Lovell, Rocky open middle school hoops schedule with rivalry games

The Lovell Middle School boys basketball team opened the 2024 season at Rocky Mountain and Greybull last week.

In Cowley Thursday the Lovell boys lost 41-12, while on Friday they played a back-and-forth game, losing at Greybull 26-25.

“Mrs. Durtsche and I are excited about the challenge this season brings,” coach Steven Durtsche said. “We have a group that is less experienced than some of the groups we have had in the past. We have to make sure we don’t waste any time at practice and really spend our time wisely working on things the boys need to work on.

“It will be a fun year, filled with highs and lows. We are excited to get to work.”

The seventh-grade boys played both Rocky and Greybull last week, as well. The A team finished victorious over the Grizzlies 33-28, while on Friday they beat the Greybull Buffs 31-29.

The B team beat Rocky Mountain 24-23, and though they lost to Greybull 44-18, coach Collin McArthur noted, “I have been pleased to start this season with the boys’ work ethic on the court and hope to see it transition over into the classroom and community. After playing against exceptionally good Rocky and Greybull teams, I feel that we have a talented group of boys with a lot of potential. They have shown in both games we played how to be resilient and not crumble under pressure.

“If they continue to play this way and to trust each other I know they have the ability to both compete with and beat any of their competition. I’m excited for the rest of this season and hope to see the boys continue to execute, to play as a team, and not get down on each other. Even in tight situations, I have no doubt they will be successful this year and put themselves in the best position to win their conference. I am excited for the road ahead.”

The Mustangs have a busy week ahead of them, playing Thermopolis today (Thursday) at 4:15 p.m., with the eighth grade at home and the seventh grade in Thermop, Worland Monday at 4:15 p.m. with the eighth grade at home and the seventh grade in Worland and Cody Tuesday at 4:15, with the seventh grade at home and the eighth grade on the road.