Grizz battle but fall at Wyoming Indian

The Rocky Mountain Grizzlies were able to play one of two scheduled non-conference games over the weekend. The Tongue River Eagles cancelled a trip to Cowley Friday due to mountain road conditions, but with the weather improving, the Grizz were able to play their scheduled game at Wyoming Indian in Ethete Saturday, falling 53-48.

“It was a game of runs,” coach Pat Winland said. “We led most of the first half, and it got away from us at the end of the second quarter.”

Rocky led 19-14 in the second quarter, Winland said, only to see the Chiefs reel off 10 straight points to lead 24-19 at halftime. The Grizz cut the margin to two points, 31-29, in the third, but WIHS went on an 8-0 run to lead 39-29. Rocky fought back again and tied the score 40-40 and WIHS led 42-40 at the quarter break.

The Chiefs won the fourth quarter 11-8 to win by five.

“We had some opportunities with some free throws and good looks, but throughout the game we made some really costly errors that seemed to result in points for them every time,” Winland said. “It was a good game. We battled and gave ourselves the opportunity to win. We hope to see them in the regional tournament.”

Cole Minchow and Mason Moss scored 14 points each for the Grizzlies, and Bryce Haslem added 7, Tucker Jackson 6, Alex Hedges 3 and Hudson May and Cooper Winland 2 apiece. Jackson led the Grizz with 10 rebounds, and Minchow had five assists, Jackson four.

Wyoming Indian won the JV game 53-47. Wyoming Indian led 24-21 at halftime, then outscored the Grizz 20-12 in the third quarter to lead 44-33. Rocky won the fourth 14-9 but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Winland scored 16 for the Grizzlies, Kellan Jackson 10, Jaxson Miller 7, Joaquin Scheeler and Evin Clendenen 6 each, Jaxon Hayes 2. 

Greybull to town

The Grizz (8-10) return to conference play this weekend, hosting Greybull Friday at 4 (JV) and 7 p.m. and traveling to Shoshoni Saturday for games at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. The Grizzlies stopped Greybull 48-27 on January 24 and Shoshoni 49-43 on January 25.

“That’s why we play the tough ones, to prepare us,” Winland said. “We’ll see a 2-3 zone from Greybull and probably a little of the same from Shoshoni. Shoshoni is coming off a great win at home over Wyoming Indian.

“It comes down to hitting shots from the perimeter and not forgetting our inside game. We’ll look to speed up the game against Greybull by pressing.”