PRIEST RIVER — The Badger boys basketball was down two points at halftime, but went on a second-half run to beat the Spartans, 68-52.

“It was a great team effort and I thought our defense played well and seems to be getting our legs back under us after some illness,” said head coach Nathan Williams.

Priest River had a 29-27 halftime lead but its rotation suffered from the loss of Trentyn Kreager, who suffered from appendicitis moments before tip off. While the Spartans held a slim lead after the first half, the second belonged to the Badgers and they came away with a 68-52 victory.

The two teams traded the lead six times in the first half and 10 times total but once Asher Williams made a corner three with 1:00 left in the third to put Badgers up 38-33 the Spartans failed to come close to the lead again.

During the first half both teams were playing with an energy as if it was the final half of a state championship game.

No team led by more than four points and both offenses were ready. The difference in the second half was the Badgers were able to keep pace and step up defensively in the final 16 minutes.

Both teams came into the game with matching 8-8 records, boosting Bonners Ferry up to second place in the 3A Intermountain league standings.

Braeden Blackmore and Asher Williams led with 19 points a piece, Ridge Williams had nine points followed by Ethan Hubbard who chipped in seven.

Bonners Ferry 12 15 21 20 — 68

Priest River 11 17 13 10 - 52

Bonners Ferry: R. Williams 9, Henslee 0, Petsech 2, A. Williams 19, Thomas Bateman 8, Hubbard 7, Trey Bateman 4, Mai 5, Blackmore 19

Priest River: Baker 9, Matthews 0, Marinello 10, Gleason 0, Barrett 15, Engelson 2, Yount 16.

The Badgers take on Priest River at home on Friday, Feb. 11. C Team plays at 4 p.m., JV boys 5:30 p.m. and varsity boys at 7 p.m.

Boys basketball lost to Kellogg Friday Feb. 4, 60-45. Previously in the season the badgers lost to Kellogg 60-56.