By Jesse and Piper Banning
Your back-to-back champions arrived home last night to quite the surprise.
The Bonners Ferry High School gymnasium was packed to the gills with Badger fans, family and friends to welcome them home from the state championship tournament.
After a nine-and-a-half-hour drive, the Badger boys’ basketball team along with coaches stepped off the bus with pillows and blankets in hand, into the locker room and out into the gym through a tunnel of fans into a packed gym full of people that love and support them.
There was a screen playing highlights and tables full of snacks. The championship banner donned one of those tables ready for each player and coach to sign. The fans anxiously awaited hugs.
With tears in his eyes, Nathan Williams beamed with pride and thankfulness as he told of the dedication of not only his team, but the hearts behind each player; the families and friends who have supported them for so many years.
He told of the absolute joy it has been in so many ways coaching a team that is dedicated to the sport and to each other. He told of the difficulties that the team has encountered and about how tough it really is to win back-to-back championships. He spoke of the estimated 300 fans that made the trip to cheer them on to victory and the deep gratitude he has for each of them.
Each Badger took a turn with the mic. They expressed how much they will miss playing together and how much fun the years have been. The younger classmen talked about the desire to fill the very large shoes that the seniors have left, and the legacy that they have built. They talked about their feelings about playing together for so long and how it’s more like a family then just a team. They talked about the roar of the fans when they set foot on the court at the Ford Center arena and how they felt in that moment.
“These boys aren’t just a basketball team,” Lisa Carle says, “They are friends. They hang out together and are like a little family. They are kind boys who are good students and great community members. They are what you think of when you think of Badger spirit. Never quit. Persevere. Work hard. Focus on the goal.”
Nathan Williams expressed his gratitude for the event that took place tonight, “Absolutely amazing! Our fans are truly the best and I can’t thank Lisa Iverson enough for opening up the gym and setting everything up. These times are what the team will remember and talk about in the near and far future.”
It’s the end or an era, but we look to another bright future for Badger basketball.
Lisa Iverson couldn’t have said it better…”Proud—that’s the word that comes to mind when I think of this team and what they have accomplished, not just once, but twice. I appreciate the incredible talent of this team, but more importantly, I admire the way they carry themselves both on and off the court.
These are good young men—respectful, kind, and always willing to stop and lend a hand when needed. I watched two of our state champion players escort an elderly lady to her car during the community ham and turkey giveaway around Christmas. Both of them had their arms full, big smiles on their faces, and made sure to slow their pace so she could keep up. It was a tender moment to witness.
On the court, these guys are dominant in every aspect of their game, but notably, they are never mouthy, rude, or unsportsmanlike toward their opponents or officials. That’s an important quality, especially in a time when kids are so influenced by social media and the pursuit of likes. I appreciate how these young men always worked toward one common goal—working together to win.
The only regret I have about this season is seeing it come to an end. I am grateful for everything Coach Williams and his assistants have done for this team. Thank you! It makes me proud to be a Badger!”