Lovell and Rocky Mountain freshmen split Monday contests
The Lovell and Rocky Mountain freshman basketball teams went head-to-head on Monday night.
The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Grizz competed in Lovell at Johnny Winterholler Gymnasium, while the Lovell Bulldogs traveled to Cowley to face the Grizzlies.
Both hosting teams protected their home court and walked away with the victory.
In the boys game, Rocky Mountain prevailed on offense and had balanced scoring from the majority of the team. The Grizzlies took a narrow 20-19 lead into halftime before extending it to 29-25 at the end of the third and then pulling away in the fourth for a 44-30 win.
Joaquin Scheeler led the way for the Grizz, scoring 12 points, and Kellan Jackson was right behind him with 11. Rylan Stebner added 8 points, Jacob Melton 4, Jaxson Miller 3 and Jiggs Yellowtail, Travis Crosby and Juan Rodriguez 2 apiece.
The Lovell Bulldogs struggled getting shots to fall throughout the game, coach Michael Jameson said.
Declan Mayes scored 11 points for the Bulldogs, and Tazz McArthur powered in 10 points down low. Sam Mayes ended with 4 points, Robert Capers 3, Jaxen Clark 2.
“We were down a few guys due to some illnesses going around, but I thought we hustled,” Jameson said. “They just scored more than we did.”
“This was a back-and-forth game until the fourth quarter,” Rocky coach Taylor Winland said. “Every basket was earned for both teams in the first half. In the fourth quarter we were able to get separation and extend our lead. It was great to see the boys step up to the challenge.”
Freshman girls
In Lovell, the Lady Bulldogs took the lead early and never looked back to beat the Lady Grizz, 38-25.
Celeste Lindsay shined with 14 points to lead Lovell. Kindle Collins and Kaydree Owens each ended with 5, and Brooklin Clark had 4.
Kira Collins and Jenna Hessenthaler each scored 3 points in the game while Kandace Asay and Kenley Wilson scored 2 apiece.
“I thought the girls really executed well on our end of the floor,” said Lady Bulldogs coach Dan Wolvington. “It’s nice to have so many able and willing to contribute scoring the ball.”
For Rocky Mountain, Kaysie Cooley scored in every quarter and ended with 12 points. Layla Gardner finished with 7 points, Halle Grandalen 5 and Emma Sponsel 1. The game was the final contest of the season for the Lady Grizz freshmen.
“Our girls knew going into our game that it was going to be a hard and physical game,” Rocky coach Jamie Cooley said. “We felt ready and excited to play. We came out and had a few mistakes and fouls get to us early.
“In the second half of the game we were able to get things moving with our press. Our girls got tired but wanted to stay in the press and continued to try and fight our way back. I absolutely love these girls and am so proud of how much they have learned and gained over the last few months.
“They are always willing to do what is asked and are always wanting to improve. They are incredibly coachable and fun to be around. I am sad that our season is over, but I am looking forward to all they will continue to bring to our program.”
Cody contest
The Grizzly boys traveled to Cody Tuesday and clobbered the Broncs 55-36. Leading by just three points after the first quarter, 9-6, the Grizz outscored Cody 14-3 in the second period to lead 23-9 at halftime as Stebner drained a pair of three-pointers.
Rocky led 37-26 after three, then pulled away with an 18-10 fourth quarter advantage.
Stebner finished with 19 points, Scheeler 14, Miller 6, Rodriguez 5, Jackson and Crosby 4 apiece, Yellowtail 2 and Melton 1.
“I challenged the boys before the game to get a road win,” Winland said. “We’ve struggled on the road, and against Cody we got it done. It was great to see guys step up and knock shots down. Everyone got in the book, which was also exciting.”
Up next
The Lovell freshman girls and boys will host Burlington this evening (Thursday) at 5 and 6:30 p.m., then meet Greybull Monday at 6:15 p.m. with the girls in Greybull and the boys at home.
Tuesday, the Bulldog freshmen travel to Cody for games at 5 (girls) and 6:30 p.m.
Now 6-4 and riding a five-game winning streak, the Grizz will wrap up the freshman season Monday when they travel to Basin to meet Riverside at 6:15 p.m.