Sports Goulash | Casper's 25 greatest championship games

Rate This Blog

0 rating(s)

Archives

• Current Entries
• November 2008
• October 2008
• September 2008
• August 2008
• July 2008
• June 2008
• May 2008
• April 2008
• March 2008
• February 2008
• January 2008
• December 2007

Latest Entries

Links

Report This Blog

Search:

Sports Goulash

Odds and ends of Wyoming high school sports.

<< Prev | Main | Next >>

Casper's 25 greatest championship games

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on March 8, 2008 at 2:16AM EST

(As seen in Saturday's Star-Tribune)

The first two weekends in March, hundreds of basketball players -- bringing in tow thousands of parents, siblings, community members and fans -- come to Casper.

They've been doing so every year since 1983, when the Casper Events Center was brand new, as was the idea of hosting the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships in the Oil City.

The state tournaments had been Laramie's since 1946, but the April 1982 opening of the Casper Events Center prompted the Casper-based Wyoming High School Activities Association to give the larger and more centrally located town a shot at hosting a state basketball tournament.

So, in 1983, the Class AA and A (now 4A and 3A) boys and girls tournaments took over the Casper Events Center and Casper College.

The tournaments were a financial boon for the WHSAA, which took in $49,000 in revenue in ticket sales, the most ever for a state tournament at that time. It also brought in a then-record crowd of more than 5,000 for the boys championship game session. Also, for the first time since the early 1960s, the boys championship games were broadcast live on television.

That success, coupled with scheduling conflicts with the University of Wyoming, further encouraged the WHSAA to move the state 4A, 3A and 2A tournaments to Casper for 1984.

The community hasn't let go since, hosting at least one version of the state tournament every year since then.

Since 1996, Casper has been the exclusive home of state basketball, hosting all eight tournaments (Class 1A to 4A boys and girls) at the Events Center and at Swede Erickson Thunderbird Gymnasium at Casper College.

Last year's tournaments marked the 25th consecutive year state basketball had come to Casper, and before the 26th year comes to a close tonight, the Star-Tribune decided to take a look back at the 25 best state championship games played in Casper the past 25 years.

Of course, everyone has his or her favorite game -- most likely involving the school that person supports. With nearly 200 championship games played in Casper since 1983, reducing the number to 25 was an arduous task.

The games we picked were not meant to slight or to highlight any schools or any particular teams or players; instead, the games are meant to represent a cross section of Wyoming's best basketball games, played on the state's biggest stage and with the widest audiences. The top 25 games are meant to be the games any fan could enjoy, the type of games that force all fans onto the edges of their seats -- whether they want to be there or not.

----------------------------------

1.
Newcastle 79, Torrington 77, OT
Class 3A boys, 1990
Of the three previous meetings between the Dogies and the Trailblazers, two of them went to overtime.

So, facing a 20-point deficit with 5:30 remaining, it should have been no surprise what happened -- Newcastle rallied to force overtime.

Then, in the extra time, the Dogies completed the comeback and won its first and, to date, only boys basketball championship.

Oh, yeah -- the Dogies did it without any time-outs.

"It was incredible, because we called our last (time-out) and hit a three right away, and I think we cut (the deficit) to about 12 or 13 with a little over 4 minutes to go," said former Newcastle head coach Mike Ibach, who's now the head coach at Sheridan. "The momentum, you could just feel it swing."

Once Torrington lost the momentum, they could never get it back.

"(We) hit a couple 3-pointers and then we looked at each other and said, 'We're not out of this yet,'" said former Newcastle assistant coach Paul Prosinski, who is now the head coach at Buffalo. "Once we got the momentum, it was really hard to stop us."

Every Newcastle player aided the comeback:

n Ben Morris hit a couple key 3-pointers to keep the Dogies in it.

n Richard Massman came off the bench to score six straight points in the fourth quarter.

n Troy Allen added a pair of key old-fashioned 3-point plays and scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to get Newcastle into overtime.

n Matt Haertzen all but sealed the Dogies' first championship by giving his team a four-point lead with 1:32 remaining in overtime.

"Luckily, we had enough time to get it done," Prosinski said. "It was exciting for the team, but it was really exciting for the town of Newcastle."

Ibach said the entire season was unbelievable -- the Newcastle fans consistently filled the Dogie Dome and followed their team to the state tournament.

"It was the first state title Newcastle won in the boys, and I think we had everybody in town there (for the championship)," Ibach said. "I think the last person that left town shut the lights off."

After winning it all, Ibach said it was "incredible how the community stepped up and grasped it."

The Dogies weren't new to overtimes. Newcastle actually had to win a pair of overtime games to win the championship. In the semifinals, the Dogies needed four extra minutes to beat defending state champion Star Valley, 57-56.

Also, Newcastle had beaten Torrington twice during the season in extra time -- in overtime during the regional championship game, and in double-overtime during their regular-season game in Newcastle.

Casper Star-Tribune sports writer Sally Ann Shurmur (now the paper's community news editor) summed up the championship game -- and every other game on this list of 25 and even those that didn't make the list -- in two paragraphs:

"Twenty years from now, when Massman and Morris and Allen and Haertzen have kids of their own, the record books will show a 79-77 state championship win.

"It might even say overtime. But it surely won't be able to put in words what the folks at the Casper Events Center saw Saturday night."

2.
Rocky Mountain 68, Wyoming Indian 67
Class 2A boys, 1997
The ball hung on the rim for an eternity.

Freshman Pat Minchow had let the ball sail as the buzzer sounded, and the ball just couldn't decide what it wanted to do. It hit, it spun, it almost came out, and then -- luckily for Minchow and the Grizzlies, not so much for the Chiefs -- it spun through.

Minchow's shot was an improbable end to a most improbable comeback. Rocky Mountain entered the fourth quarter down by nine points, and against Wyoming Indian that was usually insurmountable. But the Grizzlies fought back, took advantage of the Chiefs' mistakes and made the big shot when it was time.

3.
Lingle 32, Encampment 31
Class 1A girls, 2006
Encampment was trying to win its third consecutive state championship -- and with top-ranked Guernsey out of the way, it looked like the Tigers would do just that. Who was this Lingle team, anyway? Sure, Lingle HAD beaten Guernsey in the semifinals... but the Doggers couldn't win the big one.

Or could they?

Despite falling behind early, the Doggers kept on finding ways to stay in the game. And Lindsay Worley's 3-pointer at the buzzer -- a shot tipped by Encampment's Kally Custis on its way to the hoop -- gave Lingle an improbable and memorable state championship.

4.
Natrona County 87, Gillette 84, 2OT
Class 4A girls, 2000
This game was everything a state championship should be -- a big lead, a comeback, some outstanding individual efforts and a little extra time.

Gillette led by 20 points early in the second quarter, but the Fillies refused to fold, eventually taking the lead in the fourth quarter before finally sealing the win in the second overtime. And when the commotion of the action had finally settled down, the individual efforts began to show through:

Gillette's Kelsey Wicks had scored 41 points in the loss. Julie Geldien had scored 30 for NC and went 20-of-24 from the foul line all on her own. Jessica Neumiller aided the Fillies with 29 points, including five 3-pointers.

5.
Chugwater 69, Arvada-Clearmont 63
Class 1A boys, 2002
The Panthers knew what was coming. They just couldn't stop him.

Chugwater's Doug Baker scored 51 points -- 21 in the fourth quarter -- and single-handedly willed the Buffaloes past Arvada-Clearmont in one of the best individual efforts in title-game history.

Baker finished 19-of-37 from the field and was 7-of-15 from 3-point range. He also had 12 rebounds as the Buffaloes outscored the Panthers 31-14 in the fourth quarter, overcoming a 17-point third-quarter deficit in the process.

6.
Thermopolis 70, Kemmerer 61, OT
Class 3A boys, 2004
While the overtime itself was anticlimactic, the 32 minutes preceding it were high school basketball at its best.

The game was a back-and-forth affair all the way through. Both teams made big runs, and it wasn't until Kemmerer's Riley Burris missed an off-balance shot in the lane -- and only after the ball bounced up and around and off and finally away from the bucket -- that overtime came.

The game was a rematch of the 2003 championship, a game Thermopolis also won.

7.
Mountain View 48, Douglas 46
Class 3A girls, 1997
Sunny Guild had waited a year for her revenge on Douglas, the team that had knocked her Mountain View team out of the 1996 state tournament.

In the last moments of the fourth quarter, she finally had her chance. The Buffalos scored the last seven points of the game -- including Guild's 10-foot jumper at the buzzer -- to finish the season undefeated.

Guild also had a key steal to set up her game-winning shot, which helped the Buffalos complete a 25-0 season.

8.
Torrington 67, Jackson 65
Class 3A boys, 1986
After losing the 1985 championship in overtime to Powell, the top-ranked Trailblazers were not going to be denied again.

After trailing for most of the game, Torrington got two buckets from Ty Muma to take the lead in the last two minutes. Kelly Lively also made a key putback, and Muma added a steal at halfcourt in the last five seconds to secure the long-awaited state championship.

Jackson, keyed by Rick McMullen's 19 points, was trying to win its third state championship in four years but fell short.

9.
Lusk 38, Wind River 36
Class 2A girls, 1996
For three minutes in the fourth quarter, the Lusk Tigers were as good as any basketball team in Wyoming's history.

In those three minutes, the Tigers rallied from a nine-point deficit, sealing the run with what ended up being the game-winning 3-pointer from Ann Anderson with less than 3 seconds remaining.

This came after the Cougars held Lusk to only eight points in the first half while forcing 17 Tiger turnovers.

10.
Star Valley 60, Powell 59
Class 3A girls, 2000
Bridget Brog really was never the intended taker of the game-winning shot. But she certainly put herself in the right place at the right time.

After Powell's Heidi Winninger missed a foul shot with 7.5 seconds remaining, Star Valley rebounded and Brog caught a pass at about midcourt. She dribbled hard, got past a Powell defender and banked in the game-winning shot as time expired.

The shot helped cap the Braves' rally from a seven-point halftime deficit.

11.
Sheridan 62 Gillette 61
Class 4A boys, 2003
The Camels were kings of 4A basketball, but Devan Royer and the Broncs bopped Gillette from its perch with one well-placed 3-pointer. Royer's trey with 13.2 seconds remaining gave Sheridan a lead it wouldn't let go. Sheridan won its first title since 1959; Gillette, winners of 10 titles the previous 13 years, hasn't won a championship since.

12.
Wyoming Indian 60, Mountain View 59
Class 2A boys, 1991
The Chiefs scored six points in a span of 16 seconds late in the fourth quarter to turn a three-point deficit into a three-point lead, a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Coach Al Redman dedicated the championship to his brother Vince, who had died three weeks prior to the state tournament. Baudelio Gutierrez had 16 of his 23 points in the final quarter for the Chiefs.

13.
Burlington 39, Pine Bluffs 38, OT
Class 1A girls, 1992
Amy Baker had two chances to win the game for Pine Bluffs -- once with a free throw with 5 seconds remaining in regulation, once with a shot in the paint in the final three seconds of overtime. Both missed. Burlington's Cori Iverson scored 15 points, including a key basket in the final minute of regulation, and also grabbed a huge rebound on Baker's OT miss.

14.
Cheyenne Central 41, Cheyenne East 39
Class 4A girls, 2005
Somehow, little-touted Central beat the top three ranked teams in the state to earn the championship. Losers to East by 24 just a week earlier, the Indians stuck right with the Thunderbirds throughout the game, and Hillary Carlson's jumper with 3 seconds to go provided the championship margin.

15.
Gillette 72, Cheyenne East 69, OT
Class 4A boys, 1993
The lead changed hands four times in the fourth quarter, but in overtime, the Camels took control to win their 31st consecutive game and cap an undefeated season. The Thunderbirds gave the Camels a huge test, as East's Russell Brown sent the game to overtime with two foul shots with 5 seconds remaining.

16.
Tongue River 49, Big Horn 43, OT
Class 2A girls, 2007
Going for their third consecutive state title, the Eagles ran into a stumbling block with the Rams and fell behind early. But Tongue River hung in the game, and a strong final 12 minutes from senior Courtney Johnson -- and a putback with 3 seconds remaining in regulation from Bethany Yellowtail -- helped to give TR the title.

17.
Cokeville 57, Shoshoni 55
Class 1A boys, 1997
In Dick Cotton's last game as the Wranglers' head coach, his team gave Cokeville all it could handle. But after a deep 3-pointer from Wedge Fike tied the game, Cokeville's Jesse Birch broke through Shoshoni's press and hit the game-winning layup with 5.2 seconds to go.

18.
Star Valley 46, Powell 45
Class 3A girls, 1988
Sophomore Keri Erickson didn't play like a sophomore, scoring a team-high 18 points, including the game-winning free throw with 3 seconds showing on the clock, to lead the Braves to the championship. She also scored five points in a row midway through the fourth quarter to keep Star Valley within striking distance.

19.
Encampment 40, Southeast 38
Class 1A boys, 2008
The only game on the list from the 26th year of state championships in Casper (which started last weekend), the Tigers' first championship earned a spot on the list not for the start of the game, nor for the middle. Instead, it was the ending -- Garrett Pantle's baseline jumper as time expired -- that provided all the excitement in a game that was close throughout.

20.
Wyoming Indian 59, Lusk 55, OT
Class 2A girls, 2004
The defending champion Lady Chiefs didn't give up after falling behind 21-9 early in the second quarter. Instead, Wyoming Indian continually chipped away at Lusk's lead, and Chanice Glenmore sent the game to overtime with her game-tying jumper with 12 seconds remaining in regulation.

21.
Gillette 61, Sheridan 60
Class 4A boys, 1994
Gillette was in the midst of one of its finest runs -- the 1994 title was the third of six straight for the Camels. But after staking a 24-point first-half lead, the Camels almost saw it all melt away. Still, they held off Ben Phillips and the Broncs in the second half to win the title by the thinnest of margins.

22.
Greybull 42, Lovell 41
Class 2A boys, 2006
Greybull's Josh Corson threw up the prettiest air ball the Events Center had ever seen. Corson's off-balance shot wasn't intended to be an air ball, but right there waiting to clean up Corson's mess was teammate Nathan Patrick. Patrick caught it, turned and shot, and his layup at the buzzer gave the Buffs the one-point victory.

23.
Southeast 54, Albin 52
Class 1A girls, 1997
Southeast beat the top three ranked teams in Class 1A to win the state tournament, capped by a win over Albin in the title game. The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 36, but that's where Becky Ward took over, scoring nine in the frame for Southeast. The Wildcats made only seven of their 16 foul shots in the fourth.

24.
Kaycee 72, Burlington 71
Class 1A boys, 1999
The Buckaroos and the Huskies went back and forth all game, trading buckets at will. Rory Robinson's layup with 1 minute, 36 seconds remaining put Kaycee up for good, but it wasn't until Burlington missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that the Buckaroos could relax. James Christiansen scored 40 in the loss.

25.
Riverton 40, Sheridan 38
Class 4A girls, 1984
Riverton was on its way to a perfect 24-0 season, and early on, it looked like the Wolverines would have no problem with the Broncs. Somewhere along the line, Sheridan started hitting its shots and began to rally, but Riverton maintained its lead and eventually came away with the championship.

Written and posted by patrick.schmiedt@trib.com.

Send This | Categories: Basketball

(61) Comments

Posted by: Wyo bball fan on March 8, 2008 2:51PM EST

Here's a little trivia for ya.

That freshman from the 1997 Rocky championship team (Pat Minchow) is the cousin of Lovell's Kristen Scheffler. Rocky went on to win the 1998 championship and place 2nd in 1999 and 3rd in 2000. So in Minchow's four years at state his team went 10-2.

Dave Scheffler (Kristen's father and current Lovell girls assistant coach) coached the Lovell boys to state championships in 2002 and 2003 and a 2nd place finish in 2004. Kristen's brother Tim played on those Lovell championships teams, and her cousin Kyle Fink played on the 2003 championship team and 2004 2nd place team. Kristen was also on the Lady Bulldog's 2005 and 2006 teams along with her sister Shelly and cousin Heidi Minchow that took 2nd place finishes both years.

Kristen also has her brother Josh and cousin Jared Minchow coming up through Lovell boys ranks. Both were freshmen this year.

It would be intersting to hear about other families out there who have stories like this.

Posted by: Xcskier on March 8, 2008 10:44PM EST

Hey Patrick
You might have to add tonight's 3A boys game to any future editions of this list.]
Whew what a doozy that one was

Posted by: OSP on March 8, 2008 11:27PM EST

Your #4 NC vs Gillette girls was my most memorable game and I have worked every tournament since it came to the Events Center.

Posted by: gtown on March 9, 2008 1:59AM EST

ad 4a girls championship to this list.

Posted by: Movin On on March 9, 2008 5:18PM EST

Now that we have beat the subject of basketball to death.....are you ready for some TRACK????

Posted by: Sports Fan on March 9, 2008 10:21PM EST

We can never beat the subject of basketball to death. When will the selections be announced for the Allstar games and who makes those selections?

However, I am excited for track!!!

Posted by: gtown on March 9, 2008 10:55PM EST

Im not sure when they come out with those although I am excited to see how made it and also players of the year.

Posted by: Movin On on March 10, 2008 12:18AM EST

OK, OK.....I agree, I am also wondering about the Allstars. Sure hope a couple of those 2A kids get a shot. Maybe I should reword that. I certainly hope the team is not all 4A. I checked out the stats on Wyopreps, but there are quite a few teams that aren't represented. In fact, out of the 4 top 2A teams there is only one on there. Is that how the Allstar team is picked? Don't know about the stats for other classes. Hey Patrick, can you give us some information on the allstars?

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 10, 2008 3:35AM EST

I though state was in laramie n the early 90s, i was lil but i member going down there and watching games in the multipurpose gym and the aa...anyways i have to say i attend 3/4's of those games, and they were all awesome to watch. I wont ever forget when the kid from sheridan hit that three to beat the cchs boys a few years ago...I also remember being down ready to storm the trophy area when the powell girls lost that stunner to star valley on the last second layup..i remember watching all of the powell students being crammed up against the the fence, and then everyone fading away as the buzzer sounded off, what a heartbreaker

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 10, 2008 11:47AM EST

One of the best non-championship games that sticks out to me is the opening round boys game between WIHS and Tongue River in 1998. Tongue River won 98-94. That was one heck of a game at Casper College!!

Posted by: JB on March 10, 2008 1:02PM EST

GLAD TO SEE THE LUSK GIRLS WIND RIVER GAME MADE THE LIST. THAT WAS AN EXCITING GAME. WHAT A CHALLENGE TO COME UP WITH ONLY 25. WERE SOME EXCITING ONES THIS YEAR AS WELL. LOTS OF GAMES TO WATCH AND I ENJOY STATE BEING IN CASPER, THOUGH I REMEMBER THE LARAMIE DAYS. ALSO ENJOY HAVING STATE VOLLEYBALL IN CASPER AS WELL.

Posted by: big basketball fan on March 10, 2008 1:07PM EST

Movin On, You are right about the 2A kids getting a shot at the all-stars. The Johnson kid from Tongue River is as good as anyone I've seen in any class. Emerick from Sundance is really good and the guard from Wind River is a good shooter to. I am sure others would be deserving but these come to mind.

Posted by: 3A East Basketball fan on March 10, 2008 5:23PM EST

Any predictions on 3A Boys for next year?
I think:
1. Buffalo
2. Newcastle
3. Douglas
4. Torrington
5. Wheatland
6. Glenrock
7. Rawlins
8. Lander

1. Kemmerer
2. Worland
3. Pinedale
4. Lyman
5. Lovell
6. Cody
7. Powell
8. Jackson

Posted by: Cory on March 11, 2008 1:15AM EST

3a east fan, you're pretty bold picking the newly crowned 3A Champion Lander Tigers last. I don't follow the bigger schools as much as 1A/2A but Novembers a long ways off.
Three Tigers (almost 4-way to go Rock Springs to knock off NC!) were crowned champions in Encampment, Lusk and Lander. That Lusk/WR semi last weekend will have to be on a short list of next best 5 games, after the top 25 (great job CST for that piece).
Emrick(Sun), Sigvartsen(Lusk), both Rob(TR) and Taylor(Lusk) Johnson, Moats(Guernsey) and Teague(WR) should also get looks for the all star games. Don't forget some of those 1A guys too.
Sadly, another great, fun season of basketball is behind us but track season means that warmer weather is on the way, always a good thing.

Posted by: Chris on March 11, 2008 1:15AM EST

Yeah, might have to change that 1-2 around! Imagine Ferguson & Pisciotti with another year under their belts, & think how much Beehler will mature just being a freshman this year?!? Looking forward to it already!! Kade was already down at the court this afternoon, polishing his game! I've seen him working endlessly on his game since middle-school! He is driven!!

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 11, 2008 10:51AM EST

I would agree with the Lusk/WR game being on a short list if Wind River had played better. They shot terrible. Too bad that game was played at the Events Center where shooters have such poor games. Just look at their two games at the college and their percentages. I watched them completely dismantle Tongue River the next day and if they had played even close to the same quality of game against Lusk then I would say that the Lusk/WR game was a classic. Too bad they can't figure out something to make the Events Center more shooter friendly for the high schools. If the kids played all of their games every year on a court like that then it wouldn't be an issue. I've seen alot of excellent shooting kids have absolutely horrible games at the Events Center.

As for the all-star games against Montana and South Dakota...they should have a team made up of 1a/2a players and another team of 3a/4a players. Then get the other states to do the same. Set it up for two nights with boy/girl 1a/2a one day and then boy/girl 3a/4a the next.

Posted by: wyofloater on March 11, 2008 12:50PM EST

But some shooters had awesome games at the Events Center so it must not affect all players the same way.

3A East fan: looks more like a wish list to me . .

Posted by: 3A East Basketball fan on March 11, 2008 3:02PM EST

What is such a "wish" about my list? I think that based on players returning, that it could be decently accurate....as accurate as one could be in March..

Posted by: Xcskier on March 11, 2008 3:10PM EST

LAnder will likely have a rebuilding year as the majority of their rotation was seniors, But they do have a group of juniors who have some varsity experience, and have played together for a long time, it will certainly be interesting.

Posted by: SE Alum on March 11, 2008 6:23PM EST

Hey Patrick,

In the not too long ago year 1989, 1A/2A championships were held in Sheridan. 1A boys had a pretty decent player by the name of Dale Reed. Our coach said we would win the game if we held him under 30. He scored 32 and we lost by(yep) 2. That was a pretty darn good game and this years 1A boys championship game brought back alot of memories from 1989 when Snake River beat Southeast by 2 in a very similar game.

Posted by: Cory on March 12, 2008 12:26AM EST

Hey SE alum, i was at the tournament that year and remember Dale Reed- dang that guy could play some serious hoops. Wasn't he all-tournament every year of high school?
The other thing I remember was how REALLY STINKIN cold it was that weekend.
That was back in the day when guys could play basketball and then join the wrestling team for the final 5-6 weeks of the season.
It will never go back, but think of how this has affected different small schools across the state.
For all the blogging about the Events Center being a bad shooting arena, how did that Wyoming Indian kid go 14-17 from the floor against Lusk in the 2001 boys championship??
Maybe the WHSAA/Casper ought to explore some options to use the building for other schools to play exhibition/non-conference games during the season. Getting every school scheduled every year would be impossible, but pick a few from each class and rotate, based upon interest.

Hey Lovell fan--you're idea of the all-star games with the other states is a good one

Posted by: Bison Fan on March 12, 2008 1:42AM EST

Chris - Obviously you haven't seen the Bison Freshman team that went undefeated this year. Two very salty guards that can handle the ball with the best and two very athletic kids that are 6'2ish and still growing and boy can they score. These four sophomores to be will push all upper classmen, and will compliment Trabing and Kinzer as the leaders of "the team to beat" again. The Bison don't rebuild - they reload!

Posted by: Wyo bball fan on March 12, 2008 9:48AM EST

Bison fan- That is impressive that the freshman team went undefeated. If they were going to play teams next year full of kids in there same class they would probably have a good chance to go undefeated. Varsity is a whole different level. If you put kids that have never been on varsity up against kids that have been on varsity since THEY were a freshman and have played, it is hard to believe they are going to "pushing" all upper classman and be the team to beat. Newcastle returns most of their kids and their best two kids by far. I dont see these freshman matching up very well with newcastle.

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 12, 2008 10:06AM EST

3A east fan, how can u put powell second to last? look at the roster, i dont care how good/bad they were this year, but they only lost two seniors..other than that, i think buffalo will be tough, they have two freshman that could have started for several teams down at state

Posted by: rangerfan on March 12, 2008 10:41AM EST

3A East, list looked ok. Kemmerer has a ton of returning players (only lose one senior). A lot will depend on who the new coach is and if he can get the players and community to buy into his program. Here's to a good next year for K-town! Lets get rolling with track!!

Posted by: rangerfan on March 12, 2008 10:43AM EST

Forgot to say why I thought it was just Ok. I don't know much about the east but the rankings look good. In the west, I don't know if I would stick pinedale and lyman so high. Good years this year but lose a lot.

Posted by: jack lemmon on March 12, 2008 11:21AM EST

is it true jackson, and cody are moving up to 4a and mountain view and thermop are going back to 3a?

Posted by: 3A on March 12, 2008 11:40AM EST

I disagree with the comments by Wyo bball. I saw the freshman group from Buffalo play at the freshman post season tourney and believe they will be able to make an immeadiate impacted. The Esponda and Tyser kids are rediculous for being freshman. They are athletic and move extremely well. Sure they won't be an immeadiate post presence but I don't think thats where their game is at. I expect a Buffalo team that is similar to that of Wheatland this year. Not very big but extremely athletic and will run all over their opponents. They also have a guard in Aiden(sp) Kessler who should come in and start as well that would give Kinzer another ball handler. I think they will be severely over looked going into next year, but will make alot of noise throughout the season. They maybe freshman but they basically destroyed every 3A freshman squad they played, including Newcastle where they were up 40-2 mid-way through the 2nd quarter...
.
To your point about Newcastle.... They return Ferguson and Pisctioti(sp) who will be the two best posts in 3A, and a good point guard in Beehler, but who else do they have that made any sort of impact on their squad??? They return two others in Luke Anderson and Cody Culpepper who played in nearly every game, but averaged as many turnovers as points throughout the season. Behind them there are two others who played in 12 and 13 games a piece. Sounds like depth and lack of experience may hinder the Dogies as well. It will take an even better coaching job from Voneye this next year to keep the Dogies in the title hunt.... Just my little prediction.

Posted by: Wyo bball fan on March 12, 2008 11:57AM EST

As i said before, these freshman might be very good but they are going to be inexperienced with no varsity time under their belt. The difference between freshman and varsity is the speed of the game and intensity level.
As for newcastle...they will have the best two post yes, and Ferguson is going to be the best player in the state in 3A, and maybe all classes. They will not need players besides those three to make an impact. They will need them to play hard and not turn the ball over when they touch it. Who are they loosing that mad an impact this year??

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 12, 2008 12:14PM EST

That WIHS kid that went 14-17 from the floor in 2001...how many of those were layups or bunny shots? There have been some kids who have had excellent games at the events center. It's just that I have watched alot of games at the events center where both teams couldn't hit the broad side of a barn and not just in the championship games, but in all rounds. Maybe the nerves of playing on the "big" court gets to them, and maybe it just doesn't bother some kids??? I think everything about the games would be better if the seating for the fans etc was like it is at the college instead of being like throwing a basketball court in the middle of a football field.

Posted by: SuperCatsFan on March 12, 2008 1:46PM EST

Just wondering what people thought of the reffing at the State Tournament. I, myself was disappointed. If you saw the Worland-Douglas girls' game you know what I am talking about. I am wondering if we have trouble getting qualified refs, how are we going to get three per game?

Posted by: 3A on March 12, 2008 3:02PM EST

They lose two senior guards Decker and bennet... Jeremiah Decker, ran that team. He was the leader and the heart and soul of that squad. If not for him Ferguson and Piscioti dont get the ball. He was the MVP of the semi-final game against buffalo and kept everyone together when they lost to wheatland at regionals. He will be missed greatly next year... You can't tell me three kids with no help can win on their own, thats ludacris! IF thats the case newcastle better make sure they get some high altitude training to increase their lung capacity, cause they are gonna need it.
.
Also, I don't think that these freshman will need to adapt to the speed that much. A parent from buffalo said that they practice with the varsity much of the year to give them a better look than the one they were getting from the JV. And that they probably would've played this year if Buffalo didn't have a rule about freshman playin varsity.

Posted by: wyofloater on March 12, 2008 4:52PM EST

Hey 3A, did you have Buffalo winning the tournament this year? Just askin.. ;^)

Posted by: Bulldog Fan on March 12, 2008 7:21PM EST

3A.....What is the rule about not letting Freshman play varsity? Why would a school have a rule like that? Personally, I think the players should be picked based on a skills test, no matter whether you are Freshman or Senior. May the best men win(well, play). South Dakota allows 8th graders to participate in varsity sports. Don't know whether I agree or disagree, but over there it is an option. If you are good enough......
By the way Patrick, are you on vacation?

Posted by: big baller on March 12, 2008 9:22PM EST

If the officiating was anything like the 1A/2A then I feel bad for you. The officials are absolutely horrible. I hear "strap on the stripes" as an answer but really I don't know if there is a solution. They get out there with their egos a blaring and really don't care if they end a kids career with bogus calls. There is an official out of Cokeville (I think his name is John Sparks) that absolutely stinks. He should really give it up!

Posted by: big baller on March 12, 2008 9:33PM EST

The officiating at the 1A/2A was horrible! I can't imagine the 3A/4A being worse. The official from Cokeville (John Sparks) should be banned from working any state games. He's terrible!

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on March 12, 2008 9:47PM EST

Why is it every basketball post here turns into a bashing of the officials? You think with all the good things we have going on in this state, people would have better things to do with their time. I guess not.
--patrick

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on March 12, 2008 9:52PM EST

SE alum -- I ran across that game when I was doing the research for this. Sounded great. If I recall what I read correctly, the game-winning shot came when Reed was driving to the basket, everyone collapsed on him and he dished it to an open teammate underneath the hoop for an easy layup. That game would have found a spot on the list had it been played in Casper.... Which prompts me to do another, more inclusive list, sometime in the future....
--patrick

Posted by: Bulldog Fan on March 13, 2008 12:06AM EST

Patrick, Sorry you were sick and not on vacation. We missed you.

Posted by: Lusk on March 13, 2008 1:51AM EST

How about the 2002 2A boys championship bewtween Lusk and Lovell, which went into a 3rd overtime? I played in the game and lost but it was one of the most hard fought of all.

Posted by: SuperCatsFan on March 13, 2008 10:23AM EST

Patrick, I really do have better things to do with my time so this will be the last thing I have to say on the officiating. It seems it has steadily declined in quality the last 3 or 4 years. I don't think that the officials should be more important than the game itself and yet in the Worland-Douglas game the officials decided the outcome of the game on a dead ball screw up that gave the Worland team 4 points, it also took the Douglas girls mentally out of the game! I just think that if the State Tournament is supposed to be the Best Basketball in the State I feel the Referres should also be the Best in the State.

Posted by: SD champ on March 13, 2008 12:07PM EST

Here's a game to think about the top 25. 2002 opening round of 3A boys. Star Valley is #1 seed and Rawlins is #8 seed. Rawlins came back from 14 pt. deficit in second half to take the game to 2OT but lost by 2 on a last second put-back from Johnson from SV. That's the last state tournament I saw in Wyoming, great game on both sides.

Posted by: 3A on March 13, 2008 3:41PM EST

Not sure what is up with the rule and not sure you call it a rule... More like a silent rule. Can't say its hurt them though. 5 regional title games in the last 5 years, and a perenial power in 3A.
.
Wyofloater, I did have them winning state along with many other people. THey probably would've too but had a hiccup at the wrong time. That championship game did not include the two best teams in the state. They just hit their stride at the right time and Newcastle caught Buffalo on a real off night.

Posted by: whyo hs bball fan on March 13, 2008 3:45PM EST

3a...Newcastle if you look at it is only losing one actually important person in Decker. Bennet wasnt that much of a help to the team offensively,m yes he was a good defender but thats it. It wont be too hard to replace them. And about Decker running the team thats not true. He may have been a leader but if it wasnt for Ferguson and Piscotti, they would have beating buffalo. They shut down one of 3a's best players Jerad Anderson. And if you watched the championship game Ferguson was the reason they stayed in that game. And the first game of the state tourney Piscotti was the reason they won. About the buffalo freshman being able to make the transition from freshman to varsity is a huge step. Going from JV to varsity is a huge step. They might be very athletic but if they are posts, and have to play newcastle, they will have one tought time tryin to stop Ferguson and Piscotti.

Posted by: Bulldog Fan on March 13, 2008 4:38PM EST

Freshman playing in 3A & 4A probably isn't a huge deal since they have more kids out for basketball. When you get to 2A & 1A it can make a difference whether or not you are able to put together a full team. We seem to have years when there are lots of girls and almost no boys and years when it reverses. Like this year out of 29 seniors, 20 are boys. But, I still think the skills should come in to play when looking to man your team rather than grade. If, as a Freshman, you are good enough to beat out an upper classman, then so be it. That would also give some varsity playing experience to younger players when the score is lopsided, since most coaches will put in the "second string" at that point. I agree that it will be hard to put rookie sophomore players up against experienced varsity players. Now, by the time you get to the end of the season those kids should have gained enough experience to hold their own. It will be fun to watch next year to see how it all plays out.

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 13, 2008 6:35PM EST

I LOVE how people think the Dogies caught Buffalo on a "bad night". Was Newcastle not there? Why do you suppose they had that "bad night"? Do you think Ferguson either blocking or altering every Bison shot had something to do with it? I know the 2 seniors, Bennett & Decker, didn't have huge stats all season long, but the last three weeks of the season, they grew into their roles as leaders, & guided this team to where they ended up. They weren't flashy, just solid; very few turnovers, & good passing to the big men! Now, I know Buffalo had motivation, as Jerad & his family moved from Newc. after his sophomore year. We still miss them! Who wouldn't want to beat their old mates?!! So come on, lets give Newcastle some credit for playing hard & well when they had to, which is what it is all about, unless we want to go to a BCS system....wouldn't that be great? Maybe we should get rid of the NCAA's & move to a BCS format for that too? Come on, lets give the Dogies some love!!

Posted by: HS Sports Fan on March 13, 2008 11:49PM EST

Chris - I think 3A is giving Newcastle plenty of love. If you read the blog he state pretty much fact. Take a look at the webcast and see the stats. Newcastle didn't have a great night statistically either. The stats are almost mirror images of each other. Newcastle made one more 3 pointer than Buffalo. The difference in the game? 3 points. Newcastle did what they needed to to beat the Bison and yes the stars were aligned for them that night. As for Bennett not being very important to the team. Where have you been whyo hs sports fan? He was in the top 10 in 3's. Give the kid his due. He has heart.

Posted by: Blondie on March 14, 2008 12:24AM EST

HS Sports Fan....for those of us not able to navigate very well, where do I find the webcast with the stats?

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 14, 2008 1:07AM EST

I'm not sure what "If you read the blog he state pretty much fact" means. I'm not sure you are getting the point. The Dogies won, Buffalo didn't "lose the game". You are obviously a stat guy; I'm not. I go with results. Yes, it was a three point game. Newc. made one more 3 pointer? What was the difference in free throws? How about fouls? How about turn-overs? What about points in the paint? My point HS Sports fan is Newcastle won-lets quit making excuses for Buffalo -(which you still are doing) and realize that Newcastle outplayed them that night! (nothing in the stars-God doesn't care who wins a basketball game)That's the fun, & fair, thing about tourney time; win it on the court! This is a good blog to show my kids to teach them to be gracious in defeat & victory-& don't make excuses!! As far as "lets give the Dogies some love"-that wasn't a serious comment, I can't really use intonation on a blog, but it was meant to be somewhat tongue-in-cheekish!

Posted by: SE Alum on March 14, 2008 2:59PM EST

Cory

you are rigth about the weather from that year. We had used the EWC bus and the heater didn't work brrr.. People had to let their cars run all night, it was ludicrously cold. We stopped in Midwest to practice that evening and then stopped at a diner to get some burgers. I remember our coaches and bus driver thought we might not make it to Sheridan. I think we were the only vehicle on the interstate and it was flat snowing. We were bucking snow drifts.... in a bus. It stunk to lose that game to Snake River and then look forward to freezing your tail off on the bus ride home. But you know not one kid from that team rode home with their parents. We went home hurting and freezing together. Man what the heck were we thinking. That was a great tournament and I'm pretty sure the 2A boys game was a battle as well. I know Guernsey played a great game, not sure if it was with WIHS or who but they lost a heartbreaker too if I'm not mistaken.
Patrick, thanks for throwing some salt in the wound with the driving to the bucket and dishing it off for the easy bucket thing. Man, thats exactly what happened. why'd you have to bring that up. Just kidding. I would much appreciate seeing an "inclusive list" in the future as well as many other "old timers" I'm sure. thanks ALOT

Posted by: 3A on March 14, 2008 7:34PM EST

I'm pretty sure the stars might have been semi aligned Chris... Jerad Anderson who I coached against and saw play a total 3 times this season, was the best all-around ball player I saw in 3A(I coach in the west) and maybe the the state. He had a cold night shooting 5-21 from the field. Thats only about 28% lower than his season average. Looking back at previous games it didn't look like he had much problem scoring against Newcastle in their first two meetings. I know you don't like stats but they don't really lie... If he makes 7 fgs, instead of 5 raising his percentage to 33%(still 20% less than avg.), Buffalo squeaks out the victory.

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 14, 2008 10:55PM EST

Well, of course I will never say anything against Jerad, as I have known him since he was a child (he was the ring bearer at my wedding), & I helped my father-in-law, Babe Johnson,coach him in the seventh grade. I agree that Jerad is a terrific player-and am very proud of him- (wait til you see his little sister when she gets to high school!!), but if you saw that game, Kade blocked ALOT of Buffalos shots, and altered many others. Kade is probably the best player in the state. I'm not exactly sure how the "blocked shots" stats are kept, but I know Ferguson had several that didn't seem to make it in the books! Now, I saw Kade dissapear several times earlier in the season, but he matured & came into his own at Regionals & especially State! I played with an All American forward in Matt Haertzen, & several All-Staters, but I haven't seen a big man like Kade, with the all-around game, in a long, long time! No offense to my partner in crime (wink, wink!) Troy Allen (MVP of 1990 state championship vs. Torrington-see "25 in 25"!) but I believe he agrees with me! Stepping up in the clutch is what those games are all about. I'm sure you being a coach would agree! Did you see Kade in the championship game? 13 of 18 from the field, & I don't know how many altered shots defensively! Also, did you notice, particularly in the Buffalo game, how the defense sagged back into double, even triple teaming Kade when he got the ball in the post? So there is a reason Buffalo shot poorly, other than just asn astrological explanation! Boy, I'm starting to take this blogging stuff too serious....

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 15, 2008 3:46PM EST

Hey WYO bball fan; I was just perusing the pages of the Spring 2008 BHSU Alumni Mag., & saw that Shelly Scheffler competed at the NAIA cross country national championships, & finished in the top 100, which is quite respectable! It would be an honor just to qualify for Nationals!! By the way, Wyoming was represented quite well, as the top two placers for BHSU were from the Cowboy state and earned All-American honors; Wendy O'Lexey 9th place (Rock Springs), & Kerry Washburn 29th place (Cheyenne).

Posted by: rangerpride on March 19, 2008 10:26AM EST

Hey if anyone does want to talk football for next year (ie catfan) I posted a comment on "the Blitz Blog" (link at the trib.com sports site). I commented under 3A chat. Spring training has started here in K-town!!GO RANGERS! Patrick, is there a way to get the same posting format from goulash for THE BLITZ. It takes so long to get a message up there. I understand you have many more important things to attend to that getting my wisdom posted in cyberspace, but just wondering.

Posted by: Roy on March 19, 2008 4:41PM EST

Chris,
Kade is a very good "offensive" player for the 3A level, not to mention a fantastic kid. But to say that he is the best player in the state might be stretching it. For next year he will most definitely be the best offensive post in 3A, but his defense leaves a bit to be desired. He did block quite a few shots this year, but that does not make him a great defensive player. That makes him a good shot blocker. However, knowing Kade, he will work hard to improve his on the ball defense. But I still don't know if he is the best player in the state. Just my opinion.

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 19, 2008 11:59PM EST

That is an excellent point, Roy! I am judging only on the few games I saw this year, & his performance at state this year. He was somewhat inconsistent throughout the year, & of course, I have not seen many others around the state at all, I'm just perhaps a little biased & excited at how well the Dogies did at the end of the year! He does work hard, & now that coach is going to open the gym up for anyone to play games at, I think having Kade & Nick Pisciotti(what a natural talent!!) play with Troy Allen, (an old dude, I know, but still in better shape than just about anyone, & still strong as an ox!, see "25 greatest games in 25 years", #1) for the next few months will show them what it takes to get to that level! The battles are already great!! Hope I can survive it!! So, go Dogies!!!

Posted by: Brady on March 20, 2008 9:36AM EST

I think someone has a man-crush! I'm thinking I owed you that Chris. I do agree that some pick up games against some "old timers" around Newc wouldn't hurt anyone. I just wish I could join in on the fun.

Posted by: bball on March 20, 2008 4:32PM EST

There is no substitute for time in the gym working on your game. As for playing open gym with a group of "has beens" or "wish they weres"? A coach might want to check his insurance policy. I have played city league and noon league ball and some of those "former stars" can have a difficult time keeping their ego in check, when a 17 year old kids makes them look bad. I am not sure I would want my kids participating in this. Under the right guidance and direction, it can probably be done. Just my thoughts! Good luck!

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 21, 2008 10:58PM EST

Geez, Weav! Have you seen him lately? Wooo-hooooo! Anyway, bball, it won't be a big deal, I think we know what is going on with "open gym"! The guys that are going are aware that we are there to merely try to get in a little shape, & help the high-schoolers get better! But, I know exactly what you mean, there can be some bad stuff when you mix "has beens " in with kids. Oh, by the way-anybody but me pick San Diego & Western Kentucky to win today?

Posted by: BISON PRIDE on March 29, 2008 1:18AM EST

Haven't been on in a while and just saw the convo about the buffalo newcaslte game. All that matters is that newcatle won plan and simple. But never in a millions years will i believe newcaslte was the better team. Buffalo got upset and its a part of life not everything is fair, but look what happened to natrona exactly the same story. 23-1 and they drop their second loss of the year in the semi's. Neither team had an on night, but look back at the previous matches, bison win both by twenty(until JV's came in) Nothing against lander or Newcastle, but buffalo was a better team. Congrats to lander! And watch out for furgison not sure anyone will stop him next season.

Posted by: Bulldog Fan on March 29, 2008 8:05PM EST

Bison Pride.....Buffalo was not the better team THAT night. That's all that matters. Personally, I think Sundance was the better team in 2A. We beat Lusk twice during the season, but we certainly weren't the best team on Saturday night. During the playoffs you have to come out and play your best each and every game. Many of the teams are very evenly matched. I think if the 2A state tournament were played again the outcome would be totally different. In fact, I wouldn't even bet that the same 2 teams would be in the championship game. I can guarantee that there are some out there that will say Wind River was the better team, maybe TR. But, the fact remains that Lusk won. They were the better team when it counted. Same goes for probably each class. I don't follow the other classes very close, but I know there were some barn burners!!