Hawks fall at home, win away

ANACONDA 58, THOMPSON FALLS 37

The Blue Hawk boys fell to Anaconda 58-37 in the first home matchup of the season as they played host to the Copperheads on Friday.

The Hawks struggled to penetrate the Anaconda defense and get inside the paint to score. Thompson Falls was down 3-15 after the first quarter. They gained slightly in the second quarter as they settled into play and went into the locker room at halftime down by just seven points, 14-21.

Thompson started the second half with renewed energy as they worked to keep up with Anaconda, but the Copperheads pulled ahead to a 40-26 lead at the end of the third quarter and held on through the final quarter to beat the home team.

Bryson LeCoure led the Hawks with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists, Nick Tessier and Braxton Dorscher scored five points apiece, Braedon Ferris four, Kaiden Robins three and Cael Thilmony two points.

ANACONDA 64, THOMPSON FALLS 32

The Lady Hawks fell to Anaconda 64-32 in their first home game of the season last Friday. The Lady Copperheads hit the court hard and scored 12 points before Thompson got on the board with a free throw by Gabi Hannum. Junior Olivia Fitchett would put up several points for the Hawks in the first, including a three-pointer, but they were unable to gain on Anaconda as the Hawks were down 13-26 at the end of the first.

Both defenses hustled in the second quarter as the offenses struggled to connect with the basket. Anaconda kept their lead 29-18 going into half time. The second half was much of the same for the teams. Thompson was unable to catch Anaconda and was defeated 64-32.

THOMPSON FALLS 57, SEELEY SWAN 40

The Blue Hawks then hit the road to take on the Seeley Swan Blackhawks taking the win 57-40. Due to a technical foul Thompson came out already points behind, but quickly able to take the lead. Keeping the Blackhawks at bay, the Blue Hawks kept the lead going into the second quarter by two points. Seeley was able to come out quickly closing the point gap, then taking the lead. But they were no match for the tight knit Thompson defense, who took the lead going into the half.

The Blue Hawks soared in the second half, quickly setting the tone for the third quarter. Putting the small point gap they had over the Blackhawks even larger. With a minute left Thompson was up by six points, shutting down the Seeley defense the Blue Hawks were able to go into the final quarter with a massive 10 point lead. It would be the Blackhawks who would get the first points in the fourth quarter, but the quick footed Blue Hawks were swift to answer back, keeping the steady lead. Seeley was able to keep Thompson at bay for the final minutes of the game, but they couldn't close the gap letting the Blue Hawks take the win.

"This was a great on the road win for the boys, it gave them a ton of confidence. Being great teammates, really motivating each other.." Coach Jake Mickelson beamed after the game.

Bryson LeCoure led the Blue Hawks with an impressive 27 points, Nick Tessier behind him with seven, Braedon Ferris and Braxton Dorscher each getting six. Sam Burgess proved to be a powerhouse in the paint getting 10 massive rebounds for Thompson, LeCoure close behind with eight, Tessier rounding it with six. Tessier came in quick handed getting seven steals for the Blue Hawks

The Blue Hawks suit up to face the Deer Lodge Warrens at home Thursday night (results will be in next week's Ledger). They then see the Loyola Rams Friday at home.

THOMPSON FALLS 64, SEELEY SWAN 34

The Lady Hawks also faced off against the Lady Blackhawks taking the massive win 64-34. Thompson was able to win the jump off getting a swift lay up putting the first points on the board, Seeley was able to answer with a three pointer putting them ahead. A Lady Blackhawk foul would put Lady Hawk Gabi Hannum on the free throw line, letting the Lady Hawks pull ahead by one. Thompson was able to break down Seeley's defense taking a massive lead with only minutes left in the first quarter. Coming into the second quarter the Lady Hawks were up by 10 points, Thompson was able to keep their lead.

Coming back from the half the Lady Hawks had a giant lead over the Lady Blackhawks, they held onto that lead going into the fourth quarter. While Seeley was able to break past the tight knit Lady Hawk defense they were no match for the quick Lady Hawks. Thompson was able to keep their massive lead, taking the win.

The Lady Hawks hit the home court again this week, first taking on the Deer Lodge Lady Warrens, then facing the Loyola Sacred Heartbreakers on Friday starting at 5:30.