by John Hamilton

The Hot Springs Savage Heat boys did not quite win, but they did put the fear of God into the Devils before falling back to a 47-46 loss to Noxon in Hot Springs.

Buoyed by the addition of three eighth grade players who became eligible for this game, the fired-up Heat led most of the way in those boys’ first varsity game ever. With the addition, the Heat’s roster swelled to a total of nine enthusiastic players.

“It was a fun game, we played really well most of the night,” Hot Springs coach Ricky DePoe said. “We got a little bit tight and committed a bunch of turnovers in the fourth quarter and Noxon made a couple of free throws at the end to win it.”

Sophomore Brandon Knudsen had an outstanding game in leading the Heat with a career-high 31 points, Tyler Carr added seven points, Justin Salmi six and Luke Waterbury two. Please see other story for details on Noxon scoring in the game.

In other action last week, the Heat lost 52-23 in Plains before the roster additions.

Knudsen collected 16 points in that game to lead Hot Springs. Car scored six and Waterbury one. Again, see other story for Plains scoring.

Up this week for the suddenly well-stocked Heat are games at St. Regis Thursday and with Charlo in Hot Springs Friday as the regular season ends.

DePoe said the Heat received some more good news last week when it was learned that junior Tyler Knudsen, who has been shelved all season with a foot injury, was cleared to play this week. DePoe added that Knudsen will become eligible in time for the District 14C tournament in Pablo Feb. 15-17.

“That should give us another lift,” he said. “Tyler has been at all our practices and a pretty vocal leader for us all season. He will definitely help us out on the floor once he gets back in shape.”