining experience and not worrying about the score, which ended at 10 Spokane and 3 BF.

Newer players, Wyatt Hart, Jay Miller, and Gabe Delaney showcased their fresh skills and each scored a goal. After missing the first 2 games of the season, other players such as, Joel Butler and Camille Ussher had the opportunity to catch up on some field position knowledge. Also, whoever wanted to try playing midfield was rotated in.

Lacrosse is a growing game and not limited to the boys. There aren’t many girl teams, so they are playing with the boys until that changes. There were two girls in this tournament, one playing for Cranbrook and one for Bonners Ferry.

All youth interested in learning more about Lacrosse should come to the summer clinic that will take place at the Bonners Ferry Fairgrounds and those wanting to contribute financially to keep the program going can mail donations to PO Box 1904 Bonners Ferry, ID. 83805. See the recreation bulletin for details.

Bonners Ferry has three more away games coming up. April 25 will be against Cranbrook, May 2 Moscow, and Sandpoint May 16. Email John at jniewieroski@yahoo.com or Alethia at alethiaussher@hotmail.com for details.