THOMPSON FALLS – This week the Thompson Falls Bluehawks will hit the basketball court and begin their preparations for regular season competition.  

The boys of Thompson Falls will begin their preseason practice schedule on Thursday, Nov. 20.

According to Thompson Falls Head Coach Jake Mickelson some players from the team have taken part in open gym sessions following the conclusion of the school’s football season in late October.

Mickelson, a first year head coach is looking forward to the start of practices later this week.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be a head coach. We have a really good group of kids and a bunch of upperclassmen,” Mickelson said.

Mickelson said the Bluehawks will enter the season with a total of 13 upperclassmen, four senior student athletes and nine juniors.

This roster depth will serve the Thompson Falls squad well as the advance through their regular season schedule.

Though this is Mickelson’s first year in the top coaching position he was the coach of the Thompson Falls junior varsity team for two years, prior to the start of this season.

Mickelson teaches physical education and history at Thompson Falls.

The new head coach emphasized the team’s early practices will be heavily focused on fundamentals.

The Bluehawks will kick off their regular season campaign against the Superior Bobcats on the road.

Their opening game of the season will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

The team will return to Sanders County and face off against competition at the Sanders County Invitational at Plains High School.

The Plains tournament will start on Friday, Dec. 12 and conclude on Saturday, Dec. 13.