Pioneers Hustle in Copper League

POTOMAC - The Potomac School boys basketball team began their season with four wins and a loss for the A team and 3 losses for the B team.

Father and son coaches Brad Hall and Sam Hall are coaching the 15 fifth- through eighth-graders that make up the A and B Pioneer teams. The Halls have a certain strategy for the Pioneers. "The goal is to teach the fundamentals, and then teach the plays," said Brad.

The first game was away against the Clinton Cougars Nov. 1. The Pioneers' A team won by two points 26-24 Potomac. The B team lost 9-23.

Then came the first home game against the Missoula International School (MIS). It was a win for Potomac, 38-12, and experience for MIS. MIS just created their sports program. The Nov. 3 game against the Pioneers was their first game ever. Potomac won.

On Nov. 9 the Pioneers faced the Hellgate Hawks on their home court. It was a loss for the B team, 12-24 with the A team winning 37-17.

"The kids are great. They are good kids and it is so fun having many different personalities [on the team]," said Sam.

Lolo Elementary at Potomac Nov. 15 brought losses for both the A and B teams as Lolo beat Potomac. The A game score was 20-48 and the B game score was 14-28.

In the Desmet game Nov. 17 the Padres and Pioneers played four quarters with the final score 69-54 Potomac.

As assistant coach Sam Hall said he loves every minute of coaching. His goals for the team include improving as basketball players, becoming better people along the way, and competing and having fun.

Even with the number of kids on the team and the variety of training needed, the Halls have something for everyone to practice.

Sam said, "With shooting drills and dribbling, the different elements make a good activity." From there the teammates can find the next step to take.

"Basketball is like life," Brad said. "Teamwork, cooperation, communication and working hard. I like seeing improvement in the kids and the smiles on their faces."