Thanks for the memories

PABLO – Ricky's run may be ending but the Savage Heat will play on.

Having recently decided to step down as the Hot Springs boys coach due to a promotion and change in duties with his other job in the private sector, Ricky DePoe guided his Savage Heat boys through another District 14C tournament in Pablo last week.

Playing through this season with alarmingly low participation numbers, the Heat recently received a shot in the arm in the return of one varsity player who was previously out injured, and the addition of three eighth grade boys to the roster.

The Heat opened the 14C tourney with a 61-27 loss to Charlo Thursday, stayed alive with a 68-34 win over St. Regis Friday, and finally bowed out after falling 58-45 to Noxon in loser-out play Saturday.

DePoe was grateful for what his final team gave him after a tough start to the season a few months back.

"We had only six players to begin the season with and it was kind of a rough start for us," he said. "But we got Tyler Knudsen back here at the end and brought up a few junior high boys, so we ended the season much better than it began.

"And the kids gave me their best efforts right up to the end, so we are happy about that," he added.

Brandon Knudsen led the Heat in their first round game against Charlo Thrusday with nine points, brother Tyler Knudsen added seven, Tyler Carr six, Mack McAllister four, Justin Salmi three, and Kawika Ilac, Luke Waterbury and Sean Fisher two.

Landers Smith (18 points), Tyson Petticrew (14) and Toby Odom (11) led Charlo.

Tyler Knudsen scored a game-high 19 points in the win over St. Regis, Carr added 15, Brandon Knudsen 10, McAllister seven, Salmi six, Kyle Lawson four, Waterbury three and Ilac and Fisher two apiece.

In the season finale with Noxon, Tyler Knudsen led Hot Springs with 16 points, Salmi added 12, Brandon Knudsen 11, Fisher four and Waterbury two.

Please see other story for Noxon scoring in that game.