Libby Loggers outpace Troy, 80-35
Libby junior JJ Davis attempts to block Troy junior Tyler Gromley three minutes into the 80-35 Logger win on Thursday, Jan. 25. Gromley made the shot, narrowing the score to 11-7, Loggers, but ultimately the Trojans were unable to keep up with Libby’s scoring pace. (Ben Kibbey/The Western News)
By BENJAMIN KIBBEY
The Western News
The Libby High School boys varsity basketball team on Thursday came out on top against Troy High School, at Libby, 80-35.
Though the opening minutes were high energy and rapid scoring for both teams, the Trojans couldn’t keep up with the Loggers. Libby junior Ryggs Johnston outscored every other player on both teams combined within the first six minutes.
By the end of the first period, Libby had a 30-16 lead that gradually broadened over the remainder of the game. Troy fought hard throughout, but unable to keep up in scoring and with little relief waiting on the bench, the Trojans never managed to come back.
“We were really hoping to shoot better and keep their shooting down,” said Troy Head Coach Bradley Dunn-meier. “They’re a really good team.”
Dunn-meier praised the effort he sees from his team every night, but acknowledged that despite the strength of his starters, the lack of subs leaves him with few options as the game progresses.
Trojan teamwork showed up on the court, as they communicated well, adapted quickly and constantly offered each other encouragement despite lagging behind the Loggers.
“I’m really impressed with that, because they haven’t always done that,” he said.
Libby Head Coach Josh Bean said that after the last time the Loggers faced the Trojans, he wanted to make certain they secured a lead early, and he was happy they accomplished that.
Yet, despite the contribution of Johnston to the early lead, Bean said the Loggers have been working on having a team that isn’t handicapped if they face someone who can shut Johnston down.
“The other kids are aware of it, and they know the spots where we want to be, where we want to get to, and they can execute that and they can knock down the shots where they are,” he said.
But Bean said that, even with a win, there’s always ways to improve for the next game.
“I didn’t think our close-outs were very good. I think we ran too much at people, allowed people to attack with their strong hands too much,” he said. “Troy’s really good when they’re going right, and we let them get right a lot tonight.”
Yet, after addressing the problem during a timeout, Libby’s players quickly began fixing the problem, Bean said.
Dunn-meier said he expects the Trojans will take a loss to Libby particularly hard, given the rivalry, but that he encourages them to celebrate their successes, no matter how small they are.
“That’s what I want them to do,” he said. “They’re just great kids.”
Libby 30 15 18 17 — 80
Troy 16 5 10 4 — 35