A strong group of seniors and a love for the game of basketball are two of the things that give head coach Jake Mickelson optimism as the Blue Hawks prepare of the opening of the 2024-25 high school season.

Led by multisport standout 6-3 Bryson LeCoure, the Blue Hawks are looking to improve on last year’s 13-10 overall mark in the Western 7B conference and a trip to the Western Division finals. 

And while the 7B and the Western division will once again feature a minefield of talented boys' teams, the Blue Hawks have the experience and talent to be in the mix. 

Last year’s 7B champion, Eureka, which went 18-5 and advanced to the Division’s final four, lost a whopping seven seniors from that team, opening the path for teams like Thompson to do some district hiking. 

Joining LeCoure as part of the core at the center of Mickelson’s optimism are 6-0 guards Sam Burgess and Kaiden Robins (5-10), 6-3 forward Braedon Ferris, and Ian Myers, a 6-2 forward. 

Also expected to play a key role in Thompson Falls’ season are 5-11 Bryson McCormick, 5-10 Kaden Cox, and 5-8 guard Zac Palacios. 

Those players will do their best to fill in the void created by the graduation of Nick Tessier, Braxton Dorscher, Cael Thilmony, Theo Nygaard, Justin Haagenson and two-sport standout Max Hannum. 

But Mickelson said his guys appear to have the right stuff to replace the departing group of solid seniors. 

“Team chemistry should be strong,” coach Mickelson said. “We will have strong senior leadership and a good work ethic.  This group loves basketball and are a joy to coach and be around for four months (basketball season)”. 

Mickelson said he hopes his team develops an ability to “start fast and finish fast” as they prepare for the season opener this coming Friday (Dec 6) at home versus always tough Florence. 

And he is confident his team has what it takes to compete in the tough 7B and 6B schools once the Division tournament rolls around this Spring. 

“The boys are looking forward to being competitive in every game and challenging every team we face by being well prepared and competing to the best of their ability,” Mickelson said. “District 7B as well as the Western B conference as whole is always a gauntlet full of well coached teams and kids that we respect and look forward to giving them our best game each time out”. 

And, he added, “this group want to prove they belong and are excited for the opportunity to play basketball this Winter”. 

    Thompson Falls head coach Jake Mickelson works with guard Kaiden Robins during preseason practice this past week as the Blue Hawks prepare for their season opener this Friday versus Florence in Thompson Falls. (Photo by Tracy Scott)