Class A Boys Basketball Libby Loggers coach 'pleasantly surprised' with team so far

With just one returning starter from last year’s team, fourth-year head coach Josh Bean had little clue what to expect when his Libby team hit the hardwood this year.

He’s been pleasantly surprised with his squad’s early-season performance, one that has yielded a 5-3 record overall and a 2-2 record in the Northwest A conference.

“I’ve been really impressed with the effort we’ve had,” Bean said.

Ryggs Johnston, the lone returning starter, has picked up right where he left out as the team’s leading scorer.

The 6-foot-4 shooting guard has scored 20 or more points in half of Libby’s games, including a 36-point outburst versus Stevensville.

Seniors Brian Peck, Nik Jones and Logan Christensen have all contributed for the Loggers, while junior JJ Davis has provided an offensive spark.

Bean has been especially pleased with his team’s work in offensive transition.

“We’ve got a bunch of people that are pretty fast and run,” he said.

Bean said his team’s goal is “to put ourselves into a good position by our play in conference in order to be successful in the divisional tournament.

“Browning is the most talented team in the conference. They’ve showed it so far,” he added.

“After that, everybody else is jammed together. It’s a fight night in and night out in conference.”