Boys basketball has their eyes on the prize
(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
GRANGEVILLE — Boys basketball won 74-69 against Weiser. Bonners Ferry boys basketball (11-8) won 74-69 against Weiser and will play at state against Teton (18-4) on Thursday at 1 p.m. PST at Columbia High School in Nampa.
The boys basketball team defeated Weiser and have advanced to the 3A state championship tournament on March 4-6.
Qualifying for the state tournament is the first time for Head Coach Nathan Williams, who was not surprised by the teams’ success. Badgers have 13 appearances at the state competition.
According to Williams, the beginning of the season focused on goal setting and highlighting strengths within the team.
“My goal was to try and remain positive and focus on what we do have versus what we don’t have,” Williams said, “However, what has been the difference is the boy’s hard work and intensity in practice and their unwillingness to give up when they are challenged.
Williams believes that a part of the badger’s basketball team’s success is the many close games that helped push through those last minutes to come up with a win.
“We have had so many close games this year in league, and I believe that helped us beat Weiser, but also has accounted for a lot of my gray hair,” Williams said.
Williams stated that the team is always improving from the court’s defensive end, which has paid off. On the road against Kellogg on Feb. 22, the Badgers took six charges that changed the game.
“Anyone that knows me understands how much I coach and emphasize taking a charge. It is a game-changer, and I am so happy with the team buying into the importance of defense.” Williams stated.
Bonners Ferry plays third-ranked Teton in the 1st round of the 3A state playoffs on March 4th.
Williams stated that a big plus for Teton is their big players that dominate on the floor. Teton’s basketball team has nine players over 6-feet-tall according to the roster data on Max Preps.
A quality that has allowed Teton’s success has been its ability to transition on the floor.
“There is a reason they’re ranked third,” Williams said.
Even with Teton having such a strong season, Williams feels confident that the Badgers have the right flow, flexibility, and ability to overcome Teton.
If you plan to attend the game in Nampa, please note that you have to purchase your tickets online and that Bonners Ferry only gets 150 spectators. Please contact the school for the link to buy tickets online.