Lady Hawks dedicated to a great basketball season

THOMPSON FALLS – With a fairly wide range of ages, Thompson Falls’ Ladyhawks are looking forward to the start of the season.

There are approximately 15 girls on this year’s team with a number of younger students and even a few eighth graders. Head Coach Doree Thilmony recalled they did not have enough high school girls try out for the team and had to get the Montana High School Association’s permission to open tryouts to middle schoolers as well.

While the group is fairly young, there is also a good deal of experience on this year’s team. Thilmony noted there were a number of returning upper classmen coming back who were very good.

“The girls who came out are very committed to the team,” she said, noting the girls had already shown their dedication.

The coach recalled one of the first things the girls did was to determine the values they would operate by as a team; one of these values was discipline and the attitude in their teamwork.

“They came up with those values and they’re really incorporating that into the program,” she said. “The girls that we do have are very committed and ready to work hard.”

So far, speed is looking like it will be an advantage for the girls. Thilmony was confident of the girls’ skills and felt they could go far in the conference if they harness their abilities.

The Lady Hawks have only had two weeks of practices for the season; however, the coach said they have been doing well with the experienced players pushing to have the younger ones grow and develop into the game as well as finding their place in the team. The older girls have also been bringing lots of leadership out, taking charge to teach their younger peers and lead by example.

“They’re having their actions speak louder than words in practice,” said Thilmony. “They’re modeling good work ethic [and] they’re positive with the younger kids.”

She feels they have a good chance in their conference this year. She said they have been impressive in practices and the girls have been hungry to get out onto the court for the season.

The Lady Hawks’ first game is this weekend. They play an away game against Hamilton on Saturday, December 5. Thilmony recalled Hamilton had a very good team last year and should provide a good competition right off the bat.

“The girls are working hard and showing some energy,” Thilmony said. “I think they’re definitely excited to get going.”