Hawks see tough competition at Shelby tip-off

The Thompson Falls teams took the long drive to take on the Shelby Tip-off tournament Friday and Saturday with both teams facing the Fairfield Eagles and the Malta Mustangs. While the Hawks didn’t get a wine in the tip-off, both the boys and girls saw good competition and worked hard in tough games.

FAIRFIELD 63, THOMPSON FALLS 47

The Blue Hawks hit the court first taking on the Fairfield Eagles falling 47-63. While the teams came out to go basket for basket, it would be the Eagles who took the lead, holding onto it for much of the first quarter. Pulling way ahead of the Hawks, the score would be 24-8 headed to the second quarter.

“The Shelby Tip-off was an opportunity for us to see some tough teams and improve our skills,” said head coach Jake Mickelson.

The Hawks came out to put up the first basket in the second quarter, keeping the Eagles on their toes. The teams would go basket for basket, but Fairfield would continue to pull ahead from the Hawks. Heading into the half the score was 24-35 with the Hawks down by just 11 points.

“I’ve been impressed with the boys’ resolve after a couple of tough games in Shelby. They never backed down and never gave up,” Mickelson stated.

The powerhouse teams would try to go basket for basket in the third but couldn’t get past each other's tough defense. Going into the final quarter the Eagles only had a seven point lead over the Hawks, but they would put up 19 points while Thompson was only able to gain 10. With thirty seconds left, the Eagles were able to gain their last basket to seal their win.

Bryson LeCoure led with an almost double double earning 17 points and nine rebounds. Sam Burgess earned a double double with his 10 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Kellen LeCoure got seven points for the Hawks while pulling down nine rebounds. Kaiden Robins had seven points for Thompson while Bryson McCormick had six rebounds.

FAIRFIELD 64, THOMPSON FALLS 28

Then it was the Lady Hawks turn to take the court against the Fairfield Lady Eagles falling 28-64.

Quickly the Eagles took a large six to zero lead over the Hawks, but the girls held strong and were able to get past the Fairfield defense to put points on the board. The girls would go basket for basket and the Hawks would start the second quarter just three points behind. The Eagles would come out and would put more points between the teams, keeping the Hawks on their toes, and headed into the half the score would be 20-7.

“I think the girls let their nerves get the best of them with this game. We had a lot of turnovers, but the girls still played hard,” said head coach Mike Tessier.

The Hawks came out with new fire in the third quarter. While the Hawks would try to lessen the point gap, they would have to fight the whole fourth quarter to do so, but they were unable to take the win.

MALTA 76,

THOMPSON FALLS 62

The next day the Blue Hawks took on the Malta Mustangs falling 62-76.

Malta came out and would take a three point lead over the Hawks, but a swift three pointer would tie the game. The teams would go point for point until the Mustangs pulled away from Thompson by two before the second quarter.

The powerhouse teams would start going basket for basket in the second quarter, until the Mustangs were able to pull ahead. Keeping their lead for much of the second quarter, the Hawks would go into half time just nine points behind.

“We put ourselves in some great positions to make a run in both games, and had multiple players step up for us,” Mickelson stated.

Malta came out on fire in the third quarter, quickly gaining several baskets before the Hawks could get one of their own. Thompson had the least amount of baskets in the third quarter, and would try their best to keep Malta to minimal scoring. With the Hawks going into the final quarter 23 points behind, they would gain the first basket to try to lessen the point gap. The Hawks would gain another basket from a swift steal, but it would be answered with a Mustang basket. The teams would fight until ultimately the Mustangs would take the win.

Kaiden Robins led for the Hawks with an impressive 28 points, while Bryson LeCoure had nine, and Ethan Burgess had eight. Bryson McCormick had seven points and 10 rebounds for Thompson while Kellen LeCoure had seven rebounds, and Sam Burgess had six rebounds for the Hawks.

“We look forward to getting back to work this week and are excited about the home game and trip to Anaconda on Saturday to close up shop before the New Year,” said Mickelson.

MALTA 67,

T. FALLS 37

Then it was the Lady Hawks turn to take on the Malta Lady Mustangs falling 67-37.

“Even though we didn’t win, it was a great experience for the girls.” said head coach Mike Tessier.

Malta came out and quickly took an eight point lead over the Hawks. They would hold on to their lead for much of the first quarter, while the Hawks tried their best to break past the Mustangs defense. Heading into the second quarter Thompson was only down by six points. But swiftly Malta made that point gap even larger after several steals and rebounds allowed them to put down baskets.

Coming back from the half the score would be 32-16, and the Hawks would gain the first points. But Malta would answer with their own three pointer to make their lead even larger. Thompson would try to gain more points but wouldn't be able to get past the tight knit Mustang defense. Malta would put up a massive 19 points in the final quarter while Thompson would only be able to gain 13. The Hawks were able to keep the Mustangs on their toes but it wouldn’t be enough to take the win.

“While we were unable to take home a win I feel like the girls can play with any team. They are a great unit and it's awesome to see them gaining confidence,” Tessier stated.

The Hawks host Seeley Swan on Friday and then travel to Anaconda on Saturday.