JV Trojans' season improving

It was a battle to the end in Tuesday's game in Libby, but the Trojan Junior Varsity team was defeated, 43-38, bringing them to 8-9 this season.

JV Coach John Bower said the team tends to get outscored in the first half of their games, only to come back in the second and outscore their opponents.

"We've scored 647 points and given up 649 this season (before Libby), so we're breaking even," Bower said. "That's how close it's been - we've won a few games and lost a few."

Bower said their highest scoring game of the season against Arlee last weekend (74-73) exemplified the teamwork they have been working on.

"We've improved immensely," he said. "Dalton Powell got an offensive rebound and he put it up for a layup to win the game in the last three seconds."

Powell was one of four Trojans to score in the double digits with 10 points.

Junior Brandon Rebo had 12 points along with sophomore Dustin Heathouse - 6' 4" with size 17 shoes - who also grabbed 7 rebounds.

"Dustin really hasn't played basketball before," said Bower. "He's coming around defensively though, and blocks a lot of shots."

But it was sophomore Jake Alexander who paved the way for the Trojans, leading all scorers in Arlee with 29 points.

"Alexander only had 4 turnovers the entire game," said Bower. "That's really good for a point guard - he's pushing hard to get some Varsity play."

Bower also noted junior Steph Jones, who contributed 7 points.

"We always put him on the best perimeter player," he said of Jones.

Sophomore Dillon Curry nabbed 9 rebounds while junior Scott Harper was commended for his defense.

"Scotty Harper came off the bench and his defense changed the momentum of the game - he was a fireball," said Bower.

"We have good junior leadership with Clayton Kyriss," he added, who is a swing player for varsity.

"Dillon Curry and Tom Roeder are two young posts who have good futures," Bower said.

"I have a lot of help from coach Smith," added Bower, who is not the only one pleased with the team's progress - Varsity coach Tony Smith noted the JV team's progress in Libby.

"We've got some really good young talent and our kids work really hard," he said.

Against Libby last Tuesday, Bower noted they were more successful this go around with the Loggers due to a lot of practising.

"On our home court it's hard to break presses," he said, noting the smaller size of the gym. "But we've been working on it."

Leading the Loggers by 4 points at the half, Kyriss led in scoring for the Trojans with 16 points - Heathouse contributed 10 points.

Kyriss also grabbed a whopping 12 rebounds - 7 of them in the first quarter - along with Rebo's 7 rebounds.

"The third quarter was the difference," said Bower. "We had 11 turnovers compared to 9 in the first half."

Bower said the experience will help prepare them for Districts and Divisionals beginning Feb 15.

"I just asked them to compete and play their hardest," said Bower. "Playing an A team is great for us because it teaches us how to play the best in our division."