The Potomac Pioneers played in the Adams Center Dec. 13 for their championship basketball game against the Clinton Cougars. They won 30-22. Pictured Front (L-R): Brian Shinnick, Garrett Schmill, Zane Benedict, Keith Zander, Brandon Leathers, Chase Salter, Wyatt Zander, Brayden McDonald and Emmett Zander. Back (L-R): Assistant Coach Sam Hall, Hunter Preston, Owen Dry, William Philliber, Bowen Olson, Buzzy Bennett, Lou Cheff and Coach Brad Hall.
Potomac School eighth graders Bowen Olson and Buzzy Bennett after winning their championship basketball game for the Copper League small schools division Dec 13 at the Adams Center in Missoula, Mont.
Potomac Pioneer sixth-grader Hunter Preston looks for an open teammate during the first tournament game against the Missoula International School Dec 6.
Potomac prepares to catch the rebound during their tournament game against the Missoula International School Dec 6.
POTOMAC - The Potomac School Pioneers boys basketball A and B teams ended their season by winning their division tournament. Coaches Brad Hall and his son Sam Hall were pleased with the season.
This year the schools within the Copper League were divided into divisions. Potomac School was in the small school division. Fifth through eighth-graders made up the A and B teams and altogether played 14 games winning eight.
The Pioneers had two tournament games against the Missoula International School (MIS) and Clinton.
The MIS game was Dec. 6 in Clinton. Potomac won 30 - 15. That put them in the championship game against the Clinton Cougars. They played Dec. 13 at the Adams Center Field House in Missoula, Mont.
Brad and Sam said the team came out a little flat in the first half of the championship game and turned the ball over too much. The Pioneers were down 12-15 at the half.
During the second half they turned it around, played more focused and intense and were able to build a quick lead said the coaches.
Potomac beat the Cougars 30 - 22 for the small school division title.
"Potomac was on fire," said Brad.
Copper League manager Damian Droessler presented the Potomac team with certificates after announcing them the winner of the small schools division.
The Halls said it was really fun to see the boys come alive the second half of the championship game doing the things they worked on during practices and playing as a team. With the number of kids on the team and the variety of training needed, the Halls had something for everyone to work on. With the coaches shouting out plays like "Michigan! or Tool Time!" the team came together. The team practiced shooting drills and dribbling as well as learning the plays.
Sam said, "As for the year, the kids had an excellent season. They worked hard, competed in every game and strived to improve every day." Sam felt he couldn't have asked for a better first year as a coach.
Reader Comments(0)