Bluehawks beaten in semifinal

Senior Forward Chalis Wilson rises above the competition during the Bluehawks' 42-73 loss against Florence on Friday night.

Bluehawk guard Josh Hojem watches his three-point attempt as a Falcon defender turns to box out for the rebound.

by Mike Miller Valley
| March 4, 2011 11:44 AM

Bluehawk guard Josh Hojem watches his three-point attempt as a Falcon defender turns to box out for the rebound.

Thompson Falls was one win away from advancing to the Western B Divisional championship game, as they participated in the tournament last weekend in Pablo. The Bluehawks ended their season 11-12.

The second seeded Bluehawks opened their tournament with a 73-42 victory over Deer Lodge in a quarterfinal matchup on Thursday.

Thompson Falls darted out to a 20-9 lead by the end of the first quarter. They held on for a 36-23 advantage at the half and were up 53-28 after three quarters.

Chalis Wilson scored 16 points to lead four Bluehawks in double figures. Jaron Laws posted 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and Josh Hojem and Cody Phillips each scored 10.

Garrett Reinschmidt added seven, Dalton Groshong six, Blade Jacobson four, Ross Dalby three, Kevin Hagedorn two and A.J. Pavlik one point in the win.

Rodney Hunter scored 13 off the bench for the Wardens.

The next day, Thompson Falls squared off versus Florence. The District 6-B Falcons took advantage of big second and third quarters to advance to the championship game.

Despite breaking even, 8-8, in the first and leading, 20-13, in the fourth quarter, the Bluehawks were gouged in the middle stanzas.

Florence erupted for a 16-7 lead in the third and 23-4 in the third on their way to the win.

Adam Greger led Florence with 23 points and Ross Mangun added 10 more for the Falcons.

Laws hit a trio of 3-pointers again while leading Thompson Falls with 16 points. Reinschmidt added seven points, Wilson six, Hojem and Pavlik four and Dominique Holt three in the loss.

Thompson Falls would finally face a farmiliar foe, in conference rival Troy in the loser out game on Saturday. Despite splitting games with the Trojans during the regular season, the Bluehawks would fall 47-64 to end the regular season.

Ryan Rayson scored seven for Troy in the first quarter, when the Trojans sprinted to a 17-8 lead.

Thompson Falls battled back, briefly outscoring Troy 13-10 in the second quarter. In the second half, however, Troy would dominate, 37-26 on their way to a victory.

Cory Orr and Trent Cratty each netted 17 points as the Trojans eliminated Thompson Falls from post-season contention.

Wilson scored 10 points to lead the Blueahwks. Laws and Hojem added seven points apiece, Dalton Groshong five, Phillips two and Pavlik one in the loss.

Seniors Kevin Hagedorn, Hojem, Sky Hall and Wilson played in the final games of their careers for Thompson Falls.