Badgers topple Royals and Wampus Cats
HAYDEN — The Badgers stomped North Idaho Christian 68-33 Dec. 4, making their record (2-2).
Head coach Nathan Williams said the team played with intensity and rebounded well throughout the game.
The Badgers jumped out quickly in the first quarter 17-3, with Asher Williams scoring 8 points in the quarter.
“I really enjoy how our team shares the ball and is beginning to work on the defensive end,” Williams said. “They are a great group of kids and will continue to get better if they give consistent effort in practice.”
Williams said he was pleased to see Thomas Bateman, Braeden Blackmore and Charles Henselee take some defensive charges in the lane.
He said this shows tremendous heart and that he is proud of these boys for sacrificing their bodies on the defensive end.
Trey Bateman had a great second half, scoring 10 of his game high 17 points as he hustled all over the court, the coach said Asher Williams finished the game with 13 points and Braeden Blackmore chipped in 12 points.
It was a great team effort and Nathan Williams said he is proud of how the boys are playing defense right now.
The Badgers play St. Maries at home at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11.
Bonners Ferry beats Clark Fork 68-38
The Badgers crushed the Wampus Cats on Thursday, Dec. 2 at Bonners Ferry 68-38.
Charles Henslee and Ethan Hubbard had a steal each in the first two possessions of the game setting the tone for the smack down on Clark Fork.
Head coach Nathan Williams said that he was proud of the Badger’s effort, they are still getting better, but still have a long way to go. He said that last season the Badgers didn’t come out on fire either.
“We struggled at the beginning,” said Willimas, “[but] we just get better as we go and I'm hoping that's the same case.”
He said a crucial point for the program is that the team needs to keep giving effort every day in practice, every possession. If that happens the team will do well, he said.
“But today [the game] wasn't pretty. It wasn't our best game, but they keep at it and I’m encouraged by that, Williams said.
The Badgers scored first in the game and had a 15-4 lead before the second quarter. They had several fast breaks in the first, but failed to execute at the basket.
The Badgers sent the Wampus Cats to the free throw line 14 times for a total of 26 free throw attempts. 21 of the Wampus Cats’ 38 points came from free throws.
The Badgers were only sent to the free throw line two times. Charles Henslee made two out of two free throws and Ethan Hubbard was fouled on a layin and got the extra point.
Williams said that he was impressed with Thomas Bateman leading the team with 17 points.
“He started out slow, but kept up with it and finished strong,” he said. Williams was also impressed by Blake Rice passing the ball and looking for open teammates.
The Badgers are challenging themselves defensively to hold their opponents to 40 points a game. They did against Clark Fork and time will tell if they continue on this trend.
Freshman Thomas Bateman was the leading scorer with 17 points, three of which were three pointers. Asher Williams had 13 points and Blake Rice had 10 points. Williams and Trey Bateman also had one three pointer each.
The Badgers feasted on five steals and two blocked shots from Trey Bateman and Braeden Blackmore. Blackmore led the Badgers with seven rebounds, Blake Rice had four, Trey Bateman had two, Henlsee had one and Hubbard had one rebound.
Clark Fork’s Carter Sanroman was the high scorer of the game with 26 points.
BONNERS FERRY (1-2): 15 20 18 15 68
Thomas Bateman 17, Williams 13, Rice 10, Trey Bateman 5, Petersen 4, Mai 4, Henslee 4, Blackmore 4, Hubbard 3.
CLARK FORK (0-1): 4 13 14 7 40
