Badgers have it together for state

The Bonners Ferry Badgers overcame adversity to put themselves in a position to win league and district boys basketball titles this year.

First, a returning starter moved. Second, a starter who was suspended three games quit just before Christmas. Both players were all-Intermountain League selections last year.

Don’t think for a moment, though, that the Badgers are content with just qualifying for the State 3A tournament, which begins today at Meridian High School. Fifth-ranked Bonners Ferry (18-4) squares off against No. 4 South Fremont (18-6) at 2 p.m. PST.

The Badgers have gone 12-2 since the starter quit.

“We came together as a team and it’s been that way ever since,” Bonners Ferry coach Gordy Allured said.

Allured said the adversity caused a deeper bond to grow among the remaining players.

“I love their camaraderie and chemistry,” Allured said. “They may not be the most talented, but they play together well and help each other out and have fun.”

“The whole team just kind of meshed together after they left, and we’ve played more team ball,” said senior guard Josh Hawks, who is a two-year starter.

BF, which has won three straight District I titles, takes a 10-game winning streak to state. Three Badgers – junior post Ryan Winebark, junior guard A.J. Bennett and senior wing Jesus Mendez – were named to the all-league team.

Winebark, at 6-foot-4, has provided an athletic presence inside. He also roams the perimeter and frequently shoots 3-pointers. He returned to BF this year after moving to Troy, Mont., as a sophomore.

“I’m glad I moved back,” Winebark said. “I think we’ll do well at state.”

The Badgers will have their hands full against South Fremont, which advanced to the 2006 state title game but lost 42-41 to Snake River. South Fremont returns 6-foot-9 post Stetzon Bair. He averages a modest 7.2 points per game, and three other teammates average in double figures.

“Our ultimate goal is to win the state championship,” South Fremont coach Rick Berrett said.

“They played in the finals last year and they return a lot of those kids,” Allured said.

The Badgers’ primary goal is to capture their first trophy since 2002 when they took fourth.

“We’re going to be disappointed if we don’t do something special down there,” Allured said.

If the Badgers hope to play for a trophy on Saturday, success must start with defense.

“We play pretty good defense, so I think we can give anybody trouble at state,” Winebark said. “We play up to any team we face.”

Of the Badgers who see the most playing time, three are juniors and two are sophomores. Allured knows the state experience will be invaluable for next season.

He isn’t looking beyond this week, though. The Badgers’ recent hot streak was punctuated by a 63-42 win over Timberlake in the district final.

“We’re not going down there to just go down there,” Allured said. “We’re just as good as any of those teams.”