Havre boys’ basketball finally got over a slump and picked up a win at Sidney on Saturday. New Media Broadcasters asked coach Walynn Burgess how his team has been going through it and was finally able to break through.
“It’s a friendly reminder to all these guys right now, like yup, games matter. Yes, we want to win,” Burgess said. “But, big picture things. Are we getting better every week?”
“That’s something the team is really starting to believe in,” Burgess continued. “They’re starting to turn the corner.”
“Even the last two games, they’ve forced 30-plus turnovers each game and (we’re) just ramping up our defense a little more,” Burgess said. “It was nice to see the ball go in the hole (,too).”
The Blue Pony boys’ turn right around and face a Miles City Cowboys team that will already have a game played this week before going out and taking on a top team in the Southeastern ‘A’ in Billings Central. Burgess gave his thoughts well ahead of the two matchups.
“Miles City is really improved,” Burgess said. “They took Glendive to the brink. They almost had that game. Coach (Troy) Muri has got those guys playing really hard right now. They’ve got a good 1-3-1 zone (defense) that gives people some fits at times.”
“Then, you turn around Saturday and you’re playing the top dog in the South(eastern ‘A’). Billings Central has been there every year,” Burgess continued. “We feel like we always have good battles with those guys.”
“State-caliber teams we’ve got to get ready for,” Burgess said. “It’s going to be a test to see where we’re at right now.”
This week will start with the Havre boys’ (6-6, 2-2) facing Custer County (5-5, 1-2) at home on Friday at 4pm, followed up by a quick trip to Billings to take on Central on Saturday at 4pm. Both games will be available on KOJM-610AM, 98.3FM, and HiLineToday.com with Kyle Leeds calling the games on Friday night.
