The Thunder Mountain High School boys basketball team is returning from Washington state with two new wins sandwiching its first loss of the season.
The Franklin High School Tournament in Seattle yielded two wins — one on Wednesday and one on Friday — for TMHS along with a loss on Thursday.
“Great tournament for us,” said TMHS coach John Blasco on Friday. “Faced three different types of teams and lots of talent. Really good early season experience.”
On Friday, the Falcons eked out 78-76 overtime win against Kelowna Secondary School of British Columbia, who Blasco described as “a top team in BC.”
The Falcons were led in scoring by junior Thomas Baxter, who chipped in 26 total points and seven of nine points for TMHS in overtime. Senior MJ Tupou also cracked the 20-point barrier with 21 total points, including two in overtime and a pair of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help send the game into overtime.
Juniors James Polasky and Samuel Lockhart scored 11 and 12 points, respectively.
Thursday, TMHS prevailed by a more comfortable score of 75-53 against Foster High School of Tukwila, Washington. On Wednesday, the Falcons fell 77-41 to Squalicum High School of Bellingham, Washington.
In the Thursday game, three Thunder Mountain players —Lockhart, Baxter and Polasky — reached double-digit scoring figures with two — Baxter and Lockhart — topping 20 points.
Baxter led the way with 28 total points, including an 11-point outburst in the third quarter. Lockhart chipped in 21 points, including three first-quarter 3-pointers. Both Lockhart and Baxter finished the game with five 3-pointers made. Polasky scored 13 points.
The Falcons, whose record now sits at 3-1, are scheduled to play Service High School at home on Tuesday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
• Contact Ben Hohenstatt at (907)308-4895 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt.
