Bluehawks edge out Libby, defeated in Florence

THOMPSON FALLS – In an incredibly close game, the Thompson Falls Bluehawks beat out the Libby Loggers in their Friday game.

The Bluehawks leapt ahead to an early lead, quickly opening the score to 11-7, as they shot perfect baskets, getting nothing but net. By the end of the first quarter, they had increased the score to 20-9 with two baskets in the final seconds. In the second quarter, both teams reached their stride and came out with strong offensives plays; both made several three-point shots, though Thompson Falls maintained their strong lead. By the end of the first half, the Bluehawks were ahead with a score of 35-22.

As the second half opened, both teams were still going strong. The Loggers started to pull back and closed to within 10 points, but Thompson Falls were able to keep ahead. By the end of the quarter, Libby had closed to a score of 41-39. As the final quarter opened, the Loggers pulled ahead with a three-point basket. The bluehawks pulled back ahead after stealing a shot to the basket by Libby. The teams fought hard, going back and forth, but the Thompson Falls guys pulled ahead and closed the game with a final score of 56-50.

The Bluehawks also traveled to Florence for a game Saturday. The game ended in defeat for the team, though, and it ended with a final score of 36-53 to Florence.

The game was close as both teams kept close in almost every quarter. In the first, the home team just edged out the Bluehawks with a score of 8-10. The second quarter was just as close, with both teams reaching their stride and bringing out a halftime score of 21-25 to Florence.

As the second half began, the Falcons were able to lay on defensive pressure and keep the Bluehawks down. The third quarter came to a close with a score of 24-36 as Florence came to a solid lead. Thompson Falls broke through the Florence defense in the final quarter, though, and brought it back to close scoring.

Head Coach Jake Mickelson felt Friday’s game went well. He felt his team played well and showed lots of heart throughout and that it was a team effort.

“I thought they all kind of stepped up when they needed to,” he said.

For Saturday’s game, the coach recalled Florence was a very good team. He felt both teams played good defense, but the Bluehawks could not recover from their trouble in the third quarter.

Thompson Falls had another game on Tuesday, but are now on break through the winter vacation. They will still be practicing during break, though, and will be working on improvements in all areas.

The Bluehawks’ next game will be on January 2, against Troy.