Lady Grizz win two of three in Shoshoni, now 6-2

The Rocky Mountain Lady Grizzlies are continuing to improve. After starting the season 4-1 with three wins at the Wright and Glenrock tournaments and then beating Burlington Tuesday, the Lady Grizz went 2-1 at the Wrangler Tournament in Shoshoni Friday and Saturday, falling only to Class 3A Lyman.

Lyman edged Rocky 49-44 in the first game Friday, then beat Dubois Saturday morning, 51-20. Rocky closed out the tournament with a 36-32 win over Cokeville and is 6-2 heading into the break.

Rocky gave 3A Lyman a battle in game one Friday in a topsy-turvy game that saw Lyman lead 17-8 after the first period but Rocky outscore the Eagles 16-9 in the second quarter to trail by just two points at intermission, 26-24. Lyman outscored the Lady Grizz 18-7 in the third to lead 44-31, but Rocky won the fourth 13-5 to trim the final margin to five points.

In what head coach Justin Moss called a disjointed game, the two teams combined for 62 free throws and 59 turnovers, according to MaxPreps statistics.

“It was a very physical game with lots of fouls and turnovers,” Moss said. “It was tough to get a rhythm in this one. We played with a lot of effort but struggled to really get going in this game.

“We had too many turnovers (31) and didn’t capitalize when going to the charity stripe missing 19 free throws. Despite our many struggles we were in the game but couldn’t finish.”

Junior Lauren Bassett led the Lady Grizz with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Shelby Wambeke added 8 points and nine rebounds, Brittly Boettcher 4 points and six boards, Keylee Christiansen 3 points and five rebounds. Halle Grandalen had 2 points and five rebounds, Sharlotte Hanusa 2 points and three boards.

Dubois

The Lady Grizz rolled over Dubois Saturday morning, outscoring the Rams 31-12 in the first half and 20-8 in the second.

“Our girls did a good job of sharing the ball and playing with better pace,” Moss said. “We were able to work on a few different presses, and our entire roster was able to play a part on the floor in this one.

“It’s always good to build depth and prepare players. We had eight different girls get in the scoring column.”

Bassett led the Lady Grizz with 11 points and seven rebounds, and Wambeke added 8 points and three steals, Hanusa 8 points and three rebounds, Tarynn Schoening 7 points, five assists and six steals, Boettcher 7 points and four rebounds, Christiansen 6 points, Kaysie Cooley 2 points and Grandalen 2 points and six rebounds.

Cokeville

The final game with Cokeville was a slog, but the Lady Grizzlies persevered to win. Cokeville led 18-16 at halftime, but Rocky turned the tables and outscored Cokeville 12-8 in the third quarter and 8-6 in the fourth.

“The last day of a tournament right before the break against a solid team is always a battle of attrition,” Moss said. “I loved how our girls showed their grit and found a way to get it done. We did a good job of taking care of the ball against a very good press. We got pressed the entire game against a very athletic, scrapy Cokeville team.”

Playing two games in three-plus hours took its toll, Moss said.

“You could tell we had weary legs. We missed about eight threes off the front iron, which stopped us from getting separation,” he said. “Defensively, it was our best game of the year. Tarynn, Kaysie, Shelby and Keylee had active hands, and each had multiple deflections.  Lauren, Brittly and Sharlotte were physical inside and didn’t allow Cokeville to get to their spots.

“It’s a great way to go into the Christmas break. I’m super proud of our girls. These types of games will prepare us for the conference season. We can win in a variety of ways even when scoring is at a premium and every possession matters.”

Bassett led the team with 15 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Wambeke added 8 points and three assists. Boettcher scored 6 points, Christiansen 3 and Hanusa and Schoening 2 apiece.

Entering the holidays with good momentum, the Lady Grizz will resume play with two strong Class 3A opponents. Rocky will travel to Powell Thursday, Jan. 9, for games at 4 (JV) and 5:30, then travel to meet rival Lovell Friday, also at 4 and 5:30 p.m.

“We are excited for the break. Quite a few of our girls have some bumps and bruises and nagging injuries that can only be healed with time,” Moss said. “Basketball is a long season, and it will be a good opportunity to refresh and prepare for the next part of our season.”