THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks played their hearts out on Friday against Loyola, a very tough opponent.

Coming up short, the Thompson Falls boys lost 46-73.

“We were up against a very tough opponent,” said head coach Chadd Laws. “(Loyola) was coming off a state football championship and is a very athletic team. They played very well.”

Coach Laws said the Bluehawks had it down to eight points toward the end of the third, making a good run.

Baptiste Seynaeve was the lead scorer of the game, managing eleven points. Ross Dalby followed with nine points. Derek Whittenburg put up five points, Ryan Knutson and Greg Wadsworth had three points each while Tanner Laws and Tyler Bates each put up two.

Coach Laws said Seynaeve was effective offensively and the team is trying to get more of an inside presence on the court.

Seynaeve, Tyler Bates and Derek Whittenburg all did a good job on the inside, according to Laws.

Dalby was acknowledged for playing a nice job defensively and the coach was also very happy with Dominique Holt.

“Our team showed a lot of poise in adverse situations and were able to stick together and not get down on one another in a tough game,” said Coach Laws. “It showed a lot of maturity and showed that they’re focused on our team getting better every week.”

The Bluehawks have a tough week ahead of them facing two very strong teams.

On Saturday, Thompson Falls will clash with Florence – a very forceful front.

“(Florence) is the number one D team in the state right now. They are that good. They’ve gotten third in the state for the last three years in a row and they didn’t lose anyone from last year,” said Coach Laws.

After Florence, the team will host the Superior Bobcats, another strong team.

Superior is currently undefeated and Coach Laws said they are phenomenal with a strong inside presence.

“I think we also have a really good inside defense and hopefully we’re able to neutralize offensive rebounding. I think rebounding will be a big key in the game,” said Coach Laws.

The Lady Hawks took to the court and battled Loyola on Friday, also losing to the Sacred Heart in a 55-61 nonconference Class B battle.

Logan Beckman led the team with an impressive game-high of 25 points. Allison Vaught followed behind with 15 points while Kelsey Fitchett scored eight. Erica Sorlie added three points and Angela Padden netted two points.

After their loss, the Thompson Falls girls battled Florence, coming up short 59-73.

Beckman netted 19 points, while Fitchett scored 16 points. Vaught put up nine points while Erica Sorlie had five. Shey Hannum put in three points while Padden put up two.

The girls will play the Superior Lady Bobcats on Thursday at yet another away game.