BORN TO RUN

Lady Hawks eager to get going

 

December 24, 2020



Maybe they were born to run.

Playing run-and-gun basketball and having a lot of fun doing it, the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks enjoyed one of the best campaigns in school history last winter, winning the District 7B tournament championship and making a strong showing at the Western B divisional tourney.

The Lady Hawks compiled an impressive record of 19-5 last year, finishing third in the Western B and just missing a berth into the State B tournament. The district tournament title from last winter is only the second in school history.

The Lady Hawks did most of their winning in the 2019-2020 season with a fast-paced, defense-centric approach that led to lots of easy scoring opportunities.

"These girls do love to run, that's the way we like to play," coach Chadd Laws said. "We did some good things last year, we just want to improve and do a little better this year."

If the Lady Hawks did any better they would be in the State B tournament themselves, perhaps making a run at glory there and maybe that is the point Laws is trying to make. The Hawks look to be totally capable of a State B run upon closer look at their absolutely loaded roster.

Returning to lead the charge are seniors Megan Baxter, Jody Detlaff, Faith Frields and Riley Wilson, juniors Elli Pardee, Caity Alexander and DanniJo VanHuss, and sophomores Ellie Baxter, Cheyla Irvine and Chesney Lowe round out the current roster.

Megan Baxter and Detlaff were first team District 7B all-conference picks last and Ellie Baxter was named second team as a freshman. What's more, Frields, Pardee and Wilson are also seasoned veterans and proven performers.

Megan Baxter, a scoring machine for Thompson Falls these past few seasons, will go down as one of the best players in TFHS history as the high-scoring Lady Hawk has now been named All-State B all three years of her varsity career so far.

The other half of the Hawks' feared Twin Towers, Detlaff, a terror on defense and the boards, has been named first team 7B twice now.

Once again assisted by former Falls head coach Michael Benson (a coaching legend in his own right), Laws is grateful to have the chance to guide the Lady Hawks again this winter, but does regret one thing.

"We really missed playing last summer," he said. "The girls were jacked about getting together and playing a lot, and then they couldn't (due to COVID-19). Of course, the other teams were in the same boat, but we did miss the chance to become better in the off season."

As far as this season goes, the sky appears to be the limit for the talented Lady Hawks.

"We are working hard and trying to put ourselves in the best possible position for later on," he said and then admitted. "We are very excited about this team. We made some big moves last year and look to make some more this season.

"Whatever direction the season takes," he added, "we should be a lot of fun to watch."

 

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