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Sports Goulash

Odds and ends of Wyoming high school sports.

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4A-3A state hoops odds

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on March 6, 2008 at 12:38AM EST

Looking for motivation, dear underdogs? Look right here.

BOYS
Class 4A
Natrona County: 3-2
The Mustangs have to be the overwhelming favorites in this bracket. And why not? At 22-1, NC is looking every bit as good as we thought they might, even back at the end of last year. And NC has proven it knows how to win close games.

Gillette: 5-1
The Camels cruised through the East Conference and the regional tournament.... But have they improved enough to give the Mustangs a real challenge?

Rock Springs, Green River, Evanston: 10-1
Any one of the other three qualifiers from the West Conference has the ability to knock off the Mustangs. All it takes is a little confidence. And a lot of defense. And a lot of boxing out.

Cheyenne Central: 12-1
The Indians pushed NC to overtime way back on opening weekend and have the ability to win it all -- even if they did end the season on a 1-3 slide.

Cheyenne East, Laramie: 35-1
Just don't see it. Sorry. Of course, we all know what Laramie did last year, and we all know East has enough pride to keep from folding.

Class 3A
Buffalo: 2.5-1
The Bison -- and their 22-1 record -- are the most consistent team in a classification full of inconsistency. That alone earns them the favorites' role.

Pinedale: 5-1
Remember way back in like December or January when I said the Wranglers would be that team that would go .500 or so during the regular season, and then be the team that "comes out of nowhere" to compete at state... even though they've been solid all season? Yeah, that still rings true, especially after the West Regional championship they won.

Wheatland: 6-1
Losing three straight right before regionals probably didn't help the Bulldogs' confidence. But winning two at regionals before losing by three in the regional championship should bring that confidence back.

Newcastle: 10-1
The Dogies are probably one year away from being one of the favorites for a state championship. But that doesn't mean they don't have the talent to do something special this year, too.

Lander: 15-1
Dangerous team right here. Easily overestimated, the Tigers have the talent to make it to Saturday -- and once they're there, it's a toss-up anyway...

Lyman: 25-1
Never underestimate state tournament experience. (Oops, maybe I just did...)

Jackson, Kemmerer: 30-1
Kemmerer's inconsistency really scares me, but the Rangers always play with heart and purpose. Jackson could be tough, but an unforgiving first-round opponent (Buffalo) might be too much to overcome.

GIRLS
Class 4A
Gillette: 3-1
Even with the loss in the regional championship, I still think the Camels are the favorites. They have too many big wins for me to think otherwise.

Sheridan, Cheyenne Central: 4-1
If the Camels slip up, the Broncs and the Indians are right there, ready to take their place.

Natrona County: 6-1
The West Regional champs had the misfortune of playing in the weaker conference. How that will affect them at state remains to be seen.

Rock Springs: 10-1
The Tigers could be trouble if they get past Sheridan in the first round.

Green River, Evanston, Cheyenne East: 28-1
It wouldn't be a surprise to me to see any of these three teams win on Thursday. It would be surprising to see them win in the semis on Friday. And it'd be jaw-dropping to see any one of these three win a state title. But that doesn't mean it can't happen.

Class 3A
Jackson: 2-1
Favorites all the way. Following up a state championship season with a 24-1 record earns you that respect.

Torrington: 5-1
What did the 'Blazers learn from last week? The right lesson, or the wrong one? I'm banking on the right one.

Douglas: 9-1
Maybe the most confident team in the bracket.

Lovell: 12-1
You can never count out a team that has Kristen Scheffler -- especially if the Bulldogs beat Torrington on Thursday.

Powell: 16-1
The Panthers have been waiting all year to bust loose. No sense waiting any more, ladies...

Newcastle: 18-1
Noticing a trend? Past the top two favorites, this is an extremely even field....

Worland: 20-1
... and any one of these eight teams can win it all. ...

Glenrock: 25-1
... Forget the rankings and the records. This 3A girls bracket will be the most fun of them all this weekend.

There they are.

Before we move on, I have a couple other items to share. First comes from online editor Ron Gullberg:

"The Online Department is stepping up its video features effort for the 3A/4A basketball tournament. One feature it wants to do is players' tattoos. In an effort to better prepare for the feature, the Online Department is asking anyone out there with prior knowledge of players' tattoos that are on display to e-mail Online Editor Ron Gullberg at ron.gullberg@trib.com. These are tattoos that are viewable while a player is in uniform. Let us know who to look for on Thursday."

Then there's this: With both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton planning visits to Casper this week (read about that here and here), I say we put together a little prize. Get both presidential candidates to sign a basketball (actually, four basketballs) and give each state champion an autographed basketball during the trophy ceremony.

This is something that president Franklin Roosevelt did in Casper during a 1936 campaign stop. Roosevelt's stop was in Casper on a Friday night, the same night as Natrona County High School's football game against Midwest. Roosevelt signed a football and asked that it be given to the winning team. NC won the game.

(By the way, I've asked around about this, and no one at NC has any clue where the football might be.... I'd bet the Obama/Clinton basketballs would be a little bit better cared for this time around.)

What do you say, Dems? I'll be more than happy to pay for the basketballs out of my own pocket and hand-deliver them to you Friday when you get to Casper.... :) We'll see.

(Also, by the way... Clinton is speaking at Casper College at 6:30 p.m., so if you're planning on going to any of the four games up at the college on Friday night, I'd suggest getting up there early. Security and parking might take a lot longer than you think. Just a suggestion.)

OK, brilliant idea time is over. Time for y'all to give me your predictions. Just make it a little bit more thoughtful than Clubber Lang's predictions, all right?

Posted by patrick.schmiedt@trib.com

Send This | Categories: Basketball

(34) Comments

Posted by: rangerfan on March 6, 2008 8:58AM EST

Patrick, I think your odds look pretty good. I have a bias towards the rangers but you are right they have been inconsistent. If they come out on fire (like they shown they can at times) they could beat everybody, or they could lose the first two by 15 a piece and be on their way home on friday. I hope Coach J has them ready. I think he will. Can't wait to see how it all unfolds! GO RANGERS!!

Posted by: A MOM on March 6, 2008 9:39AM EST

I don't like your idea about the tattoos. A lot of the kids have tattoos that were obtained against parents' wishes when they turned 18. If my child had one I would not be happy about seeing it in a video. In some places they cannot be visible during games(must be taped). I don't think it is the type of thing to promote during high school sports.

Posted by: SSmith on March 6, 2008 10:30AM EST

Tattoos...for real? That's pretty weak. In a culminating event like this with all the emotion, drama, fun, and excitement all you can come up with is a piece on tattoos? How about a bit on the coaches or assistant coaches and the time they put in for these kids. How about the cheerleaders or better yet pep bands? How about videos on loyal fans and their costumes? Find the people who have been to the most state tournaments and put them in a video. Pick a twelfth man from the end of each bench and tell us about them. Let us get to know the play by play guys from each school or tell me a story about the traditions at the tournament (the ball boys and their shoe shines, the guy who sweeps the floor between games, etc.). How about a historical piece on the tournament? ANYTHING is more interesting than the ink that some teenager has on his/her body.

Posted by: HS Sports Fan on March 6, 2008 10:45AM EST

Patrick - I agree with A MOM and SSmith. I think it is a mistake for you do a feature on tattoos at any time for high school events. When I think of high school activities, it is about the team, school, community, not the individual. I believe a feature like this will be counter productive. For a staff that is already stretch so thin, I believe there are other stories you can cover. Just one guys thoughts!

Posted by: Coach Yeradi on March 6, 2008 10:58AM EST

I would agree with A Mom. There are other things to cover that would be more in the realm of school spirit and sportsmanship. Most tattoos are a 'look at me' self-promotion or have significant personal meaning -- they are not there to create team unity or promote the school. My opinion, not a good idea.

Posted by: C. Anderson on March 6, 2008 11:05AM EST

DITTO-Coach Yeradi

Posted by: football on March 6, 2008 11:13AM EST

I happen to agree with Patrick. I find the expression in tattoos wonderful. There is a lot of time and thought that goes into most designs and I think it's great way to make a personal statement. My son has a cross made of roman nails on his arm and I think it's fabulous that he is confident enough to be so bold about his faith. Other people make other kinds of statements and those are fine too - I may not agree with some of them but that's okay too. It's 2008 - wake up! A great way to get connected to the youth is to learn what they are passionate about. I think it would be an interesting story and I would enjoy reading what the kids are thinking.

Posted by: bw on March 6, 2008 11:50AM EST

Maybe we could ask Clinton or Obama to give us a video clip of their tattoos while they are in Casper.

Posted by: wyofloater on March 6, 2008 12:09PM EST

3A West girls rock!

Can't recall any tats that they may have.

Posted by: SSmith on March 6, 2008 12:43PM EST

"football" if only most of the tattoos we see were for reasons such as your son's. I know that some are to commemorate late family members or to profess faith. Unfortunately most are not. Many of the tattoos that the kids have are for nothing more than a "look at my ink, I'm cool" feeling. I work with youth every day, and have asked kids what their tattoos mean. The common answer is "'Cause tats are cool!" Nothing more. No passion at all. I would rather see the tribune talk to the 99.9% of these seniors in this tournament who will never play basketball competitively again after this weekend. I want to know what their passions are concerning their future. Doctors, teachers, artists, etc. Those are the kind of passions we should be getting a glimpse of.

Posted by: football fan on March 6, 2008 12:52PM EST

The REAL story is basketball anyway! Nice job lady Warriors. The tone has certainly been set for an interesting tournament.

Posted by: Kevin Williams on March 6, 2008 1:07PM EST

I'm not sure what to say about the tattoos. I know that in a lot of ways they are an expression of opinions. I also think there are some out there that are just a fashion statement. I also know that tattoos are a lot like herpes; they're permanent. I also know that my personal beliefs, expressions and fashion sense are much different today than they were when I was 17. I do know that my hair no longer hangs to my shoulder blades as it once did, but then again, I knew when I grew it I could change it anytime I wanted to.

Posted by: Sam Barrett on March 6, 2008 2:40PM EST

URL: http://my.trib.com/thewebinator

FULL DISCLOSURE: I have ZERO tattos.

I'm amazed at how few people can read and understand the written word. Patrick posted a portion of an email sent to him by the Online Editor (Ron Gullberg). Patrick was not saying he endorsed the tattoo piece, or that he even cared at all. He was just passing along a request. Those of you that wrote something along the lines of "I agree with you, Patrick" or "I don't agree with you, Patrick" should probably take the time to read his posting again. Those of you that made constructive comments (such as SSmith) should know that they've been read and we're going to deliver some of those ideas as well.

Additionally, A MOM, there is nothing morally or legally wrong with an 18 year old ADULT acquiring a tattoo. Is it foolish? Perhaps. Is it up to the young man/woman? ABSOLUTELY.

Lastly, Kevin Williams makes a great point about how people change. I, for instance, never got a tattoo because I've always fancied a career in crime and would hate to make myself more easily identifiable.

Posted by: bandman on March 6, 2008 3:54PM EST

I agree with most in that I hope they run an article (video or otherwise) on one of the fantastic and postive aspects of this culminating event. I know this is not Patricks call, but I would encourage him to visit with his editor and suggest something else. I dont think that tats are good or bad, they are neither. I am a high school teacher and I have a tat myself... but I can think of a dozen things that happen at state basketball that represent the best of what our young people have to offer in the state of wyoming, and they are not tattoos. CST usually does a good job of this and I bet they do again. Cant wait to get to the state tournament... Go Bison!

Posted by: Xcskier on March 6, 2008 4:20PM EST

Looks like the Tigers and Wranglers played a heck of a game today if anyone has any details I would love to hear them.

Go LVHS

Posted by: A MOM on March 6, 2008 4:40PM EST

Sam Barrett...Apparantly you didn't read or understood my words. The words "morally", "legally" & "wrong" were not mentioned in my post. I expressed MY opinion that I don't think that type of thing belongs with high school sports. I stand by that opinion. I don't presume to judge anyone who chooses to have a tattoo. In another blog Patrick made quite a production about not having the time or manpower to cover all the sports that were happening on any given weekend. I am with most of the others on this blog that time spent on tattoos would be much better spent on something relating to basketball since it is one of the big weekends.

Posted by: A MOM on March 6, 2008 4:47PM EST

understand, not understood

Posted by: Cory on March 6, 2008 11:41PM EST

I hope everyone has a good time at the big schools championships,last weekend for us small schools was a blast! Way to go Tigers!! (both Niobrara County and Encampment won boys titles) maybe that is a sign for the Rock Springs and Lander boys!
watching some webcasts today made me think- what if next weekend we take the top 3 from each class (boys and girls) and have a March Madness All Class Tournament.
That would sure be fun to see those matchups.

Posted by: Basketball Fan on March 7, 2008 3:14PM EST

What does everyone think about Kristen Scheffler from Lovell?

Posted by: Mark on March 8, 2008 1:01AM EST

Someone here earlier was correct. Beating the tangs would be by being confident..and hard work. Congrats to Rock Springs...What will Roden do now?? Remember he was going to retire a few years ago.....

Posted by: Xcskier on March 8, 2008 1:24AM EST

It's worth mentioning that Lander is playing in it's 3rd title game in 4 years.

Go Tigers

Posted by: gtown on March 8, 2008 3:36AM EST

Congrats to Rock Springs. They played a great game against Natrona and a very smart game.

Posted by: HS Sports Fan on March 8, 2008 4:21AM EST

WOW - On any given day! Lander vs. Newcastle!!!

Posted by: Bulldog Fan on March 8, 2008 9:42AM EST

Way to go Al and the Dogie squad. Congrats on getting to the championship game. We'll be listening & cheering you on. Good Luck!!!!!

Posted by: Kevin Williams on March 8, 2008 2:50PM EST

In 1971 There was a "Super Tournament" held in Rock Springs among the four class winners that year. The representing teams were The Deaver/Frannie Trojans (coached by a young Gary Johnson) representing Class C, The Burns Broncs representing Class B, The Green River Wolves representing Class A, and I believe Jack Adams was a key player for the AA team, Rock Springs Tigers than season. The first round pitted Class C v. Class A and Class B v. Class AA. I believe things went according to what most people would, with the bigger schools winning, and the Tigers won the "Super Championship" that year. As far as I know, I think that was the only time it was ever done. If anyone out there knows differently, please post.

Posted by: jackson hoops on March 8, 2008 8:44PM EST

Is there any doubt coach Self might be the best basketball coach in Wyoming? Lander the four seed wins the title, great coaching job by self to get his kids there with two overtime wins and still win the title! Jackson Girls did it again, the west dominated the east 1st thrid and fourth place all to the west. Lovell played awful in the 5th place game worst I"ve seen them play all year was at state, but they had a good year fifth place isn't much to write home about anyway..... Great job broncs!!!

Posted by: Xcskier on March 8, 2008 10:10PM EST

Way to go Tigers!
Great game to watch, I was glad they had the webcast video to let all the fans that couldn't make it to the EC watch the game

Posted by: HS Sports Fan on March 9, 2008 1:01AM EST

Thats why you play the game! I honestly don't think the two best teams played in the 3A championship, but the two that earned it did. I was pulling for the Dogies! So close!

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 10, 2008 1:04AM EST

Great to see so many were pulling for the Dogies! That shows that coach Voneye is running a respectable program, & we truly appreciate it!I just kind of assumed that we would win, what with the top "25 in 25" list out (Great article!-I also ran into coach McKenzie on Friday night, he was a student teacher- assistant on that team as well in '90, now he is in Powell!) I hope the Dogies can make a habit of going to state & doing well, I enjoyed being there! Boy, that Redman broke my ankles several times just watching him from the stands!! Now, not to look too far ahead, but with Ferguson (what a player!!), Pisciotti, Beehler & Culpepper coming back, I like that nucleus' chance of getting back to that same game next year!! Go Dogies!!!!

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 10, 2008 7:44AM EST

I have to agree with chris...that coach has sold something to the town of New Castle, wow what a crowd they had

Posted by: Brady on March 10, 2008 10:59AM EST

Newcastle always has supported their teams. Even our football of the late 80's and early 90's had good crowds home and away, and that was asking something. Chris G. can vouch for those facts. I wish I could have been there with you Chris. I did watch it up here in ND on my computer on tctwest. That was cool.

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 12, 2008 1:16AM EST

Hey Weav! Yeah, I do remember, we had pretty good crowds, even when our only win of the season was a 3-0 game!! (On the road no less!) Yes, we love our kids here, & support them as best we can, whenever we can! I put 600 miles on the minivan that weekend going from Casper to Moorcroft (to watch my 10 year-old daughters 3 on 3 team dominate the competition!) & back to Casper again to catch our beloved Dogies! I love that the games were able to be seen on the web, my brother in law was watching in Cali! Yeah, maybe we just needed a few more alum with us. I was with Troy Allen, & sat very near Debbi Sylte (of the only Lady Dogie championship team), even saw Richard Massman there, still not enough voodoo to prevent the loss. But I'll be back there next year! Go Dogies!!!!

Posted by: Soccercoach on March 12, 2008 10:10AM EST

So newcastle you guys look like u have a bunch of athletes. i might get hung for asking this question, but whats your soccer team like this year?

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 13, 2008 6:20PM EST

Well, my 5 year old is playing for the first time this year, but I see a whole lot of potential! He runs like Forrest Gump, & almost never wets his pants anymore! I expect much of the same from the rest of the team! Now my 10 year olds team is very polished, they almost never bunch up around the ball like flies around my neighbors garbage anymore! I talked my 8th grade daughter into trying track this year, so I should be able to see a few track meets this year! So watch out state!!!