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

The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbird boys basketball team played a couple tough games this past week. Friday, the team offered :23 of silence prior to the start of their contest with the North Star Knights. The moment of silence was in recognition of teammate Teaunce Brockie, who wore the number 23. The Thunderbirds fell to the Knights 64-37. On Saturday, the boys were in Chester to take on the Hawks and were defeated 78-32.

On Friday, the Thunderbirds welcomed the North Star Knights to town in their home and District 9C season opener. The Knights stormed out to a 19-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 36-14 at the break. The Thunderbirds played much better after the break, but the Knights won the half 28-23 to secure the 64-37 win. Senior William Hughes led the Thunderbirds with 12 points in the contest.

Following the conclusion of the contest, the North Star fans selected Teaunce as the sportsmanship award winner. Xander Searless brought Teaunce's number 23 jersey out to midcourt for the picture ceremony. Teaunce was involved in a serious car wreck in November and spent some time at Benefis ICU before being transported to Billings for further treatment at St. Vincent's. Last week he was moved to a rehabilitation facility in Colorado where he passed Thursday after being in a coma.

Saturday in Chester, the Hawks took control early and never looked back. Chester/J-I led 31-9 after eight minutes of action, 56-14 at the end of the first half en route to a 78-32 win over the Thunderbirds. Hays/Lodge Poles' scheduled contest for Tuesday against the Harlem Wildcats has been moved to January 2, 2024.