We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The 2021-22 Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbird Boys Basketball Team
Hays/Lodge Pole senior gets a tough bucket to go in Dodson Friday night. The Thunderbirds played a solid Coyote team tough, but fell in overtime 63-60. Shambo scored 10 points in the contest for the Thunderbirds.
The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds began their second season under Head Coach Shakayla Whitecow in Dodson this past Friday against a very good Coyote team.
The Thunderbirds held a slim margin throughout the contest but miscues late saw the Coyotes earn a heartbreaking 63-60 overtime win over the Thunderbirds.
This years Thunderbird squad looks to be improved and Whitecow, likes her teams preparation early on, "Practice has been very productive, I am very pleased at how smooth things are working out this year. We're still progressing and working out some kinks but so far things have been good."
This years team includes three returning starters, the Thunderbirds lone senior Tyshawn Shambo and juniors Brandon Castillo and Daniel Henry.
Also back in the fold are juniors Cash Messerly, William Has The Eagle, Kaleb Walker and DeVontae Sullivan. Sophomores on the team include William Hughes Junior, Avery Boe Junior, Jacoby Ball and RJ Blackcrow.
Making their Thunderbird High School debut are freshman Kendall Brockie and Theodore Has The Eagle.
Whitecow knows what to expect from her veterans, especially the starters, "Daniel, Tyshawn, and Brandon are my most vocal leaders on the court. But, the younger guys are catching on and are starting to get the hang of things so they'll chirp once in a while during drills or in the locker room."
The 2020-21 season was an extremely difficult one for all of the Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds athletic programs. Cancellations, postponements, quarantines and lock-downs were all part of their regular season due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The deal breaker came at the end when they were unable to participate in the District 9C Tournament.
Looking forward to the 2021-22 season, things are clearly looking up. They have already got a game under their belt and are preparing for a trip south to Billings to play in the Native American Shootout in the Metra.
One thing that Covid-19 has taught us all is to expect the unexpected and be prepared for last minute changes. For the Thunderbird basketball team, they are hoping for the best, "My expectation for this season is to finish it first of all, I think the boys would agree with me on that one. Not competing in the District Tournament last year fueled our motivation for this season. We're still a fairly young team, so it'll be exciting and fun to continue to mold this program."
Whitecow wants to see her athletes learn, "Ask questions, try your best and learn from the mistakes your teammates make, I don't like to see the same mistake made by two or more different guys. Those are my expectations for the incoming freshmen.
As for the season opener it was a good opening night for the program despite the loss. The Coyotes had a lot of success a season ago and are a tough team to beat.
Has the Eagle connected twice from long range in the opening quarter and scored 11 of the teams 15 points to give the Thunderbirds a 15-13 edge heading into quarter number two.
Hays/Lodge Pole maintained the upper hand in quarter number two getting six points from Hughes Jr. to take a 29-25 lead into the halftime locker room.
The Thunderbirds maintained their same consistent attack in the third quarter, patiently running their offense and staying with their man on defense. Henry knocked down a pair from the charity stripe and Shambo added five points to help the Thunderbirds take a 44-38 lead into the fourth quarter of action.
The Thunderbirds were sent to the free throw line down the stretch by a valiant Coyote team looking to cut into the lead. Unfortunately the Thunderbirds connected on just five of twelve attempts allowing the Coyotes to even the score at 59-59 sending the game into overtime.
Has The Eagles scored all four Thunderbird points in the extra frame but the Coyotes scored seven to secure the 63-60 win handing the Thunderbirds a difficult season opening loss.
Has The Eagle lead the Thunderbird attack with 19 points on the night. Shambo added 10 markers while Castillo scored eight.
This week the Thunderbirds will be in Billings to take part in the Native American Shootout at the RimRock Auto Arena at Metra Park. The Thunderbirds will first play Plenty Coup on Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. Friday Hays/Lodge Pole will take on White Shield at 12:30 p.m.
Hays/Lodge Pole will begin District 9C play on the road in Gildford, Friday, December 17 against the Knights. The Thunderbirds will play their first four conference games of the season on the road closing out
December with games in Big Sandy (12/18), Fort Benton (12/20) and Chinook (12/21). They will play heir first home game on Friday, January 7, 2022 when they will welcome the Turner Tornadoes to the Thunderdome.
The District 9C Tournament will once again take place in Havre at the Blue Pony Gymnasium. The tournament will run from February 16-19. The top three teams will advance to the Northern C Divisional in Great Falls, February 23-26 at the Four Seasons Arena. The top two teams will then advance to the State Class C Boys & Girls State Tournament in Bozeman, March 9-12.
