Bluehawks defeat Loggers in intense match up

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks took a decisive victory over the Libby Loggers in their Friday night game with a final score of 64-51.

The game took off to a slow start as Libby put up a barrage of points. Bluehawk Tanner Laws brought in the first points for Thompson Falls, bringing the score to 2-12.

Trais Hoisington followed his teammate’s lead bringing in another round of points. After Libby retaliated with a basket, Dylan Vaught matched their points helping to bring the team’s score to 7-15 at the end of the first quarter.

Vaught was the first of the group to score in the second quarter, quickly followed by Laws. After a free throw from Tyler Riffle, it was apparent the Bluehawks were ready to pull ahead of their competition. The points continued and Thompson Falls stretched their lead to 28 to 24 with less than 30 seconds left in the quarter.

Libby brought in a basket and as the Bluehawks took possession of the ball, time was rapidly ticking down. Greg Wadsworth chucked the ball across the court at the buzzer, ending the half with a beautiful three point shot.

As the second quarter started, Vaught sunk in the first basket yet again. After Libby retaliated, Vaught doubled up bringing in two more baskets.

Teammate Hoisington put up three points and Vaught decided to go for yet another basket, bringing the crowd to their feet.

Libby scored three more points at the buzzer placing the score at 46-38 with the Bluehawks still in the lead.

Hoisington started the last quarter off on the right foot, putting up the first points in the fourth. He would come back after a shot from Libby to add another two points to the team’s total.

As Libby attempted to catch up, the Bluehawks continued to outscore them. Overall, Libby scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, while Thompson Falls brought in 18 – ultimately winning the game.

Hoisington led the team with a solid 23 points, while Vaught followed closely behind with 18. Dalton Hooten put up seven for Thompson while the remainder of the points fell to McKenzie Holt, Caleb Bates, Laws, Joe Lundberg, Wadsworth and Riffle.

The exciting game proved to be a crowd pleaser with Bluehawk fans leaving their seats thrilled with the outcome.

As Thompson Falls entered the weekend, they faced off Bigfork on Saturday night in an away game. The wheels flipped and Thompson Falls lost the game 27-52.

The first quarter was slow, with the Bluehawks only scoring four points to Bigfork’s 16 points.

In the end, the Bluehawks were unable to catch up. No one on the team broke double digits.

Hoisington led with nine points followed closely behind by Vaught with eight. Hooten put up seven, Bates had two and Lundberg added a free throw.

Head Coach Chadd Laws expected a strong performance from Bigfork before heading into the game and his expectations turned out spot on.

The Bluehawks will go on to play Libby on Friday night at an away game and will take up their home court on Saturday in a game against Florence.