Bulldog cagers top Grizzlies in freshman game

On Monday night, the freshman boys basketball teams from Lovell and Rocky Mountain faced off at Johnny Winterholler Gymnasium. 

Both squads battled hard throughout the game before the Bulldogs pulled away to a 38-30 victory over the Grizz.

The teams exchanged buckets early on before walking into the locker rooms all locked up 14-14 at the half.

In the third quarter, Lovell was able to create some turnovers with their defensive pressure that led to points in transition. They outscored the Grizz 12-5 and 12-11 in the final two quarters.

“We played much more aggressive in the second half,” Lovell coach Michael Jameson said of his team. “I was proud of how we responded in the flow of the game and how we played with more determination.”

“We put together a good three quarters against Lovell,” Rocky coach Taylor Winland said. “Going into half I told the boys we will win or lose this game in the third quarter. We came out slow in the third and dug ourselves a hole. The boys competed the whole time. I definitely feel like we got better tonight.”

Cash Wassmer led the way offensively for the Bulldogs with 10 points in the game. Jaxen Clark had 8, Sam Mayes and Nate Cornia each with 6 while Wilson Hendershot, Declan Mayes, Robert Capers and Rocco Rael ended with 2 apiece. 

As for the Grizz, Joaquin Scheeler put 12 points on the board, and Rylan Stebner finished with 9, Kellan Jackson 7 and Jiggs Yellowtail 2.

The Grizzlies turned around to host the Powell Panthers on Tuesday night, falling 41-24. Powell outscored the Grizz 13-5, 8-3 and 9-4 in the first three quarters to lead 30-12 before Rocky won the fourth 12-11.

Scheeler scored 8 to lead the Grizz, Jackson and Stebner 4 each, Jaxson Miller, Yellowtail, Travis Crosby and Juan Rodriguez 2 apiece.

“Same thing as the night before, we put together a good three quarters,” Winland said. “We kind of stalled in the 3rd quarter. In the fourth quarter we played well but had just dug ourselves too deep of a hole. Some of these boys have a busy week with five games, so I hope they are taking advantage of the opportunity.”

The Grizzlies will host Cody tonight (Thursday) at 4:15 p.m., then travel to Greybull Monday for a 6:15 p.m. tip-off. 

The Bulldogs travel to Worland Thursday for a 6:30 p.m. start (girls at 5 p.m.) and to Burlington Tuesday for a 7 p.m. tap (girls at 6:15).