Thompson Falls looks ahead into the season

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks gave their all in two games this week against Troy and Superior.

The game against Troy on Friday night was a close one. It started off in Troy’s favor, with the Trojans gaining a lead on the Bluehawks but Thompson Falls was able to even the score out 9 to 10 by the end of the first quarter.

As they progressed into the second quarter, Troy took the first handful of points but it was not enough to keep the lead. After a series of baskets, the Bluehawks stretched their score to 28-27 by the end of the second quarter. They would hold onto that lead until late in the fourth quarter where Troy was able to come up with four more points, winning the game 46-42.

Despite the loss, Head Coach Chadd Laws said the Bluehawks pulled together and saw some team success.

“Our team defense was the highlight of that game,” Coach Laws said.

He explained holding a team with the offensive strength of Troy’s to only 46 points was an accomplishment in itself. It showed the team they were able to play in a good game and even possibly come out with the win had a few minor things gone their way.

According to Coach Laws, it all boils down to the little things. He stressed its not so much who is getting the headlines or scoring all the points, it’s the fact that the team is working together as one solid unit.

With the loss added to their tally, Coach Laws was not upset.

“I’m not disappointed. I just think we can do better,” he explained. “They made a few more on the stretch than we did. Kudos to that team.”

As the boys went on to compete against Superior, the wheels turned and the game was no longer close. Thompson Falls lost to the Bobcats 49-72.

“They actually handled us. They are a very good team, they are also very athletic,” Coach Laws said.

The time on the court was a learning experience. As they played the powerhouse, Coach Laws explained some of their weaknesses were exposed. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because now Thompson Falls knows more of what to work on.

“We know we are improving in those areas but when you play a game (like that), you have to have good technique,” Coach Laws said.

Caleb Bates was credited for a strong shooting game from the outside and the team overall was credited on their ball screens.

Bates brought in 13 points, while Trais Hoisington put up 15. Dalton Hooten made five points, while the remainder of the points was evenly split between Tanner Laws, Dylan Vaught, Greg Wadsworth and Tyler Riffle.

The important thing is the team never gave up on the game or on the court.

“They continued to play hard throughout the whole game,” Coach Laws said.

The team is looking forward to playing the teams again, however, right now they are focused on two other teams: Plains and Eureka.

The Bluehawks will face off the Horsemen on Thursday night at Thompson Falls. Although they won the last game against their rivals during the Sanders County Tip-Off Tournament, Coach Laws said the dynamic of the Horsemen has changed since then.

The team has experienced a few changes to their team but he said as long as Thompson Falls focuses on what they are doing, they should do all right.

“We’re not so much focused about what Plains is going to do as much as what we want to do,” Coach Laws explained. “I know they will give us a wonderful game and I expect a very good contest in that game.”

Thompson Falls will then Battle Eureka on Saturday – another athletic team. Laws said the game should end in a lot of scored points on both sides. The hope is the Bluehawks will score a few more, bringing their fans home another victory.