Hawks face tough foes in Anaconda

THOMPSON FALLS 71, VALLEY CHRISTIAN 32

The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks took to the road this past weekend in the Anaconda tip-off tournament, first facing Valley Christian.

While it was the Lady Eagles who won the tip-off, it would be Thompson who would put points on the scoreboard first. The Lady Hawks were able to keep the lead, but Valley Christian was able to break through the Lady Hawk defense to put their own points on the board. Thompson was able to keep their lead going into the second quarter, making the Lady Eagles work for every basket.

Coming back from the half the Lady Hawks were able to keep their massive lead over Valley Christian putting the first points on the board. The Lady Eagles tried to break past the tight-knit full court pressure of the Lady Hawks but were unsuccessful. Headed into the final quarter Valley Christian was unable to close the giant point gap Thompson put between them, letting the Lady Hawks secure the win.

Delainy Gerhard led the Lady Hawks with 18 points, Annalise Fairbank added 14, and Addy Deal rounded it out with 11 points. Gabi Hannum had 10 points and 10 rebounds for Thompson, and Gerhard proved she was a master in the paint with 11 rebounds.

“We had a crazy week with lots of early mornings, but it was an excellent team effort. We share the ball really well; scoring 71 points in this game is big for any team!” coach Mike Tessier said after the game.

FLATHEAD HOMESCHOOL 45, THOMPSON FALLS 35

The Lady Hawks then went on to face Flathead Valley Homeschool, falling 35-45.

It would be over two minutes before any team put points on the board. Flathead fouled Lady Hawk Hannum, who scored a point from her free throw. Thompson would foul Flathead on a lay up, putting them ahead by one point. Both teams went basket for basket with minutes left, until Flathead was able to pull ahead taking the lead. Coming into the second, the Lady Hawks were able to tie the game with three minutes left before the half. Flathead was able to once again break past Thompson’s defense putting them ahead three points.

Going into the second half Flathead came out aggressive, quickly putting more points between them and the Lady Hawks. With only a minute left, Flathead only let Thompson gain 10 points, putting them up going into the fourth 32-26. The Lady Hawks came into the fourth quarter with new fire, quickly getting points from a swift lay-up, only to have Flathead answer back with their own points. Halfway through the fourth quarter Thompson was only behind six points, before Flathead was able to make the gap larger. With minutes left the score was 40-30. The Lady Hawks were no match for the aggressive and physical full court pressure that Flathead put on, keeping them from closing the score gap. Flathead would take the win 45-35.

“Overall we are a very young team with lots of learning to do. We are looking forward to learning and growing this season.” Tessier stated.

Going to the free throw line 22 times Hannum led Thompson with 14 points and 12 rebounds, Deal was close behind with nine points and nine rebounds, Gerhard had nine rebounds and Addi Pardee rounded it out for the Lady Hawks with five points, five rebounds and five steals.

The Lady Hawks will suit up this Friday to face Anaconda for the first home game of the season. They then travel to take on Seeley-Swan on Saturday.

HARRISON 70, THOMPSON FALLS 54

The Blue Hawks also played in Anaconda last weekend, first falling to the Harrison Wildcats 70-54.

Thompson proved they have the hops, getting the tip-off and the first points on the board. The Wildcats were unable to answer back, letting the Blue Hawks sink another basket before putting points on the board. Both teams went back and forth until Harrison was able to pull ahead. Headed into the second quarter, the Wildcats were able to keep their lead, making Thompson work to break past their tight-knit defense.

Coming into the half it would be the Blue Hawks who took the first points.Harrison would answer back with their own three-pointer. Each team would go basket for basket until the Wildcats were able to pull ahead. Going into the fourth, it seemed the Blue Hawks might have a chance to catch up, but Harrison was able to keep their massive lead to secure the win.

“It was not our best game but the boys battled it out and had a good attitude,” Coach Jake Mickelson said of his team.

Bryson LeCoure led the Blue Hawks with 17 points and six rebounds, Nick Tessier netted 12 points and four rebounds, and Sam Burgess earned the team 10 points.

THOMPSON FALLS 64, SALMON 49

The Blue Hawks then went on to face the Salmon, Idaho Savages getting the win 64-49.

Thompson came out once again, winning the tip-off and setting up the first points. The Savages were unable to answer with a basket of their own. Thompson would get a three pointer before Salmon was able to put points on the scoreboard. Going into the second quarter, it would be the Savages taking the lead, but the Blue Hawks were able to quickly break down Salmon's defense to once again take the lead.

Coming back from the half, Thompson was able to swoop in and take the first basket, making the point gap even bigger. With minutes left, it seemed Salmon might make a comeback, but the tense teamwork of the Blue Hawks kept them at bay. Going into the fourth and final quarter Thompson held a seven point lead. The Blue Hawks were able to keep the Savage defense down keeping the massive lead to take the win.

“They had great passion for this game and I think it really showed; it wasn’t an easy win. But the team never faltered and they were able to secure the win,” Mickelson stated after the game.

LeCoure led the Blue Hawks with a stunning 23 points, Tessier was close behind with 17 points, Burgess rounded out the points for Thompson with eight points. LeCoure, Tessier and Burgess got eight rebounds each for the Blue Hawks.

Thompson takes to the home court this Friday to take on the Anaconda Copperheads. Then they take to the road to face Seeley Swan on Saturday.