Lady Hawks tangle with Loyola in divisional opener
There is no “secret potion” for the Thompson Falls girls as they enter postseason play this week in the Western B Divisional Basketball Tournament at the Ronan Event Center. The Lady Hawks, seeded third from the 7B District, face talented and deep Missoula Loyola — for the third time this season — in the first round at 9:40 a.m. Thursday.
Only two teams from the bracket will advance to the Class B State Basketball Tournament in Billings.
It’s a very talented bracket at that, with likes of the top seeds, Lincoln County-Eureka and Florence-Carlton, and second-seeded Loyola.
Loyola handled T-Falls easily during the regular season, most recently 72-35 on Jan. 31 in Thompson Falls.
“They definitely have a deep bench,” Lady Hawks head coach Doree Thilmony said of the Lady Breakers. “They have a lot of athletic girls. You can’t hone in on just one, but you have to keep your eye open for Lane Walker.
“We have to figure out a way to take care of the ball and get it up the court and play some good defense.”
In the last meeting, Loyola scored 41 of its points in the paint. “That came from a lot of breakaway layups,” Thilmony said.
The coach spoke about turnovers. “We’re breaking the press but making silly turnovers. Hopefully, it can come together,” she said.
T-Falls closed the regular season with a Senior Night game against Bigfork, and the Valkyries took home a 33-21 victory.
The Lady Hawks managed just three first-quarter points, but was in the game until they were outscored 14-2 in the final period.
“We missed quite a few layups, bunny shots,” Thilmony said.
The Lady Hawks suffered 41 turnovers.
T-Falls collected 52 rebounds to 37 for Bigfork. Megan Baxter led with 16 boards and Jody Detlaff added 11. Baxter had nine points, five steals and five blocked shots. Detlaff had six points.
Three seniors played their last home-court game, as Maya Stiles, Sarah Detlaff and Trinity Godfrey were recognized along with their parents.
Thilmony’s assessment is that Florence-Carlton, Eureka and Deer Lodge are the top contenders for divisional honors this week.