SUPERIOR – The Superior Bobcats took two strong victories against the Hot Springs Savage Heat and the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks last Friday and Saturday.

With a final score of 71-32 against Hot Springs Friday, January 3, the Bobcats had a good game against a strong team.

Superior took the lead early in the first quarter and put the height difference between the teams to good use. The Bobcats played a strong game and used their height to their advantage over the Hot Springs players. With a number of players who stand well over six feet, the Bobcats were able to intercept the ball and keep it away from the opposition with ease.

While the Bobcats were able to gain some advantages from height, Head Coach Chris Toivenen explained this is not always a good thing. Taller players can sometimes move slower or have trouble against shorter, more agile players. This was demonstrated in the game as the Hot Springs boys would keep low and dart quickly around the taller players.

The second quarter continued with a strong game, where Superior gained numerous free throws. The final score of the first half was 39-13 Bobcats. The third quarter saw Hot Springs rally and begin to close the gap. However, Superior was able to maintain a strong lead. At the end of the third quarter, the score read 59-24.

According to Toivenen, the Bobcats played well, but still suffered some mistakes. He said the team turned the ball over to Hot Springs more often than he would have liked.

“Sometimes we get a little complacent with no defensive rebound,” said Toivenen.

However, he felt the team did well overall. Toivenen praised the team on their passes and assists. He also said it was good to see none of the players get hurt in the game.

“[There were] a lot of good things tonight…a lot of positives” said Toivenen.

Some members of the team especially stood out and received special praise from the coach. Senior Clint Voll led the team with 14 points and 10 rebounds while junior Wyatt Zylawy had a close second at 13 points. Senior Tucker Smith was also mentioned by Toivenen for his six points and six assists, as was senior Jarrod Tippens with 14 rebounds.

“The overall standard of control was huge…a lot of good things for us,” said Toivenen.

In Saturday’s game against Thompson Falls, the Bobcats saw another big victory with a final score of 72-49. Toivenen felt the team did a great job against a very physical team.

The entire team performed well and everyone got time on the court. Toivenen felt there were several good plays in the game.

Smith had a huge first quarter as the Blue Hawks left him open in a number of plays. He took advantage of these and led the team with 21 points. Voll continued to play a strong game as well with 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Tippens also led the charts with 15 points, four steals and two blocks.

“Overall, it was a very successful day,” said Toivenen.

The coach praised Zylawy and senior Tanner Smith for the pair’s defense and ability to block the Thompson Falls players.

However, Toivenen did see some places where improvement was needed. He said there was some miscommunication in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game, which allowed Thompson Falls to score approximately half of their points. He said the team’s defense and offense were strong, but general improvements in everything would be the goal for the practice sessions.

“We want to play a perfect game and we’re not there yet,” said Toivenen. “We just need to get better in all facets, really.”

Superior’s next games will be Friday, January 10, in Charlo and Saturday, January 11, at home against Two Eagle River.