Carbon County Sports

Good Times, Good Friends, Great Exercise

Publisher — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Good Times, Good Friends, Great Exercise

Publisher Sat, 07/25/2026 - 11:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

When Cindy Carnes and Barb Youngberg first picked up pickleball paddles during the summer of 2023, neither imagined they would be helping launch one of Saratoga’s fastest-growing recreational organizations.

What started with just two people learning the game on their own has grown into the Good Times Valley Pickleball Association, a nonprofit organization that now welcomes as many as 16 local players, along with seasonal residents and visitors, to the courts throughout the year.

For Carnes, however, the association has never been simply about playing a sport.

“It isn’t for everybody,” she said with a laugh. “But if there’s anybody that wants to try it, just let me know.”

That welcoming attitude has become the foundation of the Good Times Valley Pickleball Association, where experienced players happily introduce newcomers to the game, provide paddles and balls free of charge, and encourage players of every age and ability to give the sport a chance.

“We have all skill levels,” Carnes said. “You can play as hard as you want, as competitive as you want, or the least that you want.”

Today, the group regularly gathers Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon at the Saratoga Community Center gymnasium, where three indoor courts provide an ideal playing surface regardless of Wyoming’s weather. Additional games often spring up during open gym hours or on Fridays when enough players are available.

The sport itself has exploded in popularity across the United States. Frequently described as a blend of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball uses a smaller court, lightweight paddles and a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball. While the rules differ from tennis, the game is relatively easy to learn and offers enough strategy to keep even experienced athletes challenged.

Carnes admits learning the scoring system can be one of the biggest hurdles.

“The score was the hardest for me,” she said. “We’ll be playing and somebody says, ‘What was that score again?’”

Fortunately, she said, the confusion quickly fades after a few games.

The association officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in January 2024. The original goal was ambitious. Carnes and Youngberg hoped the nonprofit status would allow them to partner with the Town of Saratoga to improve the aging tennis courts at Veterans Island.

“We wanted to partner with the town,” Carnes explained. “Being a nonprofit, we could have gotten grants and things like that.”

Although those plans never materialized, the dream remains alive.

The Veterans Island courts still bear the painted pickleball lines from the association’s efforts, but years of weather have taken their toll. Heat cracks have created uneven playing surfaces that make competitive play difficult and, in some areas, potentially unsafe.

“It’s unfortunate,” Carnes said. “Those used to be really nice tennis courts.”

The organization even hosted its first pickleball tournament there in 2024.

Working alongside the Town of Saratoga’s Recreation Department, Good Times Valley Pickleball Association welcomed 10 teams to Veterans Island for a one-day tournament. Recreation officials donated prizes, volunteers prepared the courts, and the event demonstrated the growing enthusiasm surrounding the sport.

Unfortunately, deteriorating court conditions have made it difficult to continue hosting tournaments there.

Fortunately, Saratoga’s Community Center gymnasium has provided an outstanding alternative.

“We have three nice courts over at the gym inside,” Carnes said. “The floor is good.”

That indoor facility has also allowed the association to continue playing year-round. Even during Wyoming winters, when snow and wind drive many outdoor activities indoors, pickleball players continue meeting whenever the gym schedule allows.

Some members even gather on Saturday mornings simply because they enjoy the game so much.

Part of pickleball’s appeal lies in its accessibility.

Unlike many sports that demand exceptional strength or endurance, pickleball welcomes beginners, seniors and younger players alike. The smaller court reduces the amount of running required, while the slower-moving plastic ball gives players more time to react.

According to information provided by the association, pickleball offers numerous physical health benefits, including low-impact exercise suitable for nearly every fitness level, improved cardiovascular endurance, better balance and flexibility, enhanced coordination and the potential to burn between 400 and 600 calories per hour.

The benefits extend well beyond physical fitness.

Carnes has seen firsthand how the game reduces stress, improves confidence and encourages friendships that might never have formed otherwise.

Players often arrive as strangers but quickly become teammates.

The association emphasizes the mental health advantages of regular activity, noting improvements in reaction time, cognitive function and mood through physical exercise. Perhaps most importantly, the sport creates opportunities for meaningful social interaction in a welcoming environment.

“I like the people,” Carnes said simply.

That sense of community has become one of the organization’s greatest strengths.

Youth participation has also become an important priority.

“I’d love to see more kids,” Carnes said.

Last summer, six young football players joined the group, and several youth continue playing this year. Carnes believes pickleball offers children an opportunity to get away from electronic devices, enjoy healthy exercise and develop confidence through friendly competition.

“I encourage the kids to come and play,” she said.

For children or adults who feel intimidated by joining an established group, Carnes and Youngberg are willing to schedule separate practice sessions.

“We’ll just pick a time,” Carnes explained. “We’ll put up a net and just hit the ball back and forth.”

The goal isn’t winning.

It’s simply helping someone become comfortable enough to enjoy the game.

That philosophy extends to newcomers who may worry about falling or keeping up with experienced players.

Carnes understands those concerns, particularly among older adults.

“What I tell people is, come and try,” she said.

Her own experience has convinced her that pickleball improves balance, agility and hand-eye coordination while keeping players mentally engaged.

She has competed in tournaments throughout Wyoming, including events in Casper and the Wyoming Senior Olympics in Cheyenne. While medals are certainly appreciated, she says the friendships and enjoyment matter far more than the final scores.

“We had fun,” she said. “That’s the main thing.”

The association has also become involved in other community events.

For the second consecutive year, Good Times Valley Pickleball Association organized the cornhole tournament during Saratoga Days after another organization chose not to continue hosting it. Around 20 teams participated this summer, competing for cash prizes while enjoying one of the community’s signature celebrations.

The tournament received support through a Discover Carbon County grant, helping offset expenses and increasing community visibility.

Although Carnes would still love to see Saratoga someday build dedicated outdoor pickleball courts similar to those found in larger Wyoming communities, she remains grateful for what the town already provides.

Communities such as Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne have invested heavily in modern pickleball facilities, some hosting tournaments that attract players from across the region.

“We may never get there,” Carnes said with a smile before quickly adding, “But you never know.”

For now, she considers Saratoga fortunate.

While players in Arizona sometimes reserve court time days in advance or wait in long lines just for an opportunity to play, Saratoga players can simply show up, enjoy the company and start another game.

And if someone has never picked up a paddle before?

That might be exactly the person Carnes hopes to meet next.

The Good Times Valley Pickleball Association welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. Paddles and balls are available for anyone wishing to try the sport before purchasing equipment. Those interested in learning more can contact Cindy Carnes at 307-320-6512, email cindycarnes@yahoo.com, or stop by the Saratoga Community Center Gym during Monday, Wednesday or Thursday morning play.

After all, every longtime pickleball player was once a beginner and in Saratoga, beginners are always welcome.

Carbon County 4-H Brings Home State Shoot Honors

Publisher — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:15:00 +0000

Carbon County 4-H Brings Home State Shoot Honors

Publisher Sat, 07/18/2026 - 20:15

Press Release

Emily Lynn Haver

UW Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development Carbon County

Nearly 600 youth from across the state gathered in Douglas last weekend for the 2026 Wyoming 4-H State Shoot. Carbon County 4-H sent 40 youth to the contest and we are very proud of all of them! We especially want to thank the volunteer coaches of Rawlins 4-H Shooting Sports, Platte Valley 4-H Shooting Sports, and Savery Savers 4-H Shooting Sports for taking us through the season and supporting our youth at the county and state contest; you make this program successful and, more importantly, are good role models for personal responsibility and good sportsmanship! Below are Carbon County 4-H members who finished at the top of their discipline and age division this year. For full results, visit https://wyoming4h.org/opportunities/events-activities-state-shoot/

Shotgun

Shotgun Singles Champion – Coy Munroe (Platte Valley)

Shotgun Handicap Champion – Jackson Sutton (Rawlins)

Shotgun Senior Champion Team – Coy Munroe, Jackson Sutton, Stran Weeldreyer (Savery Savers), Owen Meyer (Rawlins), Bayden Meyer (Rawlins)

Archery A

Intermediate 3D Targets Champion – Dawson Stern (Platte Valley)

Archery C

Junior 3D Targets Champion – Sierra Vorn (Platte Valley)

Junior Blue Face Targets Champion – Sierra Vorn (Platte Valley)

Archery D

Senior 3D Targets Champion – Coy Munroe (Platte Valley)

Junior Champion Team – Kimber Larson (Savery Savers), Ridge Larson (Platte Valley), Gracie Penner (Platte Valley)

Air Rifle

Intermediate Champion – Lexi Vorn (Platte Valley)

.22 Rifle

Intermediate Sporter Champion – Bridger James (Rawlins)

Junior Sporter Champion Team – Ira Haskins (Savery Savers), Ian Haskins (Savery Savers), Liam Johnson (Elk Mountain)

Muzzleloading

Intermediate Champion – Bridger James (Rawlins)

Platte River Rodeo Delivers Weekend of Western Action

Publisher — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:40:00 +0000

Platte River Rodeo Delivers Weekend of Western Action

Publisher Sat, 07/04/2026 - 17:40

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo fans filled Buck Springs Arena June 26-27 as the 2026 Platte River Rodeo continued a tradition that has become a summertime favorite in the Platte Valley.

Launched in 1997, the Platte River Rodeo Association has brought authentic Wyoming rodeo action to Saratoga each June, drawing competitors and spectators for two days of western competition and family entertainment.

This year’s rodeo featured a full slate of events, including ranch bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding, along with the always-popular mutton bustin’ competition for young cowboys and cowgirls. Trick riders Neacy and Riata also entertained the crowd with high-speed, acrobatic performances between events.

Competition in the ranch bronc riding was fierce throughout the weekend. During Friday’s performance, Teegan Debus claimed the top ride to earn the Performance One Ranch Bronc buckle, sponsored by the Cody Cox family.

By the end of the rodeo Saturday evening, the overall championship ended in a tie between Wyatt Duncan and Vinko Villavicencio. Duncan received the Ranch Bronc Champion buckle, donated by the Cox family, while Villavicencio earned the Von Savage Memorial Buckle.

The youngest competitors also provided plenty of excitement. Saratoga’s Sullivan Newton captured the Friday night Mutton Bustin’ championship after a determined ride that had the hometown crowd cheering.

Saturday belonged to Maudi Grubert, who posted an impressive score of 77 to earn the Mutton Bustin’ Champion buckle. Organizers also recognized Banjo Sheep Company for providing the sheep that made the children’s event possible throughout the weekend.

Keeping the rodeo running smoothly behind the scenes were pickup men Kyle Berger and Randy Gruber, whose work with the bucking horses helped ensure the safety of both contestants and livestock.

From thrilling rides to hometown champions, the 2026 Platte River Rodeo once again showcased the western heritage that has made the annual event a Saratoga tradition for nearly three decades.

Carbon County Weekend Sports

Publisher — Sat, 09 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Carbon County Weekend Sports

Publisher Sat, 05/09/2026 - 07:00

4-H and FFA Riders Compete in Carbon Classic Horse Judging Contest

Publisher — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

4-H and FFA Riders Compete in Carbon Classic Horse Judging Contest

Publisher Sat, 03/28/2026 - 06:00

Press Release

Emily Lynn Haver–UW Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

Carbon County, University of Wyoming Extension

Carbon County 4-H hosted its second annual Carbon Classic Horse Judging Contest on Wednesday, March 25, at the fairgrounds in Rawlins. 4-H and FFA youth from all over Wyoming were invited and teams came from Hanna, Saratoga, Encampment, Burlington, Riverton, and Rawlins. The contest included two riding classes and three halter classes and youth competed in all age divisions: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. In horse judging, contestants must order a set of four horses from top to bottom based on riding performance or physical confirmation. Contestants then must orally defend their placement with reasons. Key organizers for the event were Aleshia Withers, Katie Walker, and Toni Kay Tolle. Riders included Bayla Berger, Lindsey Wamsley, and Linda Kraft. The official for the contest was Anna Schofield, who graciously stepped up after the contest had to be rescheduled and the original official could not make it. Prizes and lunch was provided by the Carbon County 4-H Horse Committee through the 4-H Leader’s Council and included buckles, mugs, and banners. Carbon County youth results were as follows:

INDIVIDUALS

Junior Reasons

1st – Boyd Walker, 2nd – Cash Tolle

Junior Placings

1st – Boyd Walker, 2nd – Cash Tolle

Intermediate Reasons

2nd – William Withers

Senior Reasons

2nd – Kannon Gilbert

Senior Placings

2nd – Sammi Walker

TEAMS

Junior Team

Reserve Champion – Carbon County 4-H (Ellie LaBorde, William Withers, Boyd Walker)

Senior Team

Grand Champion – Saratoga FFA (Sammi Walker, Riata Withers, Tessa Peterson, Laenee Barkhurst)

Rattlers Face Tough Opponents at State

Publisher — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Rattlers Face Tough Opponents at State

Publisher Sat, 03/14/2026 - 19:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The first team that the Little Snake River Valley (LSRV) High School basketball team faced at the state championships in Casper was last year’s State 1A Champion, Lingle-Ft. Laramie.

Head Coach Joel Thomas liked the challenge of playing this team because they had not lost a game to a 1A team in over two years.

He wanted the Rattlers to be the team to break the trend.

It was not to be.

“We had injuries throughout the season, which does affect a team, but I don’t think we got over the hump that could beat a team that went to State,” Thomas said. “The only team we beat this year that went to State was Cokeville and when we played them, one of their best players was out.”

Thomas said the Rattlers were always a team that could play with anybody but they were in the zone between really good teams and teams that were not so good.

“We never did have a big win,” Thomas said. “But we did play some good basketball over the season.”

The Lingle-Ft. Laramie game on March 5 brought the Rattlers down. The score was 57 to 29.

The next game they played was against Southeast and they lost a heartbreaker 46 to 45.

Thomas said a coach will always second-guess after a game and a season.

“My younger players improved so fast that they got playing time that took away from the seniors,” Thomas said. “I reflect back on what I could have done to make our chemistry better. I got along great with the kids and the kids got along great with each other, but I just don’t feel like we reached our potential.”

Thomas is pleased with the team and how far it has gone, and he is heartened by the team that is coming back next year. A lot of young players showed strong potential.

There was a Rattler that made All-State. Tymber Cozzens got it this year and he got it last year too. He was also picked for All-Conference.

Granit Ready was picked as All-Conference.

Jandro Kunsman was selected All-Conference.

“Quin Sheaman almost made All-Conference too,” Thomas said. “He had a very good year.”

Thomas said he was really happy with the freshmen class, whether they played or not.

“Their improvement this year was incredible,” Thomas said. “I look forward to next year. I am excited for it.”

Lady Rattlers End Cokeville Streak in Thrilling State Game

Publisher — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Lady Rattlers End Cokeville Streak in Thrilling State Game Publisher Sat, 03/14/2026 - 19:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Clay Evans, head coach of the Little Snake River Valley (LSRV) High School girls basketball team had a great season with his team, even though the Lady Rattlers did not take the championship when they played.

“Our first game was against Lingle-Ft. Laramie in the opening round and it was a burner,” Evans said. “We won 69 to 65 and it really was a fun game.”

Evans said he really enjoyed that game.

Then, the next game the Lady Rattlers met was Cokeville.

“The last 20 times we have played them, we have lost,” Evans said. “We have not won against them since 2018 and the last time we played them, we lost by 18.”

In the regular season, the two losses of the Lady Rattlers were to Cokeville.

“They were not close games either,” Evans said. “So we prepared for them and we won the game.”

Evans said it was a close game.

“The beginning of the game, we did have a pretty good lead at 14 to 6 at the end of the 1st quarter,” Evans said. “Then we got the first bucket going into the 2nd quarter, and I said ‘whoa’. Then Cokeville went on a 15 to 4 run and going into the half, they had 21 and we had 20.”

After that, the game went basket for basket until the end of the game.

Evans describes how in the last 10 seconds with the game tied, Elyse Kisner ended up getting the ball on the three point line and shooting. It went in just as the buzzer went off.

“It was one of the best moments of my life,” Evans said. “It was amazing. It was actually to us, the championship game.”

Evans had told the girls in the beginning of the season, since Cockeville had beaten the Lady Rattler Volleyball team in a championship game, that they wanted to return the favor in basketball

Now they have.

“I was so worked up from this game, when I went to bed, I could not go to sleep”, Evans said. “I was up all night and didn’t fall asleep until 4:50 and was up at 7 am. I did not get a lot of sleep.

Their next game was Southeast.

The Lady Rattlers had the game in control in the first two quarters, although they were only ahead by about 5 points.

“Going into the 4th quarter, we were ahead by one and then lost the lead,” Evans said. “Then we had to start fouling and they made their free throws.”

That game was a defensive battle.

Southeast won 31 to 26.

Evans would have liked to win the championship, but beating Cokeville felt like a championship.

Evans was proud of his team and he had every reason to be.

Outlaws Finish Memorable Season at Regionals

Publisher — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Outlaws Finish Memorable Season at Regionals Publisher Sat, 03/14/2026 - 19:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Rawlins Outlaws saw their season come to an end at the regional basketball tournament despite strong efforts from both the boys and girls teams.

The Outlaws opened regional play March 5 against No. 3 seed Douglas. Douglas controlled the game offensively and came away with an 85-50 win over No. 6 seed Rawlins.

Facing elimination, the Outlaws responded with a strong performance the following day against Burns. Rawlins found its rhythm on both ends of the court and defeated Burns 62-46 on March 6, keeping its hopes of advancing to the state tournament alive.

Those hopes ended March 7 when the Outlaws faced Buffalo in a must-win game. Buffalo held the advantage and secured a 65-54 victory to end Rawlins’ season.

Despite falling short of qualifying for state, the Outlaws finished one of their best seasons in recent years and had plenty to be proud of in their performance throughout the year.

The Rawlins Lady Outlaws also wrapped up their season at the regional tournament.

Entering the tournament as the No. 8 seed, the Lady Outlaws had won two games during the regular season and faced a tough opening matchup against No. 1 seed Wheatland.

Rawlins battled closely with Wheatland in the March 5 contest, keeping the game tight throughout. However, the upset bid fell just short as Wheatland pulled away for a 47-42 win.

The Lady Outlaws faced Torrington on March 6 in another elimination game, needing a win to keep their season alive. Torrington held a slight edge throughout the game and secured a 48-41 victory, ending Rawlins’ season.

Although both teams were eliminated at regionals, the players finished the year with determination and effort that highlighted their seasons on the court.

Saratoga Panthers Win the State Championship

Publisher — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Saratoga Panthers Win the State Championship

Publisher Sat, 03/14/2026 - 19:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Jason Williams, head coach for the Saratoga Panther High School basketball team, had hopes of winning the State Championship at the beginning of the season, like all coaches in 1A. He knew the Panther team had talent, but so did other teams.

“We felt there were five or six teams that had legitimate shots at the State championship,” Williams said. “We felt we were one of them and we went out this season to prove it basically.”

Prove it, the Panthers did as the season progressed.

They lost some games, but not many. Three to be exact. Two of them were conference games

The Panthers found themselves in Regionals, which was a goal for Williams and the team.

The Panthers were a number 2 seed at Regionals and they walked out of the playoffs winning it all and went into State as a number 1 seed.

The first team they played was Upton.

“They were dangerous, not really offensively, but defensively,” Williams said. “We prepared for them all week and they came out with a different defense from what we thought they would. At halftime, we went into the locker room down by 11 points.”

That is a tough position to be in during State but it got worse as the 3rd quarter started.

“They came out and got a three-pointer and now we were down 14,” Williams said. “Then we went on a 30 to 0 run on them. I have never really seen something like this in a State game, but our defense really performed and we stuck it to them.”

The score was 51 to 35.

“There is a mental toughness to our team,” Williams said. “Coaches can draw things up and have the best defensive schemes, but it is the players that actually have to go out there and execute it and face the adversity. The team did it against Upton and in the championship game.”

Williams said it is about one possession at a time.

“You know a 10-point lead by another team goes to a six-point lead and then a two-point lead and then it is tied,” Williams said. “You just keep going.”

The next game was against Burlington and it was a defensive battle.

“It was close at 24 to 22 going into the 4th quarter,” Williams said. “Then we got up by 4 or 5 points and I think they tried to push a little bit to get some quick scores and it didn’t work and it kind of made it worse for them. Then they started fouling and we knocked them in and held them in the end. It was definitely a game that we pulled away from.”

The Panthers beat the Huskies 40 to 29.

William said that instead of thinking they were playing for the championship, the attitude was such that they said they were just playing on the events center floor again and they would be facing Lingle-Ft. Laramie.

It was smart because Lingle was a tough team.

Lingle went into the championship game having won 43 games in a row against 1A opponents. They had only lost a couple of games to 2A and higher teams.

“We tried looking at the game as just another game we wanted to win,” Williams said. “The boys knew of Lingle’s record but we did not talk about it. We talked about this as our game plan for them. We didn’t talk about beating Lingle and stopping their consecutive record until after we won.”

Lingle had been ranked as the best team in 1A basketball for two years in a row.

“To be the best, you have to beat the best,” Williams said. “I think a lot of people in the State assumed it was going to be Lingle and Lusk in the championship and they were half right. Burlington upset Lusk in the 1st round.”

Williams said Lingle had a player step up that they had not expected to have the strong performance he did.

“He had three 3-pointers in the first half and their lead got built up,” Williams said. “We did well guarding some of their other good players but we were behind.”

At halftime, the Panthers were down 10 points. It was 28 to 18.

“Then Lingle came out and scored the first shot in the 3rd quarter and now we were down 12 points,” Williams said. “But at halftime, I told the boys we were getting good shots and we had to hope they started dropping in. Then they did. There is no 10-point play in basketball and you are not going to erase a deficit like that quickly. You have to grind it out. You have to score and then get a stop. Then you have to do it again. It is going to take time but that is what we did.”

In the 4th quarter, the two teams exchanged leads by a point or two.

“Then we got ahead by 3 points and we felt the momentum going our way,” Williams said. “At that point, Lingle started to look for quicker shots because this was not a team that had to play from behind very often in the 4th quarter. Now the clock was becoming the enemy and they were not used to it.”

Williams said the game demonstrated the mental toughness of the team once again.

“I haven’t gone through the State’s archive, but for a team to be down double digits at halftime at State, and then come back and win both of those games,” Williams pointed out. “That is not very common.”

The score ended with the Panthers ahead 50 to 45. It was Saratoga’s second State Championship, the other being in 2020.

“This was definitely a team win, but we have a talented JV team and they are what makes our varsity team better,” Williams said. “If we didn’t have them, we probably would not be in this position we are now.”

There are some Saratoga players who are getting recognition.

Jace Westring made All-Conference and All-State. He was also the Southwest Conference player of the year.

Hazen Williams made All-Conference and All-State.

Max Jones made All-Conference.

Now that the season is over and it has been successful, Williams said he loves coaching this team.

“This team makes me look like a good coach,” Williams said. “It is not me, it is them.”

Williams had praise for the fans.

“They showed up for all the games at Regionals and State,” Williams said. “That is such a boost for the boys. The energy the fans throw out to the team really has helped. I have to say thank you to the fans, because they make it such a positive experience for the team.”

The Panthers will lose three seniors but have 9 freshmen coming on board.

The team is going to the 2A division next year.

It will be interesting to see what happens, but for now, Saratoga can bask in the glory of being a State Champion Team.

Carbon County Teams Head to State after Strong Regional Showing

Publisher — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Carbon County Teams Head to State after Strong Regional Showing Publisher Sat, 03/07/2026 - 13:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Boys

Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM)

The Miners were competitive in Regionals.

In the first game against Hulett, the HEM team only lost by 5. It was a defensive battle and in the end, the score was 45 to 40.

The second game against Casper Christian, the Miners won 51 to 40.

The game that eliminated them from State was playing Upton, where they lost 57 to 46.

“Overall, I thought we had a very successful season. Of course, we didn’t end it how we would have liked but then again most teams don’t,” Head Coach Clif Jones said. “We ended up 14-11. We were competitive in all three of the games at regionals but we just couldn’t get the job done.”

Jones said he is looking forward to next year.

“We are losing some key players in our seniors but have a strong group returning. Now it’s all about putting in the time this offseason to improve ourselves. You don’t get better because you get a year older.”

Little Snake River Valley (LSRV)

The Rattlers’ Head Coach, Joel Thomas, said Regionals was tough but the Rattlers did well enough to make it to State. LSRV beat Meeteetse handily by a score of 51 to 31.

The next game against Cokeville was as tight as a game could be. Both teams were playing good defense, but the Panthers at the end of the game had a point more on their side, and Cokeville won 45 to 44. The next game, Thomas has no explanation for. LSRV lost to Burlington 58 to 34.

“I can’t say why it happened,” Thomas said. “I have no reason why we played so poorly.”

The Rattlers are going into State and will face Lingle.

Lingle is the number one seed and has not been defeated by a 1A team in two years.

“I look forward to the challenge,” Williams said. “I do think someone can knock this off this year, and we get to be the first team to meet them.”

Rawlins

The Outlaws had a heartbreaker in their last game of the regular season on February 28. They played Glenrock in a conference game. Glenrock won the game against Rawlins 72 to 71 when a shot was made at the buzzer for the Herders. Rawlins player Chris Gonzalez had a stellar game with 32 points. The Outlaws had the lead several times, but Glenrock was always coming back. At halftime, the score was 43 to 43. The Rawlins team did look poised to win, but a technical foul against Rawlins with less than 10 seconds to go gave the Glenrock team a chance and they took advantage and got the winning shot. Rawlins will go to Regionals with one of their best season showings.

Saratoga

“It was a good weThe Panthers went the distance and beat their rival, Cokeville to get the number one seed at State.

“It was a good win for us,” Head Coach Jason Williams said. “It was a tough one.”

Before they got to the championship game, the Panthers had to play against St. Stephens.

The game against St. Stephens was a win the Panthers were confident they could get when they played their first game. It did take some time, but by the 4th period, Williams was sure they would win the game. They won 56 to 36.

The next game against Burlington was not so easy.

“It was a total game that was about defense,” Williams said. “They played hard but so did we.”

The Panthers won 37 to 35.

The next game for Saratoga was Cokeville.

“We were hoping to play Cokeville, and we did,” Williams said. “It was another game where defense was key.”

The Saratoga team won 49 to 42.

“I did feel that if we did get that game against Cokeville, we would get them this third time,” Williams said. “And we did.

Williams said his goal for the team was to get to State and the mission was accomplished.

“I feel like we got a pretty good slot,” Williams said. “But it was not easy.”

The Panthers will go up against Upton which is a 4th seed.

Williams said there is a lot of parity in the 1A teams.

“We are looking forward to having three good games and see what happens,” Williams concluded.

Girls

Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM)

The HEM team faced Upton and although it was a game of defense, the Lady Miners lost 44 to 25. The next game against Hulett was a heartbreaker as the team lost 41 to 38.

“The Lady Miners worked and improved throughout the season. All the girls grew leaps and bounds. We were led by our 4 seniors, Bella Vaipuna, Sammee Widdison, Madison Widdison, and Jaidyn Booth,” Head Coach Zack Scott said. “Our other players are prepared to step in and take over leadership of our team.”

Scott admits to being a little disappointed with how Regionals went and their early exit.

“Regionals did not end the way we anticipated but we did fight and play our hearts out, coming up just short,” Scott concluded. “This season was one the girls can be very proud of, 13-11.”

Little Snake River Valley (LSRV)

Head Coach for the LSRV girls basketball, Clay Evans, said injuries made Regionals a bit tougher with their best shooter having a badly sprained ankle. Still, when they met Dubois, the Lady Rattlers got the win 54 to 43. Then the next game against Burlington went badly. Their injury was exposed and the Lady Huskies took advantage of it. They beat the Lady Rattlers 60 to 37.

“The next game was do or die and it was the same as last year with the same team,” Evans said. “We lost by a point last year and we were kept out of State. I did not want a repeat.”

The Lady Rattlers started out slow.

“When we played the three teams this year, before we scored any points, the other teams had a combined total of 25 points,” Evans said. “So we started out slow and there was a point where we were down by 14 points. I asked the girls at half-time, “How bad did they want to win and go to State.”

The girls answered and came out with a vengeance, Evans said. In the 4th period, the girls went ahead and Riverside had no answer. They won 53 to 41.

To get the third seed, the Lady Rattlers had to play Farson Eden, which gave them a scare. The Lady Pronghorns got within 2 but LSRV held them off and won 40 to 32.

The Lady Rattlers will face Lingle at State.

Rawlins

The Lady Outlaws did not have a winning weekend. They lost to Glenrock 46 to 68. The Rawlins team will be the 8th seed at Regionals and face the number one seed, Wheatland.

Saratoga

Logan Wright admits he is a little bummed out that his team did not make State, although the Lady Panthers played well. The game against Burlington did not go well. The team missed a lot of free throws, which made a difference. They lost 25 to 48. The next against Dubois went better and the Panthers beat the Rams 53 to 38. Then, in the last game against Farson Eden, the Lady Panthers lost. Now they were eliminated.

Wright said last year they didn’t make regionals.

This year, they not only made regionals but also won a game.

The goal next year is to build off this year and achieve going to State next year.

“We have made good progress,” Wright said. “The loss does sting, because we felt we left some food on the table. Next year, we hope that doesn’t happen.”