Badgers basketball defeat Timberlake, maintain winning streak
(Photo Courtesy of BFHS basketball) Badger boys basketball made it to the state tournament after a 13-year drought Front row from left to right: Charles Henslee, Ridge Williams, Blake Rice, Hayden Stockton, Travis Petersen, and Cleo Henslee Back row from left to right: Coach Nathan Williams, Dillon Mai, Josh Beazer, Braeden Blackmore, Ethan Hubbard, and Coach Ryan Mai
BONNERS FERRY — Boys varsity basketball built on their winning streak and defeated a well rounded Timberlake team on Saturday, Jan. 23, by a score of 74-65.
The win over Timberlake extends the Badgers winning streak to five games and a 2-0 win record in the Intermountain League.
According to Head Coach Nathan Williams, Badgers held the lead 19-15 over Timberlake after the first quarter. Braeden Blackmore’s 9 points headed up the scoring.
“I was very proud of how the boys kept their composure and played unselfish basketball,” Williams said, “It really was a team effort on both ends of the court, and I like how we are playing right now.”
Badgers opened the game to lead a few times in double digits, but Timberlake fought back and closed the gap.
“I thought Timberlake did a great job at utilizing their guard play and isolating us a few times,” Williams said.
At halftime, Badgers led the game with a score of 42-35; at the end of the third quarter, the lead increased to 58-48.
According to Williams, he chose to mix up the defense and keep the game fresh, which would maintain the Badger’s lead.
“I believe our defensive change in the 3rd quarter seemed to help us, and we held them to just 13 points and gained a little momentum going into the 4th,” Williams said.
The game’s pace picked up, with Ridge Williams scoring 9 points and effectively reading the passing lanes, which led to steals.
Williams believed the defense maintained its strength and moved the ball around to allow for a 13 point game lead.
Timberlake fought back hard and made multiple 3-point shots, but it wasn’t enough to take the Badgers’ lead.
“I am proud we kept fighting to the end,” Williams said, “It’s games like these that build character and get us better,” Williams stated.
Travis Petersen found himself scoring double digits for the team with 10 points and 3 assists. Blackmore scored 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals.
Blake Rice led the team with 6 assists, Ethan Hubbard was strong on defense with 2 steals and 3 assists. Ridge Williams led the team with 28 points, 2 steals, and shot 10 for 13 from the floor.
Badgers play Priest River next for senior night and their last regularly scheduled game on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.
According to Williams, Priest River is also 2-0 in the IML and plays similar in style as the Badgers.
“This should be a great contest with both teams playing a similar style and having great guard play,” Williams said, “I know our players and fans will be excited for this game, and we look forward to an exciting matchup,” Williams said.
BCSD is now allowing four spectators per participant and up to 40% spectator capacity; face masks are still required unless social distancing is possible.