Logger boys send Badgers packing

The Libby Loggers left it all out on the court during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against the visiting Bonners Ferry Badgers, coming out on top with a final score of 62-47.

The boys battled back and forth for the first half of play, with tough defense on both parts leading to a number of turnovers and missed scoring opportunities in the first quarter. The Loggers only managed 12 points in that tough opening stanza, but also held the Badgers to just 11.

The second quarter saw much higher offensive production from both teams. The Badgers stepped up their attacks on the basket and managed to score 18 on Libby’s boys, but the Loggers were just as aggressive, pouring in 21 of their own to extend their lead to four as the half came to a close.

“We have always had hard-fought games with Bonners Ferry,” head coach Josh Bean said. “It was the same last night. A back and forth struggle for each team. We got a lead and then they would put a run together to tie it. I was really proud of our boys showing great poise throughout the game. We had a lot of turnovers in the first half and we just kept plugging away.”

The Loggers struggled again in the third quarter, held to just nine points by a tough Badgers defense. Bonners Ferry managed to close the lead to just two points, 42-40, heading into the final period.

But Libby’s boys dug deep and fought their way out in the fourth quarter, seemingly fueled by a spark from senior forward Stetson Enyeart, who came in off the bench. Enyeart scored seven of the Loggers’ 20 points in the fourth quarter in addition to pulling down some key rebounds and playing tough defense for the Loggers. The Libby boys held Bonners Ferry to just seven as they put the game out of reach.

“He had an opportunity to get some time in the game and took advantage of it,” Bean said. “He has been working extremely hard in practice and it paid off in the game. He played within himself. He scored seven of our 20 points in the fourth quarter along with getting key rebounds and playing great defense.”

The Loggers were led by Erik Lauer and Ryggs Johnston, each with 22 points for the night. Lauer also added 13 rebounds, one assist, two steals and three blocks for Libby.

The Loggers stay home this week for a game with Loyola Saturday at 6 p.m.