Bulldog basketball begins

By Bill Foley - 12/05/2008

For the first time since the Bulldogs played for the state title in 2004, the Butte High boys' basketball team is in rebuilding mode.

That, however, doesn't mean coach John Thatcher's team isn't setting its sights on big things in 2008-09.

"Our team goal is to get to the state tournament," Thatcher said of the March 12-14 Class AA state tournament at the Butte Civic Center. "That's our goal. Nothing

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else."

The quest to the qualify for that tournament begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. when the Bulldogs take on Missoula Hellgate in a non-conference game at Butte High's Ross J. Richardson Memorial Gym.

Last season, despite lofty expectations placed on them, the Bulldogs missed state for the first time since that Cinderella run in 2004.

One week after beating eventual state champion Billings West in Billings, the Bulldogs fell in triple overtime to Billings Skyview in a home playoff game.

Getting back to state won't be easy considering the Bulldogs lost eight seniors from last year, including five starters.

"We're young and inexperienced, but I like what they're doing at practice," Thatcher said. "I like their enthusiasm."

Senior Mike Ueland (5-foot-9) and juniors Mitch Hawbaker (6-5) and Keaton Lappin (6-2) saw lots of playing time — mostly in reserve — for the Bulldogs last season. They'll be in the starting lineup this year.

Junior Cole Bugni (6-3) and freshman Cody Carriger (6-7) will round out the starting lineup.

"Corey Dennehy could be a starter," Thatcher said of the 5-10 junior wing. "But I'm going to start big (Friday)."

Carriger is the first Butte High freshman to start a varsity game since Jake Larson did it during the 1997-98 season.

"He's strong enough to hold his own," Thatcher said of Carriger. "Six-foot-7 is still 6-foot-7."

Nate Peterson, a 6-6 senior, gives Thatcher another big option off the bench.

Thatcher is entering his his ninth year at Butte High. He is 100-77 after posting a 14-7 record last season.

"I'm excited about the year," Thatcher said.

Butte High will play its first two home games at the Richardson Gym. The Bulldogs' first game at the Civic Center is Jan. 3 when they take on Dillon.

The Bulldogs will play four games before the Christmas break, and historically Thatcher doesn't put too much stock in the December games.

Butte High's first Eastern AA Conference game is Jan. 8 when Great Falls Russell comes to town.

The Bulldogs play Butte Central on Jan. 15, and they head to Anaconda on Feb. 12.

Butte High boys' 2008-09 schedule

All home games at Butte Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

December

5 — vs. Missoula Hellgate (Butte High Gym). 9 — vs. Helena Capital (Butte High Gym). 16 — at Helena High. 18 — at Missoula Big Sky.

January

2 — vs. Belgrade (Butte High Gym). 3 — vs. Dillon. 8 — vs. Great Falls Russell. 10 — at Great Falls High. 15 — vs. Butte Central. 23 — vs. Billings West. 24 — vs. Billings Senior. 29 — vs. Great Falls High. 31 — at Great Falls Russell.

February

3 — vs. Bozeman. 7 — at Billings Skyview. 12 — at Anaconda. 20 — at Billings West. 21 — at Billings Senior. 26 — at Bozeman. 28 — vs. Billings Skyview.