Season Opener: Boys basketball surpass century mark

BONNERS FERRY — Coming off back-to-back trips to the state 3A tournament, as well as their first district title in 15 years and first win at state in 15 years, the Bonners Ferry Badgers have high hopes coming into this season.

Asher Williams scored 29 points and the Badgers eclipsed the century mark in a 111-59 win over the North Idaho Christian Royals in their season opener Saturday, Nov. 26

“Our problem has never been scoring; we can put the ball in the basket for sure,” third-year Bonners coach Nathan Williams said. “And we’re deep; my second five can put the ball in the hoop, too.”

After halftime, Williams said the team was focused on getting stops on defense, knowing that the Royals were projected to top 70 points in the game. The Badgers lead 56-36 at half.

Halfway through the third quarter, senior starter Ridge Williams took a blow to the face and was out the rest of the game. The Badgers answered with Asher Williams sinking three free-throws, and Charles Henslee and Trey Bateman adding back-to-back steals and lay-ups. The Badgers finished out the third scoring 28 points and leading 94-51.

The Royals were held to eight points in the fourth quarter.

Trey Bateman added 18 points, Ridge Williams 13 for Bonners Ferry, which hit 10 three-pointers.

Larry Fendich scored 31 points for North Idaho Christian (2-2).

“He played well, hit some impressive shots, and ran over our 6-4, 6-5 guys,” Nathan Williams said of Fendich.

Bonners Ferry plays host to Stillwater Christian on Tuesday. JV plays at 5 p.m. and varsity plays at 6:30 p.m.

Bonners Ferry 30 26 38 17 — 111

N.I. Christian 16 20 15 8 — 59

BONNERS FERRY — R. Williams 13, E. Blackmore 6, Henslee 10, Petesch 8, A. Williams 29, Th. Bateman 12, Hammons 5, Tr. Bateman 18, Schulte 2, B. Blackmore 8

NORTH IDAHO CHRISTIAN — L. Fendich 31, K. Barnett 9, C. Smith 7, Ca. Malinauskas 5, D. Anton 7, Co. Malinauskas 0, K. Sakae 0.