Posted by: gym rat on March 2, 2008 4:52PM EST I can't wait for some good games this weekend. Especially the 3A girls. All we have heard about is the West, so it will be interesting to see how they match up against the East.

Posted by: gtown on March 2, 2008 9:36PM EST This is shaped up to be a great tournament. Cant wait!!

Posted by: NewcFan on March 2, 2008 9:46PM EST Go Newcastle!!!

Posted by: wyofloater on March 3, 2008 11:08AM EST I agree, gym rat. I'm also eager to see what happens with the boys - it seems like 3A West has been less predictable than East so there might be another batch of "upsets" this weekend.

Posted by: HS Sports Fan on March 3, 2008 1:19PM EST Pinedale.....Congrats!! Great Job, you guys trully are the best in the west! Too bad for Lovell though huh?

Posted by: Roy on March 3, 2008 5:33PM EST As far as 3A goes, I think that the east side of the boys is where the champ is going to come from. The proof comes from the west regional results. Pinedale is probably the only team with a chance to make any noise, but clearly the power is in the east this year. As for the girls...that is a bit more interesting. Torrington's loss in their regional may be just what they needed for motivation at state. But the returning champs and Lovell will certainly have something to say about that. Good luck to all!

Posted by: Bulldog Fan on March 3, 2008 11:47PM EST Just a word of warning to you 3a/4a teams. If you play the late game make sure you have arrangements for food. You can always order pizza, but we had to do that 2 nights because all the eating establishments were closed. We had the pizza plan for one night, but when our bus went to several places to find food on Sat. night nothing was open. You'd think that a town the size of Casper would have something open. You'd also think that knowing there was a tournament going on with late games there would be some planning. Our coaches were caught off guard. Now you guys won't be. Good Luck to all the teams.

Posted by: 3A Sports Fan on March 3, 2008 11:56PM EST Roy, Well I wouldn't be too sure about the east surely taking it. Pinedale beat wheatland, and were up by 22 at one point before placing some of their JV in the game and Pinedale only lost by 2 to buffalo their first game of the season, and I think Pinedale has improved more than the Bison have, so it might be a surprise to many people that the West just might take it home. And all season every1 said Lovell is the powerhouse, look where they are....home. It's a state tournament, anything can happen.

Posted by: JA on March 4, 2008 1:33AM EST The only people saying Lovell was a power house were from Lovell... I think their strength of schedule really made them look a little better than they were... And I believe Roy's quote was, "Pinedale is probably the only team(from the west) with a chance to make any noise." I wouldn't say anyone over here is counting out any team(from west of east). There's far too much on the line to look past an opponent or game. I myself am not gonna be able to sleep this week with anticipation of whats to come. The slates are clean each team 0-0. It comes down to who's playing the best ball at the right time. Got goose-bumps just thinking about this!

Posted by: bf on March 4, 2008 1:56AM EST I am surprised that wheatland survived the regional, maybe what happened brought that team together. it should be an exciting tourney

Posted by: rangerfan on March 4, 2008 10:55AM EST It should be really interesting to see how things play out in casper this weekend. Pinedale deserves props for coming out #1, but the regular season has shown, I think on both sides (east/west), that no team has established themselves as the dominant team to beat. Most games have been very close through the season and the team that is the most mentally prepared could take the whole darn thing whether a number 1 or a number 4 seed. Can't wait to see the action!! Go Rangers!!

Posted by: SPORTS FAN on March 4, 2008 11:57AM EST I AM NOT FROM LOVELL, BUT JA YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO LOVELL. LOVELL IS STILL ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS IN 3A. THEY JUST HAD A BAD TOURNAMENT. TEAMS DO HAVE BAD GAMES. AND AS FAR AS THE STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE WHY DON'T YOU TALK TO THE WHSAA ABOUT THE SCHEDULING. DO YOU EXPECT LOVELL TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE STATE TO PLAY MORE 3A SCHOOLS. WHEN SCHOOLS ARE CUTTING BACK ON MONEY. IT'S KIND OF FUNNY THAT LOVELL WAS 13-3 AGAINST 3A SCHOOLS THIS YEAR. AS FOR THE TEAMS COMING OUT OF THE WEST YOU HAVE 2 BOTTOM TEAMS GOING. JACKSON DON'T HAVE A PRAYER WINNING A GAME. UNLESS THE REFS FROM THE REGIONAL TOURNAMENT GO DOWN TO STATE TO REF THEIR GAMES. I HAVE NEVER SEEN REFS FAVOR A TEAM LIKE THEY DID DOWN AT THE REGIONAL TOURNAMENT IN PINEDALE. I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE A GOOD STATE TOURNAMENT. IT'S UP FOR GRABS BUT I THINK BUFFALO HAS THE EDGE.

Posted by: Roy on March 4, 2008 12:06PM EST 3A Sports Fan I never said that the east would SURELY take it. I only said I THINK the champ will come from the east side. And I did give Pinedale their props for coming out as the top seed. But the east is sending their 1,2,3 and 5 seeds to the tournament. Buffalo is very well coached (Prosinski should be COTY in 3A) and has lost only once. Wheatland played through their recent adversity and lost in the regional championship by only 3. I don't kow if anyone is playing harder than Newcastle right now. And Lander had Buffalo beat in their regional matchup only to let it go late. I believe that Buffalo has faced the adversity and come out on top. They defend so well and score just enough that they are going to be VERY hard to beat. Although I would not be surprised to see a few upsets, I THINK the champ will come from the east this year. But you are right...anything can happen.

Posted by: lefty on March 4, 2008 12:38PM EST The WHSAA doesnt schedule games for basketball, so why should we contact them about strength of schedule. Lovell is 3A because of the number of kids they have.

Posted by: SPORTS FAN on March 4, 2008 2:21PM EST THAT WAS MY BAD LEFTY, I KNOW THEY SCHEDULE THE FOOTBALL GAMES FOR SCHOOLS. SO THEY CAN TRY TO KEEP THE TRAVEL DOWN FOR TEAMS. I DON'T THINK THE STRENGTH OF THEIR SCHEDULE HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH HOW THEY PLAYED AT REGIONALS.

Posted by: JA on March 4, 2008 2:23PM EST Thanks Lefty you beat me to it... Individual schools set their own schedules and schedule certain opponents. Lovell is only located 30 miles from the Montana border, go get some out of state action. I noticed though that you played nearly every 2A team from the West except for Wyoming Indian and Wind River(the two best)... Why not schedule Lander or Buffalo and give yourselves some validation. My point is that you never touched the strength of schedule of any other team in 3A and thus its hard to set you next to them and compare... The best record from the East Buffalo had a record of 19-1(13-1 Conference) played 6 non-conference games; Pinedale, Jackson, Cody, Sheridan, Powell, and Worland. That is 5 3A west and 1 4A East schools. Lovell finished with a very good 18-3(11-3 Conference). Their non-conference opponents include; Tounge River(19-9 overall) twice, Rocky Mountain(7-18) twice, Greybull(10-17) once, Mountain View(5-18) once, and Thermopolis(15-12). That is 7 2A, 0 3A, and 0 4A schools. Their combined overall records are 56-74... I guess I may not know what the hell I'm talkin about, but the numbers don't lie...

Posted by: D.E. on March 4, 2008 2:32PM EST Man SPORTS FAN, for not being from Lovell, you sure called out JA on that one. You even went all caps.. The thing is, Lovell may be one of the best teams in 3A, and the refs may have had questionable calls, but if you truly are that good, like you say they were, in spite of refs and everything going against Lovell, wouldn't they be playing in a pretty big tournament this week... Sure your allowed to have bad games, but to lose your first game when your the number one seed at regionals is questionable, there should be no excuses for that. When it's time to play, it's time to play, and Lovell obviously didn't show up, and the two "bottom teams" did. Wether or not they will do anything at state is up for question, but at least they put themselves in the position to compete one more week. Lovell didn't do that.

Posted by: gym rat on March 4, 2008 2:48PM EST If you had been in the gym for the Buffalo-Wheatland boys championship game you would know how Buffalo pulled the come from behind win. Every person in the gym (except the Wheatland fans) were cheering for Buffalo. Even the people waiting for the girls game to start. Really says something about Buffalo's program. It's a class act.

Posted by: 3a west fan on March 4, 2008 3:25PM EST Lovell fan you might say Jax has no chance at state but there chance is a lot higher then your because they are still playing this year and you are not. Why not give the jax players some credit for playing there butts off and not always blame others for why you lost. What type of life lesion are you teaching you kids to always blame others and never be accountability for your own actions. It becomes obvious why your player’s lack respect and class it comes from your parents and coaches. This is why most of the 3a west teams were vocally cheering for jax against lovell. Instead of blaming others take responsibility for not playing your best game and move on, it does you no good to try and bring the jax players down for their win. All it does it validate why everyone believes your players fans and coaches lack class. Good luck next year because this year is over for you.

Posted by: Roy on March 4, 2008 3:25PM EST Exactly right gym rat. However, it's not hard at all to cheer for whoever's playing Wheatland. Wheatland's true colors were shown to everyone in the state the previous week in Newcastle. They did well at the regional. Hopefully they have learned from that experience and show a lot of class to their opponents and the opposing fans at the state tournament. They haven't been there in a while. It's a chance for them to put a little shine back on their image. Let's hope they do, but I still think Buffalo comes out on top.

Posted by: wyoghost on March 4, 2008 4:50PM EST I played for riverton during the better years. It sucks that they can't seem to get their act together. It does appear that this will shape up to be another good championship. However, even though I now live in Utah, I wish that Riverton would revamp their b-ball program.

Posted by: bf on March 4, 2008 5:13PM EST Roy - wheatland showed their true colors as that they are not a one man team and overcame the adversity. It seems kind of funny that newcastle was cheering for buffalo (i know what happened the week before had something to do with that) they will have a harder time reaching the ship with buffalo in their bracket, as buffalo blasted them twice this year.

Posted by: bf on March 4, 2008 5:25PM EST Roy, wheatlands true colors were shown, as they over came adversity and qualified for state. It was a great championship game as they crowd was great. I found it odd that newcastle was cheering for buffalo (i know what happened the week before had something to do with it) but with buffalo winning it put newc and buffalo in the same bracket. their best chance to make it to the ship would have been the other way as buffalo blasted them twice this year.

Posted by: bf on March 4, 2008 5:38PM EST Sorry for the double post --computer problems

Posted by: JA on March 4, 2008 9:24PM EST As a Dogie alum and now a Bison supporter, I thought it was maybe the neatest thing that I've seen in the past 8 regional tourneys... I remember the bitter rivalary between Buffalo and Newcastle in the 90's and into the early 00's. I believe it says a lot about these programs and the respect they have for each other. . I wouldn't count the Dogies out BF... Coach Von Eye has something going there. The "Twin Towers" of Ferguson and Pisciotti are something else and only juniors. They have a freshman point guard in Jeremy Beehler who has far exceeded expectations, along with senior guard Jeremiah Decker who can slice to the bucket and draw fouls at will. Preston Bennet is a very good on ball defender and if you let him get goin out side, he'll make it rain like Pac Man. This team has the potential to be scary this weekend... . . As for Buffalo, 5 regional finals in the past 5 years, 3 championships... Way to go Coach Pro and staff!!! Pretty impressive when you think about the competition in the East Conference. (and how in the world do you get a space in between lines to seperate paragraphs? I've tried everything imaginable and it hasn't worked.)

Posted by: Chris Gray on March 4, 2008 10:32PM EST It's very easy to cheer for Buffalo if you are a Dogie fan! Buffalo is a class act, with some very good, old friends living there! (one of their stars was a ring-bearer at my wedding! Good grief, am I old!!!) We don't simply cheer against the strongest team-as far as I am concerned, you want to go through the best to validate a championship. Now, having said that, the Dogies have so much unrealized potential, it isn't funny! If we can just pull it together & follow the leadership of the 2 starting senior guards (which obviously shone shrough last weekend), the Dogies can make some real noise! Same with the girls! Hey ladies, we beat Torrington! (another class act, headed by Fishy!!) If the whole team can rally around Cammie Clarke (I visited her parents the other night-she looks like the "human bruise!") & play like she did & has all season, well, what a great time to peak!! Unfortunately, it looks like my 4th grade daughters 3-on-3 hoops tournament in Moorcroft may obligate me there, but if we can make it to the late games, I'll be there!! Go DOGIES!!!!! JA-stay out of trouble up there & remember-"These colors don't run!"

Posted by: Eric Heatherly on March 4, 2008 11:28PM EST WHEATLAND BULLDOGS...enough said...Go Bulldogs!!

Posted by: Chris on March 5, 2008 12:27AM EST Hey Patrick! Not to get off topic, but did you see the time Stephen Michael put up in the 200m at the state indoor meet? 22.5!?!? Indoors?!?! Does anyone realize how fast that is? Man, I hope I get to see him perform this outdoor season! I missed Ames last year, & Hewitt-Gaffney before him, I'm not gonna miss this kid!! (hopefully!) Oh yeah, GO DOGIES!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 5, 2008 4:32AM EST Who cares about lovell, there season is over, yes they were a decent team, but sorry to say, they aren't in the top eight, they should have put there money were there mouths were. I think the kemm rangers are going to go into state under the radar and suprise some people. Is it true that the coach is going to call it a great career and retire after this season? if so you know his kids will be ready to go on thursday night, who is supposed to win the 4a? being around 3a schools all year, i havent payed much attention to it..I am sure the cchs boys have to be up towards the top...but is there a team out there like laramie was last year?

Posted by: 3A West Mom on March 5, 2008 5:45AM EST I sat behind the Lovell boys bench in Pinedale and was disgusted by the actions of the Bulldog players - the attitude and the language proved that they do not run a class act program. It also was pretty evident where their behavior comes from - a Lovell parent was ejected by a ref and had to be forcibly removed from the gym by the Pinedale AD and Sublette County Sheriff!

Posted by: rangerfan on March 5, 2008 10:30AM EST Jack, Coach Johnson is leaving after this season. He has done a great job here in k-town and will be missed. He has brought a kemmerer program that was weak to say the least and made it a regional contender every year for the last 8 years. I wish him and the boys luck this weekend. If tucker can get going underneath and our guards can slow down the other teams back court who knows how far this team can go! GO RANGERS!!

Posted by: football fan on March 5, 2008 10:43AM EST I'm amazed that everyone appears to be so shocked by the behavior of the Lovell players/coaches/fans - they have ALWAYS acted this way. I thought everyone knew that this is normal for them! There are a few really good kids over there, but the majority of them live what they have learned.

Posted by: basketball fan on March 5, 2008 10:47AM EST Do you think what was going on with the Lovell coach and players had anything to do with the way they played at regionals? There was quite the controversy earlier and discussed (and cussed) here on Goulash. Wonder what the future holds for their coach and program?

Posted by: Roy on March 5, 2008 10:56AM EST Spoken with true arrogance Eric. Just make sure you and your teammates check your egos at the door. Once you get on that big floor, in front of all those people, things change. None of your players have been to a state tourney to play before and they have never stepped on that floor with a chance to win a championship. You don't know what it is like. You strike fear in no one. Your best bet is to go in humble and work hard, then things might work out. Go in with an arrogant swagger and a chip on your shoulder, and someone's gonna knock it off. The best thing for a team who has lost 4 of their last 6 to do is to be quiet and play ball. And you better focus on Kemmerer. Their coach is one of the best around and it appears this is his last tourney, so their players will work hard for him. Do the east side proud. Be quiet and play with class. Good Luck.

Posted by: Brady on March 5, 2008 11:00AM EST I have to add that we (Newcastle) played Lovell when I was in hs in the early 90's. I don't remember any players or coaches from there acting nasty back then. I played along side a Lovell kid on a post season team and he was great to be around. This current team may have some issues, but we can't paint with such a wide brush.

Posted by: bball123 on March 5, 2008 11:45AM EST Not everyone was cheering for Buffalo in the regional championship game in Glenrock. We were defintely cheering for Wheatland. Go Bulldogs

Posted by: DawgsFan on March 5, 2008 11:53AM EST Go win State Bulldogs... You're the Best!!!

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 5, 2008 11:59AM EST There sure seems to be alot of Lovell bashing going on here. Lovell started the year out 18-1 and then ended up losing 4 out of 5 to end the year. Lovell suffered some setbacks about mid year losing a key player to injury and also some senior bench players quitting the team. It finally caught up to them at the end of the year and they got beat. That is that and it happens to all teams. The way they played at the end of the year didn't warrant them going to state. 3A West Mom.....I don't think that your comments are fair to Lovell and the rest of their teams and fans. You should be saying the same thing about Jackson after their coach got a "warning" instead of a tech or ejection for his actions during the game. I guarantee that there were fans, players, and coaches from all the teams that at one point or another have acted as unsportsmanlike during that tournament and other hotly contested games during the year as you say Lovell acted. Emotions and tempers can ge the best of anyone, just don't point your finger only at Lovell. As for the Lovell Lady Bulldogs....watch out for them at state. 20-4 with 3 losses to Jackson by 4, 4, and 7 pts. Also a 3 pt loss to Powell. If they get past Torrington and then probably Douglas...might be 4th times the charm and them turning the table on Jackson.

Posted by: carey Mclaughlin on March 5, 2008 12:05PM EST This is shaping up to be a great tournament but I think east will dominate just like 1a 2a last week mainly 3a Girls Douglas Newcastle watch out for Torrington they got a wake up call at regionals

Posted by: wyofloater on March 5, 2008 12:15PM EST Lovell Fan, You're certainly correct that Lovell has been getting picked on and all teams/schools have some unflattering moments and poorly behaved fans. But this discussion started (under a different blog post) when someone from Lovell claimed they were robbed by the officials instead of losing fair and square. Dealing with adversity of all kinds is a great lesson for kids to learn at these tournaments. Your girls have a very good team and I think they'll do well at state. Carey Mclaughlin, you might be surprised at how well all of the 3A West girls teams are playing - none of them are going to roll over!

Posted by: Charlie Westerman on March 5, 2008 12:56PM EST Roy toy, what arrrogance are you talking about? Heatherly didn't guarantee that we were winning state. How is that being cocky? If you ever played basketball you'd know that confidence and having a chip on your shoulder is a good thing. Were going to go in and play hard and be confident that we're going to win. You want us to go to half court and yell "were going two and a barbeque" so you can think we're humble. No thanks buddy. And by the way your not at practice and in the the locker room, how do you know what Wheatlands true colors are?

Posted by: Anonymous on March 5, 2008 1:10PM EST Well i think lovell got screwed over hardcore as for the parent that got kicked out he is a very nice guy and stood up for the bulldogs. I guess everyone missed the ref that told a different ref that was watching the game that he would rip his f***ing face off for telling him that he made the wrong call

Posted by: SportsLlama on March 5, 2008 1:40PM EST I had no idea Coach Johnson was leaving Kemmerer after this year. He's always been one of my favorite guys to watch and I've respected him a lot as we (Star Valley) have played them for a lot of years. The teams he had a few years ago when they made the state game had the best Ranger crowds I've ever seen. Good luck to you Ralph, and I wish you well

Posted by: Roy on March 5, 2008 1:45PM EST Charlie W. I would love to get into a debate with you over the finer points of basketball, but it would be no contest. I am a lot closer to the game you speak of then you'll ever know. Your true colors are no secret to anyone in the 3A east. We hear you on the floor and in the line at the end of the game. We hear about your predictions of a state championship at your senior night, then promptly losing to an "inferior" team. And then another "inferior" team the next night. Your group (of seniors) have proven nothing in your four years of basketball except that you know how to choke when it really counts. I never said that Eric guaranteed a championship, all I said was don't tell us how good you are. Go out and prove it on the floor. Talk is cheap. How many championships have the Wheatland boys brought home...in any sport...in the recent past? Nothing comes to mind. And now that you have resorted to immature name calling, I will make this prediction...Kemmerer over Wheatland on Thursday. Then we'll let the rest of the east clean up for the championship. BTW, Charlie, how many minutes do you play each game? From what I've seen you're just riding the coattails of the guys who are actually doing all the work. Go Bison, Dogies, and Tigers.

Posted by: JA on March 5, 2008 2:33PM EST Hypothetically speaking Chucky W., Mr. Heatherly told NewcFan on a different blog post, "come to casper this weekend at watch us win 3 in a row and watch our team we are a class act..dont let one game be the judge of that..we are the best and the fastest team in 3a..see u in casper..GO BULLDOGS!" . Kinda sounds like a guarentee, since you can't win three games without winning it all... Also, class is exhibited in not only the way you win, but how you handle defeat...

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 5, 2008 2:44PM EST Wyofloater, Found the blogs you mentioned. Wow! Everyone in 3a "HATES" Lovell. Everyone else....... About the tech called on the Lovell player, you all say he deserved it? I will give you that and that it was a momentum changer. Still, what about the Jackson coach and his warning. Why wasn't he T'd up? Should have been a tech and two free throws for Lovell and the ball back at a crucial time. Also, you mention the Lovell coach arguing a call with the refs. That was when the Jackson boy got pressured and while going down threw the ball backcourt to a teammate for what was obviously an over-and-back call. The refs didn't call it and that was also at a huge moment. The non-tech call and other non-call could have definitely been huge momentum changes as was the tech called on the Lovell player. Those two calls alone could have made the outcome of this game totally different. Anyway, congrats to Jackson and the win and good luck at state. This regional tournament just goes to show you why they play the games. The 4a doesn't have to worry about their top two seeds in each regional not making it to state. Have you checked out their brackets? What's up with that? They have 12 teams and 4 of them are guaranteed a place at state. They don't have to worry about getting upset and not going to state. They should still have to do a full double ellimination like the 1a, 2a, and 3a!!!

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 5, 2008 3:22PM EST So is anyone else sick about hearing how the refs screwed lovell over? its funny as i have been talking to other coaches and players at that same regional tourny, who played under the same officials...they said it wasnt great, but i'm sorry i am so sick of hearing how the officals screwed them over...You guys choked like the buffalo bills in the super bowl, get over it. As for the person who said that the lovell parent that got ejected is a good guy, i wont take that away from him, but there is a point to standing up for your team, and knowing when to shut up, if one of my parents got ejected i would be very dissapointed, there is a point when u need to realize your not in high school, and act like an adult, then maybe your kids will act like mature young athletes too...attitude reflects leadership, and after listening to everyone bashing the coach from lovell earlier this season on that other board, i would have to question some of the parenting in the small town of lovell...winning is important, but have some class.

Posted by: bball123 on March 5, 2008 3:35PM EST You talk about how bad the coach and fans are from Lovell well maybe you should see how much of a freak show the Lander coach is. He was out of control during the Douglas vs. Lander losser out game in Glenrock. I can not believe that a coach can come running out on the floor and yell at a official and not get a T. Like someone said it is everywhere.

Posted by: gym rat on March 5, 2008 3:40PM EST I saw the freshman from Newcastle, Beehler, play at regionals and he is a stud. You would never know that he is a freshman. When they needed a 3 he was not afraid to put it up.

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 5, 2008 4:25PM EST Jack Lemmon, I have not said that Lovell got "screwed over," but I can't seem to get you or anyone else to tell me why the Jackson coach didn't receive a tech??? Did he or didn't he throw something? I would think that throwing something on the floor would result in a technical foul? I was watching the game on the internet stream and it was interupted and came back on. It sounded like the announcers said that the coach had thrown something on the floor. Then the ref stopped the game and gave him a warning. Shouldn't that have been a technical foul if he did throw something?

Posted by: Erik Larson on March 5, 2008 4:36PM EST Hey, Roy Orbison who do you think you are bashing Charlie he has done nothing to you. What are you talking about the finer points of basketball. When have we ever said anything bad in the line after the game, thats not classy that's not what were about. An we just won the State Baseball title six months ago.

Posted by: CGoe on March 5, 2008 4:57PM EST Coach Broadhead didn't throw anything. He was simply arguing a "call" or "No call" (not sure which) with the official. He used no foul language. Was just unhappy and voicing his opion. I was 7 rows up behind our Jackson bench. Coach has received T's in past games and knows the fine line you can walk.......and only get the warning...he walked it and didn't step over it.

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 5, 2008 5:19PM EST To the lovell fan, I agree with u that if he threw something, that is def. means for a tech. but u need to also look at how the players acted, i know it doesnt seem fair, but when parents are getting tossed, and players are getting t-d up using bad language, etc...refs tend to side with other teams, u know that as well as i do from being around the big horn basin. BUt dont talk to me about getting bad treatment from officals. I have played football, basketball, and coached in lovell, and the hometown the away teams all the time...Don't even get me started on that. I hate to say it, but all niners stand together...it kinda sucks when u get a taste of your own medicine doesn't it. In all reality if lovell was the better team, jackson being the number 7 seed should have never even been close. You can't tell me that one t which is two free throws and a poss. of the ball turned the game around, if they are as good as everyone says they are, jackson shouldnt have even been in the game. But if you are going to use that excuse for the jackson game, how did the refs win the first round game for lyman? just curious

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 5, 2008 5:21PM EST Another comment on the lander squad, i watched them play this year also, and they are much better off with the new coaching staff, as to the past..At least there is a little respect coming back to there program. So what if the coach was arguing a call, at least somebody in the state has a little fire and passion left.

Posted by: LovellSupporter on March 5, 2008 5:54PM EST Hey Jack, First Lyman BEAT Lovell. They played a better game and deserved that win. Know one from Lovell will argue that. Thats why Lyman was in the Championship. And it wasn't just one call. It was almost every call in the 4th quarter. Jackson wasn't in the game until the 4th quarter. Lovell had a 12 point lead at the start of the 4th. It was a horrible display of officiating. But Pinedale and the south got exactly what they wanted 4 teams going to state. Impressive. Maybe next year we can get all north officials for the regional in Worland and we can have Lovell, Powell, Worland and Cody go to state??

Posted by: L-TOWN Repin on March 5, 2008 6:26PM EST everybody knows that the bulldogs got jewed over in many games including the regional game against Lyman. its a bunch of bull that the refs were as they were in that tourny. i mean come on lovell doesn't lose to shitty teams like lyman bulldogs r #1 n u all know it so stop saying thier all bad cause u know your wrong!

Posted by: rangerfan on March 5, 2008 6:40PM EST L-town--it is one thing to be a sore loser and complain about officiating but to start to use foul language and hate terms has definitely not helped your case in making lovell a classy program. "jewed"?!! Are you really trying to use this term that refers to a modern religion and a people who have been persecuted and murdered over the last two milenia to justify your feelings over officiating and your team pulling one of the biggest choke jobs of the year. Wow if I was a fellow lovell fan, which I am not, i would be embarrased to have you standing up for my team. Why don't you go back to my space and complain to your fellow immature minded friends. GO RANGERS!!

Posted by: wyofloater on March 5, 2008 6:42PM EST Finally - L-TOWN has made us see the light! Lovell is the greatest team ever and if they've ever lost, it was someone else's fault. I'd say this topic is exhausted. Now back to the discussions about the state tournament and winners!

Posted by: football fan on March 5, 2008 6:52PM EST wonderful idea wyofloater! I think 3A girls is going to be tough. I was looking at the bracket today and there isn't a shoe-in anywhere. Buffalo will be tough in 3A boys, and we learned last weekend not to count anyone out. (or in) Those of you going to the tournament - good luck getting around, I read that Hillary and Obama are both going to be in town!! Lots of fun in Casper.

Posted by: Anonymous on March 5, 2008 7:02PM EST Jack, Please don't lump us niners in with Lovell! We dislike them as much as everybody else!

Posted by: JA on March 5, 2008 7:35PM EST Patrick, you've been non-existent on here this past week. Are you sick, on vacation till tomorrow??? I'm getting tired of all the same ole BS. Please make another thread to jump start some positive conversing!

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 5, 2008 7:37PM EST To tell ya the truth Jack, it is really starting to annoy me how you and many others have decided to label everyone in Lovell the same. All niners stand together? Wow, that's a good one! There are alot of good parents who have kids on that team, and alot of good kids on that team. You should all look at your fans, parents, coaches, and players before you judge Lovell. I can't say that Lovell has perfect sportmanship, and I can't say that any of the other towns are perfect either. Watch enough games and you see and hear all kinds of things from such fine and upstanding citizens from other towns. It's called competition and unfortunately it brings out both the best and the worst in individuals. Hopefully the Lovell fans etc will represent our town better at state when they are there to cheer on our girls team.

Posted by: Roy on March 5, 2008 7:51PM EST Erik I appreciate you and Charlie removing all doubt as to the kind of character you display. Name calling is so mature. And you can deny your team using the F-word on the court and after the games all you want. It does not make the fact that it happened untrue. I also apologize for not recognizing your state championship in baseball, but I was only referring to WHSAA sanctioned activities. And one more thing, I said in an earlier post that Wheatland did a great job at the regional tournament with their game and sportsmanship under adverse conditions. That Wheatland had learned from the mistake and done better, but you don't seem to want to focus on that. And Charlie did "bash" me with his "if you ever played basketball" comment and name calling. I just wish the Wheatland guys would be quiet and play ball. There aren't any players from Buffalo, Lander, or Newcastle on here tooting their own horns. They take care of business on the floor, not on a blog. You would be best served to quiet your critics by proving it on the court. Then I'll be quiet. Go Bison, Tigers, and Dogies!

Posted by: True BB Fan on March 5, 2008 8:03PM EST Lets all be honest the Northwest side of the 3a conference as a group was weak. Give lovell some slack moving up to 3A this year is an adjustment. Cody was a weak 4A team so hopefully no one expected them to be a strong 3A team. Powell hasn't one a big game in 8 years, what a waste of talent. Until there is a regime change they will continue to be underachievers. Worland is young and with a new coach but beware next year they could be the favorite in a still weak end of the conference. Pinedale truely might be the best team on this side this year.

Posted by: rangerfan on March 5, 2008 8:07PM EST Jackson(girls) has had some close games over here in the west but no has yet figured out the formula to knock them off. They go 12 deep!! Are there any teams there in the east with great depth? Shockley platoons you and doesn't lose much with any substitutions. They are going to be tough to beat. Lovell has done the best job I think with them. That Schaffler girl is simply awesome. I have never seen a smoother girl ball player. Threat from the 3 point line at any time and I think she is more of an advantage on defense than offense. Looking forward to seeing how she competes at state. GO RANGERS!!

Posted by: alex on March 5, 2008 8:15PM EST wow 3a boys will be exciting this weekend...wheatland has 3 great guards in taylor shepard, eric heatherly and craig koger..i look to see these 3 step up big time this weekend in a rematch buffalo-wheatland state title with the edge going to wheatland..i dont see a team that can just match up with there 3 dynamic guards and shut all 3 of them down...good luck to everyone at state!!

Posted by: gtown on March 5, 2008 8:15PM EST I cant believe how this blog has gotten to hating on refs and hating on every other team. Ranger Fan you said it when L-town made those comments. Totally inapropriate. I dont think its right to label an entire town by one individual but I suppose when someone from there says that I can see why you would.

Posted by: Charlie Westerman on March 5, 2008 8:50PM EST Roy (i don't know your last name because you won't type it in) , what do you expect when you sit in front of your computer and tell Wheatland how to play basketball. There's nothing wrong with me, a bench player who has practiced with the team all year defending my teamate. Someone as wise as you think you are should be coaching this weekend but your not, say all you want but Wheatland, bench players and all are going to play at state this weekend while you'll be on the internet making comments. If talk is cheap then why do you comment on here so much. It's my job to defend my teamate but it's not yours to call him arrogant. I thought you didn't like name calling. I'm not guaranting anything, but leave our team alone.

Posted by: Roy on March 5, 2008 9:15PM EST Charlie "arrogant" is an adjective, not a "name". And if you look up the definition you will see that I am correct in my statement. For someone to post " WHEATLAND BULLDOGS...enough said...Go Bulldogs!!" shows arrogance (that is a noun). Same guy guaranteed a state championship on another blog post. That is arrogance. And another teammate guaranteed a championship over the loudspeaker at your senior night. That is arrogance. I am only citing actual examples, but enough. I will leave you guys alone now. I can't believe that you are focused and wasting energy on this blog when you have your first state playoff game in years in less than 24 hours. Best of luck to you and your teammates. You will need it. Go Dogies, Tigers, and Bison!

Posted by: SSmith on March 5, 2008 9:21PM EST Here's how I see things shaking out in the 3A boys. Pinedale over Lander Kemmerer over Wheatland Newcastle over Lyman Buffalo over Jackson then Kemmerer over Pinedale (3rd times a charm) Buffalo over Newcastle and finally Buffalo over Kemmerer for the trophy. What do the rest of you think?

Posted by: Xcskier on March 5, 2008 9:48PM EST I'm too far away to know much about other teams, but I know the Tigers are a talented bunch and I'll be pulling for them from Minnesota. They are a team that can put together a good run Good Luck to everyone at State and here's hoping the Tigers can grab another banner for the wall in the Fieldhouse.

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 5, 2008 9:49PM EST Rangerfan and others....you have it right. It is embarassing to Lovell to have someone (L-TOWN repin) saying comments like that. It was inappropiate. Lovell fans obviously feel that the game was poorly officiated. That is their opinion and they are entitled to it, same as you are entitled to yours. However, we aren't going to be gettin any good sportmanship awards for how they were at Pinedale! Kristen Scheffler is an excellent ball player and she is one of the best I have ever watched play from the state of Wyoming. Hopefully she has a great state tournament and leads the Lady Bulldogs to a state championship!! Jackson girls team is tuff! They got a lot of height, but that height can also run and jump. Very hard for teams to stop. I don't know much about the eastern teams. Don't count Worland and Powell out tho, they could jump up and bite someone also.

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 5, 2008 10:06PM EST Too everyone out there regarding the lovell peoples' comments, there were two officals down in pinedale from Lovell. They may be on the powell crew but they are lovell born and raised. So dont even say they were all south officals. other than that topic (that has been beat by like a dead horse)...Does anyone know about 4A?

Posted by: bballfan on March 5, 2008 11:59PM EST I find it ironic that you people are so hard on Wheatland after what one player did. That could happen to anyone. It happens alot in college basketball, sometimes emotions get the best of a person doesnt make it right but why condemn a porgram? Keep in mind they do not have a player over 6'1" and finish second in the east. They held Ferguson to 8 and Anderson to 12 at the regional. They deserve some repect for the adversity they have overcome and definitely for what they have accomplished being so undersized. Coach Cochran has done a tremendous job getting this team this far, he should probably be the coty in the east. As for Lovell it is too bad they are not in the state tourney. They had a great year and are a great team. But Buffalo remains the team to beat.

Posted by: Hoopsfan on March 6, 2008 12:08AM EST I saw most of the games at the 3A west tournament, and in general, the referees did a poor job. I know it is easy to criticize from the bleachers, but for some reason, most of the games were called poorly. It wasn't any particular team, or boys or girls games, but just very inconsistent calls. I missed the Lovell, Jackson boys game, but it sounded like the rest I saw. It sure would be nice to get referees from the other side of the state for regionals (like swapping) so that it may be the first time they have called a game for these teams. It would seem they would be more impartial. I wouldn't label all Lovell fans like this blog portrays, I sat next to a couple from Lovell, and they were very easy to talk to and not unsportsmanlike at all. Unfortunately, every town or team has a select few that shame the whole community. Parents and fans, be safe on the highways this weekend and good luck to all.

Posted by: bballfan on March 6, 2008 12:16AM EST Looks like an interesting bracket, I like the east teams to all move to the semifinal. Wheatland and Buffalo should meet again making for a great title game.

Posted by: wypanther on March 6, 2008 12:16AM EST I only know of one official that was born and raised in Lovell that officated in Pinedale. He lived in Powell for a number of years and I am unsure as to whether he currently lives in Powell or Lovell. He did not officate any games that Lovell played in so why the comment about Lovell officials? The other official has no affilation with Lovell that I am aware of - I have lived in the Big Horn Basin for the better part of 30 years and I do know of many good people who live in county "9." Weren't there also officials there from Lyman and other towns from the 3A West Conference? Good luck to all the teams heading to Casper.

Posted by: JA on March 6, 2008 12:26AM EST They deserve respect and i don't think anyone isn't giving it to them for their play. They are being held to that one play along with what a few things players/fans have said. They are a very scary team and Coach Cochran is a fantastic coach, but I'm having a hard time seeing how he is more deserving of COTY than a coach that has led his team to a 22-1 record and regional championship thus far...... This weekends gonna be nuts!!! Its the only way to put. It is very unpredictable especially since everyone has beatiing someone who has beaten someone(if that make sense). Well, I had better go get what rest I can with two midterms tomorrow. Safe travels to all, and to all a good night!

Posted by: Jack Lemmon on March 6, 2008 12:51AM EST I like the swapping officals idea, but i highly doubt the ad's/hs will want to pay mileage to the officals

Posted by: HS Sports Fan on March 6, 2008 3:10AM EST Jack - I believe the WHSAA pays all fees during regionals and state, so the AD's wouldn't be paying. Well i guess the money will come from member schools through their annual dues, but I believe the check is cut by the WHSAA.

Posted by: big baller on March 6, 2008 11:01AM EST I hope the officiating is better at State 3A/4A than it was at the 1A/2A tournament. These officials act like people paid money to watch them. I've been to the last 6 tournaments and each year the quality of the refs amaze me. They digress every year. I don't know if they are worn out from the season or what. The kids work their butts off to get there and then they get refs who won't work hard. The ref from Cokeville was the worse official I think I have ever watched. He literally screwed the TR Eagles in their game against Sundance. If he works any games this weekend,(I doubt if he will) he should really be looking over his shoulders. I think he made some enemies last weekend. Good luck to all this weekend.

Posted by: WOW what bashing on March 6, 2008 11:19AM EST I find it interesting, that the bashing is so defined. By reading all of these, especially the spoiled kids from wheatland. Don't worry I went to school there and the girls teams always showed up, win or lose, and put some banners on the wall. And the boys could be ranked #1 and couldn't put anything on the wall, but they could run there mouths..... I can see that "Roy" is alot more educated that the wheatland boys trying to defend their honor? What honor, Eric, did you realize what you started by even commenting here. Last week, it was all about your foul and mouth, this week it is about your team? You should play and shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Try it. The state tournament is always exciting and a wonderful way to watch teams, good and bad finish their year. So lets enjoy the tournament and save the bashing for after the tournament.... MAY THE BEST MEN or WOMEN WIN! By this I don't mean talent I mean honorable athletes!

Posted by: football fan on March 6, 2008 12:49PM EST The weekend has started off with a bang. Who would have thought, an upset at a basketball tourney? Worland girls 55 - Douglas girls 49. (I'm sure Worland doesn't consider it an upset - nice job ladies!)

Posted by: big baller on March 6, 2008 1:31PM EST It appears that Lovell girls are on their way to defeat. I hope they turn it around. Scheffler only had 5 points at 5 minutes left in the 3rd. Good luck

Posted by: Lovell Fan on March 6, 2008 2:45PM EST #2 ranked Torrington downs #3 ranked Lovell. Lovell was down by 21 pts towards end of 3rd and got back to only being down by 4 pts. Torrington's defensive pressure caused alot of problems for Lovell. How about the freshman Koritnik? Besides, big baller, Scheffler doesn't just score points. Watch her all-around game! Looked like almost everytime she touched the ball they had 2 or 3 girls on her, and she would get the ball to the open girl. Torrington's defense forced 28 turnovers and they got 24 pts off of them according to the cybersports stats. That is awesome. Torrington's got a really good team. Will be a really good game if they get to play Jackson in the finals. I'm looking forward to watching that one.