PREP BBALL: Boys' first loss, girls' season ends
Senior Asher Williams hits a jumper in a win earlier this season. Williams now ranks in the top 10 in all time points scored by Idaho high schoolers.
Photo by NED NEWTON
Bonners Ferry 65,
Lake City 70
The Bonners Ferry Badgers boys (19-1) had their 36-game win streak snapped in their final road game of the regular season against the Lake City Timberwolves (16-4).
“It was a great game for our team, exactly what we needed against a tough, well-coached 6A program,” Badgers coach Nathan Williams said. “I was happy to see our guys fight on the road and give us a chance down the stretch. I’m so proud of my team.”
Senior Asher Williams led the scoring attack for the Badgers, registering 29 points. He now ranks 9th in all-time scoring for Idaho boys' basketball, according to a list by Idahosports.com. Williams has 2,048 career points. He is 66 points away from passing Dan Atkins, who graduated from Potlatch in 1986.
Senior guard Reese Strawn led the offensive attack for Lake City, finishing with 21 points and seven assists. Three other Timberwolves scored in double figures.
The Badgers met their match physically, playing a strong and athletic Lake City squad, Williams said.
“Playing against that size and speed reveals areas we need to continue working on,” he said.
Badgers fans filled the bleachers for the Monday night game, making the trek to Couer d’Alene in frigid weather near zero degrees.
“We have the best crowd in the state, and we are looking forward to a great run in March,” Williams said.
The Badgers will host the Timberlake Tigers (9-7) on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. for the final game of the regular season.
Bonners Ferry – 21 8 15 21 65
Lake City – 18 18 15 19 70
PTS: BF – Williams 29, Rice 16, Abubakari 12, Bateman 5, Blackmore 3. LC – Strawn 21, Carlson 12, Miller 12, Parker 10, Watson 7, Pearson 6, Kloos 2.
REB: BF – Bateman 9, Rice 6, Williams 5, Abubakari 2, Hinthorn 2, Blackmore 1. LC – Watson 6, Pearson 4, Carlson 3, Strawn 3, Miller 3, Kloos 2.
AST: BF – Blackmore 2, Rice 2, Williams 2, Bateman 2, Abubakari 1. LC – Strawn 7, Miller 5, Watson 1, Kloos 1, Pearson 1, Carlson 1.
STL: BF – Williams 3, Bateman 2. LC – Parker 2, Miller 1, Watson 1, Kloos 1, Pearson 1.
BLK: BF – None. LC – Strawn 1, Miller 1, Pearson 1, Carlson 1.
Girls' winning season ends with district tournament loss
Sophomore Nollie Hiatt advances the ball into the frontcourt in a thrilling 78-75 Badgers win over Lake City on Jan. 31.
Bonners Ferry 16,
Timberlake 57
The Badgers girls’ (12-9) season ended after a road loss to the Timberlake Tigers (18-3) at the district playoffs for a state tournament berth.
The Badgers had a great season, playing team-oriented basketball while battling through injuries to finish with a winning record.
The highpoint of the season came with a clutch 78-75 victory at home Jan. 31 against Lake City.
Senior Sydney Hinthorn averaged 10.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 3.2 steals and 0.5 blocks per game in 19 games played in her final year with the Badgers.
Senior Brooke Petesch averaged 3.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per game in her final year with the Badgers. She played in all 21 games this season, as well as 21 of 22 games last season, finishing with 56 career varsity games.
PTS: BF – Hinthorn 6, Bateman 4, Mierke 3, Hiatt 2, Willis 1
REB: BF – Bateman 7, Willis 6, Hiatt 3, Hinthorn 3
AST: BF – Hiatt 1, Hinthorn 1
STL: BF – Bateman 1, Petesch 1
BLK: BF – Bateman 1, Hinthorn 1