BONNERS FERRY — The Badger boys basketball team started the season with a 68-55 loss to Wallace on Nov. 27, and a 70-67 win over Cusick on Dec. 1.

“I thought we got a good win against Cusick,” said BFHS Boys Basketball Coach Andy Rice. “They are a good team that I think people overlook, because they are a smaller school. They can score in bunches and extremely quick.”

The Badgers’ second-half effort won the game as they overcame early foul trouble, defensive mistakes, and impatience on offense.

“I thought our guys responded great in the second half by starting the third quarter on a 7-0 run and going on to take the lead,” said Rice. “We played smarter in the second half and got the win.”

After learning some tough lessons in their opener against Wallace, the boys stepped it up against the Panthers.

“Seth Bateman led us in scoring and really stepped up after our first game,” said Rice. “Dylan Hittle did a better job of facilitating our offense and keeping everyone on track in our defensive schemes, especially in the second half. Ty Bateman had some big shots when we needed them, especially towards the end of the game.”

With more nonconference games quickly approaching, the season is still in the early stages.

“I really liked how we played in the second half,” said Rice. “If we can play like that all the time I think we are going to be successful this year.”