The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The 'Beeters improved to 9-0 on the season and 4-0 in District 9C play Friday night in Gildford the 'Beeters took down the previously undefeated North Star Knights 57-35 in a big statement game for the team. Saturday at home the 'Beeters were tested for the first time all season long but with the game on the line they gained some separation and took down the Fort Benton Longhorns 44-35.

Friday in Gildford the 'Beeters took a 12-7 lead after eight minutes of action. Senior Bree Swanson and sophomore Alexus Seymour each dropped in three-point buckets to lead the way. North Star battled back and eventually took the lead. Chinook finished the half strong and led 16 at the halftime intermission.

Junior Hallie Neibauer had a huge second half despite starting the third quarter with three fouls. Neibauer drained a long ball from beyond the arc and scored seven third quarter points. Chinook extended their lead to 35-26 entering the fourth quarter. Neibauer connected three times from distance and scored 13 points down the stretch to lead the 'Beeters to a 57-35 win over the Knights.

Neibauer paced the attack with 25 points and nine rebounds. Seymour added 11 points and eight rebounds to go along with three assists.

Saturday against the Longhorns the team struggled a bit offensively scoring just five first quarter points. The defense, as always was impressive, holding the visitors to just four. The second quarter was more defense although the Sugarbeeters scored 11 in the frame to lead 15-12 at the break.

Fort Benton chipped away at the 'Beeters and eventually got into a groove scoring 16 third quarter points against the vaunted 'Beeter defense. Chinook trailed in the second half for the first time all season. The Longhorns held a tenuous 28-27 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The win remained up for grabs late in the contest. With two minutes remaining the 'Beeters finally were able to string stops and baskets together to open up a nine point lead and secure a 44-35 win to remain undefeated. Seymour paced the 'Beeters with 15 points. Neibauer tossed in 13 and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Through nine games the 'Beeters have outscored their opponents by 26.1 points per game. They have won four games by more than 30 points and prior to Saturday's nine point win their closest contest was a 17 point win over the Box Elder Bears

Now that the team has reached the midway point in the season and Head Coach Mike Jones assesses his teams current standing, "We have to continue to refine our game each and every practice, both mentally and physically. Because we are going to get each teams best we have to make sure that we are conditioned physically and mentally to play at a high level every game."

The 'Beeters seem to size up their opponent early on and then open the flood gates. "I think that is a testament to each team we play. Our opponents bring it each night so we have to match that intensity. We tell the girls rarely do teams come out and just blow teams out. We have to grind out wins and use our athleticism to wear out teams," said Jones.

The 'Beeters seem to have it all, they can score in the open court, run with anyone and are effective both inside and out in the half court set. Defensively they are relentless in their pressure and their active hands force a ton of turnovers. Coach Jones, still sees room for improvement, "I think we need to work on some of our situational basketball, end of quarters, using more of the shot clock at times and also working the 1/2 court offense. Also as a defensive minded coach I always think we can anticipate on defensive better especially in our full court press."

The 'Beeters are comfortable with different line ups on the court, "Each game may present a different match up so we may look to keep changing some of our lineup depending on the situation," commented Jones.

In situations where a team doesn't get tested a lot it's not uncommon to lose a little focus but the 'Beeters seem to play with an underdog mentality, "We talk a lot about having to keep working. The more successful we are as a program the bigger the target we get placed on us by opponents. If we just take the mentality that each team is going to give us their best and we prepare with that mentality each and every practice, hopefully we don't fall into that rut," Jones stated.

Senior Torin Cecrle beats the Longhorn defender to the basket to complete the 'Beeter fast break.

The 'Beeters are coming together as a unit and it's something the coaching staff focuses on, "I am a big team culture guy and I think our team is gelling pretty well. We are taking the season one game at a time, can't look ahead or behind us just keep focused on the next one."

Looking back at the first half of the season Jones sums things up by saying, "As coaches we are always trying to improve our practice and put our players in the best situation. Honestly practices are a blast. We have a great group of kids, and they are always fun to be around and to mentor them and watch them grow as players and individuals off the court. I would be lying to you if I didn't say that the North Star game wasn't a highlight. The atmosphere was electric and the girls really sold out in that game. It was fun watching and coaching them in that type of game."