The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds girls and boys basketball programs are both under the direction of new head coaches and have been hard at it practicing in preparation for their season openers this weekend in Billings.

The girls are coached by Colette Hawley and open play this Friday against Lodge Grass while the boys are coached by Richard Ryan and open play Friday against St. Labre.

The Thunderbirds are in Billings taking part in the All American Indian Shootout. Saturday both squads will take on Lame Deer.

The boys finished second at the District 9C tournament a season ago advancing to t...