Bonners Ferry – In the season opener the Bonners Ferry Badgers offense went straight to work and didn’t stop working until the game was over.  Led by sophomore guard Asher Williams 29 points, the Badgers achieved something you don’t see very often in high school basketball…topping the century mark.  The Badgers combined for 111 points overpowering North Idaho Christian Saturday night.

“I don't know the last time we scored 100 points in a game, and it wasn't my intention to do so, but I do have a goal for this team and things to work on in games to get us ready for our upcoming opponents” Head coach Nathan Williams said.   Midway through the first quarter the Badgers pulled back their full court press opting to play half-court man for the rest of the game.  “We also ran many of our sets to get us game reps.  I believe what made the score so lopsided was that our bench play is good, and we can score in various ways.”

With every player contributing in the box score, the Badgers had five players in double figures.  Junior Trey Bateman had 18 points and 8 rebounds.  

Senior Ridge Williams added 13 points and 5 stitches.  Early in the second half while driving to the basket Ridge was fouled hard, with his feet straight in the air, Ridge landed on his face splitting his nose open.   Ridge did not return to the game, but is expected to be back in action Tuesday night.

Sophomore Thomas Bateman chipped in 12 starting the teams three-point barrage knocking down two straight out of the gate.  The Badgers combined for ten three-pointers on the night.

Senior Charles Henslee shedding his shoulder pads for the hardwood hustled his way around the court for 10.

“I like that we are unselfish and can penetrate and score.  We had some good fast break points and screened bodies to get shooters open”, Williams added.

With the shooting and rebounding taking center stage, the Badgers players and coaches are quick to point out that there are still areas to improve.  Thomas Bateman found himself in an awkward situation as he ventured into the broadcast booth during the girls’ game and suddenly found himself wearing the headset.   After talking about the win, he pointed out that defense is an area they can always improve on.  Coach Williams agreed adding, “I believe our defense and communication still needs help.  It is something we work on constantly in practice, but still need more reps.”  Assistant coach Jed Bateman echoing the sentiment added, “They say offense wins games, but defense wins championships and of course our goal is to win a championship.  At state the scores aren’t in the seventies and eighties, they are in the forties so we have to get better on the defense end”.

Having said that, both coaches were quick to point out that they have something special brewing with this team, Williams said, “I am always impressed with this team's work ethic and unselfishness.  It is a great group of young men both on and off the court and it is a pleasure to coach them everyday” and Bateman added, “They are a great team to coach.  Top to bottom, we have ten guys that have bought into what we are doing.  They are happy, they work extremely hard, they are unselfish, and they are good to each other”.

The positive energy surrounding this team is contagious.  The Badgers basketball program invites you to join the ride this season.

Up next for the Badgers is Stillwater Christian out of Kalispell, MT.  When asked about Stillwater Christian Williams said, “We've been playing Stillwater Christian for years now and their coach (Andy) is a nice guy who knows basketball well.  He told me during soccer season that his basketball team is going to be tough.  They have a great mix of leadership and talent and it should be their year.  I am looking forward to a great match up on Tuesday night against a good team”.

JV boy’s tip-off is at 5:00 PM with the Varsity following directly after at 6:30 PM.  We will see you there!

BONNERS FERRY — R. Williams 13, E. Blackmore 6, Henslee 10, Petesch 8, A. Williams 29, Th. Bateman 12, Hammons 5, Tr. Bateman 18, Schulte 2, B. Blackmore 8.

NORTH IDAHO CHRISTIAN — L. Fendich 31, K. Barnett 9, C. Smith 7, Ca. Malinauskas 5, D. Anton 7, Co. Malinauskas 0, K. Sakae 0.