Havre High boys face Eagles, Coyotes

When a team is still trying to come into its own, a break from competition could be just what is needed to take the program to the next level. And with the Havre High boys basketball team exiting the holiday break with two games this weekend, the Blue Ponies are hoping they made the right tweaks during their hiatus.

"The break was nice because it gave us a chance to spend a little extra time to fine tune some things," Havre High head coach Andy Smith said. "That was good, but now the kids are anxious to get back on the floor."

Havre High senior Ryan Brandt (left) flys in to the lane during a Central A boys basketball game last month against Livingston in Havre. The Blue Ponies are on the road tonight at Lewistown, but will return home Saturday to host the Class B Shelby Coyotes.

HHS is sitting at 1-5 on the season, while both the Eagles and Coyotes are still searching for wins. But the Ponies are also still trying to solidify themselves as true contenders and aren't looking past either opponents.

"The truth is they are going to be tough games for us," Smith said. "They are going to be tough because the fact we are averaging just 38-points per game. Anytime offensively, you have a tough time scoring, it makes every game tough.

"I am not looking past either team one bit," Smith added. "We know if we play well and compete that both of these games are winnable, but we are going to have to do more than just show up. We will have to compete, battle and knock down shots if we want to win these games."

The majority of the 38-points per game come from Brandon Smith and Ryan Brandt and their outside shooting. But if the Ponies really want to give their offense a boost, the Ponies have to get more production from their big men, meaning Thurman Holdsclaw, Rydell Ruff and Kade Rismon. Holdsclaw and Rismon are combining for over 11 rebounds per game and should look to be more offensive minded this weekend.

The Eagles are always tough at home, so a good offense will be key for the Ponies. Last season the Eagles were 5-0 in league play at home and are expected to push the Ponies again tonight.

Shelby will also be a tough matchup, as they bring in a team to Havre that has had its fair share of success over the years. Former Blue Pony great Tom Rynolds returns to Havre for the first time and brings good talent. And from 2008-2010, the Coyotes played in three straight state championship games.

Defense is going to play key roles again this weekend for HHS.

Before the break the Ponies showed they can stop teams in their tracks with full court pressure, zone and man-to-man looks. The Ponies lead the league with just 47 points allowed per game, but need to start scoring more than 38 if they hope to earn a couple more wins.

Tonight the Ponies will face the Eagles in Lewistown, but will return home Saturday when they host Shelby at 5 p.m.