The Libby Loggers basketball team is looking to make it to the state tournament this season with their experienced and versatile team.

With seven seniors, four juniors and two sophomores, their biggest goal this season is to make it to the state tournament. The last time they won the state championship was in 2004, and before that they hadn’t won since 1966.

“It’s a good group of kids,” Bean said. “I think we have the ability to get [to the state tournament] with this group of seniors.”

The team is comprised of two returning starters, sophomore guard Ryggs Johnston who was a first team all conference from last year, and senior post and forward Eric Lauer second team all conference last year. Senior forward Colin Maloney also played a lot of minutes last year and has been working hard over the summer for the upcoming season, Bean said.

“All of my seniors are key players in some role and fashion,” Bean said. “We’ve made some big strides in the past couple years, and hopefully we can take another step.”

The team has played together for many years, giving them more structure with their techniques the coach said.

Losing out of the divisional tournament last year, Bean is looking to go all the way to state this year.

In the beginning, Bean is planning to be more defensive, becoming more offensive as they become more comfortable during games.

Each practice the team is working extensively on rebounding and turnover-reducing techniques. Bean said that while they’re a more defensive team, he’s never quite satisfied with how they play defensively.

The Libby Loggers will take the court for the first time at an invitational tip-off tournament in Shelby.

“We’re excited to go over there and play different teams,” Bean said. “Not only are our games going to be good, but there’s going to be some really good basketball games over there that we’re going to be able to get to watch. I’m excited for our kids to see teams that we don’t always get to see.”

Bethany Rolfson is a reporter at The Western News and can be reached by phone at 293-4124, or by email at [email protected].