PREP BASKETBALL: Badgers' historic run continues with Williams' record-breaking game

Libby 40, 

Bonners Ferry 95 

Asher Williams broke the Badgers single-game scoring record with 45 points, playing only three quarters in a Jan. 7 home win over Libby.

Bonners Ferry (11-0) extend their win streak to 28 games going back to the 2023-24 season with its dominant victory against the Libby Loggers (3-2). The Badgers last loss came on Dec. 27, 2023, by one point to the West Valley Eagles. In the 2024 calendar year, the Badgers went 23-0. 

Williams’ 45-point performance eclipsed Badger alum Jeff Nearing’s single-game scoring record by two points. 

After Williams’ 24-point first half, coach Nathan Williams pulled aside senior point guard Brody Rice to ask him to feed Asher the ball, knowing that he may not get the opportunity again to break the school record.

“He just smiled at me and said, ‘Hey coach, we all want him to have the scoring title,’” Williams said. “That’s the kind of kid Brody is, and that’s what makes this team special.” 

Asher poured in five 3-pointers and 21 points in the third quarter to secure the record. He now is only 311 points away from reaching the 2,000-career points plateau. 

Senior forward Thomas Bateman also contributed 23 points in the win. He is nearing 1,000-career points with 832. 

The next Badgers home game will be Jan. 16 at 6:30p.m. against the Moscow Bears (6-5), who the Badgers beat by 16 points earlier this month on their way to winning the Avista Holiday Tournament.

Libby – 4 7 19 10 40 

Bonners Ferry – 30 24 28 13 95 

PTS: BF – Williams 45, Bateman 23, Hinthorn 6, Rice 6, Schrock 6, Blackmore 4, Cartwright 3, Abubakari 2 

3PM: BF – Williams 5, Bateman 1, Cartwright 1