Bring it on!

BFHS basketball season is in full swing.

Welcome to another year of Bonners Ferry High School basketball! This promises to be an exciting year as both the boys’ and girls’ teams have returning players who are ready for the challenges ahead.

I had an opportunity to visit with girls’ varsity head coach, Chris Chatburn, about this year’s Badgers girls basketball.

Coach Chatburn, who is in his second year of coaching this team, said he is excited about the season and is looking forward to working with the girls to maximize the team’s potential.

But it’s not just teaching the game of basketball that Chatburn enjoys; it is also the relationships that develop with players and the coaching staff.

“Everyone is working towards a singular goal and puts the team ahead of individual achievements,” said Chatburn. And whenever you are coming together for a common goal, teamwork is essential for success.

Returning to the hardwood this year are seniors Savannah Woods, Abby Skeen, and Jasmine Hill. These three, along with juniors Abby Davis, Kerstin Oxford, Regan Byers, Kayleigh Morgan and Jaiden Everhart, will bring the needed guidance and drive to the team for the season. Whenever you have experience on your side, you always will have an edge. Experience always helps to both settle the nerves and provides new players with leadership.

When asked about the season, Chatburn was optimistic in spite of what appears to be some challenging opponents. “All of our league opponents should be tough,” said Chatburn. “Overall, we are focusing on what we do each day in practice. While we prepare for each opponent, our goal is to improve each game and practice and see where we are as we head to the District Tournament.”

Even though there are a lot of returning players, they are only in the first year of a new system. The concepts are a bit different from what has been done in the past, but Coach Chatburn is confident saying, “(As they) get more familiar with the concepts, we should really be good.”

Whenever you have to learn something new, it can be intimidating. But with hard work and lots of dedication, these experienced players will have no problem in the end.

“We have lofty goals - win our District, get to State, and place high at the State tourney,” said Chatburn. “If we come together as a team, stay healthy and work hard each day in practice these goals are realistic.”

With a hometown crowd to cheer you on, it can make a big difference! With lots of home games on the schedule, why not set aside some time and head out to a game of basketball and cheer for our Badgers? It is a wonderful way to be engaged in the community!

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