Horsemen Gallop to First Win Over Rival Blue Hawks

Plains basketball team celebrates long-awaited victory over Thompson Falls

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Plains basketball team let out a boisterous celebration in the locker room after defeating their longtime rival Thompson Falls Blue Hawks, giving the Horsemen their first win of the season. The Horsemen had 15 losses and were becoming discouraged, but fought hard from the start, with Jarett Weeks and Ben Aldridge scoring within the first minute. Aldridge and Cooper Meredith led the Horsemen with 13 points each, while Chase DePoe, Eddie Siebert, and Jackson Revier also contributed. The Horsemen held off a late comeback attempt by the Blue Hawks to win 70-44, their first victory over Thompson Falls in 7 years.

Why it matters

This win was a much-needed morale boost for the struggling Plains basketball team, who had endured 15 losses so far this season. Defeating their longtime rival Thompson Falls, who have had their number in recent years, is a significant accomplishment that could help the Horsemen build momentum and confidence as they look to finish the season strong.

The details

The Horsemen jumped out to an early 24-6 lead after the first quarter, with Aldridge and Meredith leading the way. Thompson Falls made a run to get within 9 points in the second quarter, but Plains pulled away again by halftime. The Horsemen maintained their lead throughout the second half, with Aldridge, Siebert, and Meredith all making key contributions. The final score was 70-44 in favor of Plains.

  • The Horsemen scored within the first minute of the game.
  • Plains led 24-6 at the end of the first quarter.
  • Thompson Falls got within 9 points in the second quarter, but Plains led 47-36 at halftime.
  • The Horsemen led 70-44 at the final buzzer.

The players

Ben Aldridge

A Plains Horseman who scored 13 points in the game.

Cooper Meredith

A Plains Horseman who scored 13 points and had 8 rebounds.

Ethan Burgess

A Thompson Falls Blue Hawk who led his team with 12 points and 6 steals.

Tyrel Allen

The head coach of the Plains Horsemen basketball team.

Jake Mickelson

The head coach of the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a validation win for a group who have been on the cusp of winning numerous times but have fallen short. They were able to overcome a stigma that they couldn't close out a game and played four solid quarters, on the way to beating the Blue Hawks for the first time in seven years as a varsity squad.”

— Tyrel Allen, Head Coach, Plains Horsemen

“I think we came out a little flat, and Plains did not. They played with great spirit and really had their way with us on the boards. Credit to them for playing their tails off and getting the big win. We will just have to dig in and come back and play with great intensity from here on out.”

— Jake Mickelson, Head Coach, Thompson Falls Blue Hawks

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This win highlights the resilience and determination of the Plains basketball team, who have persevered through a difficult season to finally defeat their longtime rival. It serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, hard work, and never giving up, even in the face of adversity.