Lovell well represented at all-star games in Casper

Two Lovell High School athletes had the opportunity to extend their high school sports careers by participating in the Wyoming Coaches Association North vs. South all-star games at Casper College on Saturday.

Kenadee Rael and Jace Nicholls earned the honors to compete for the North squads in the girls and boys basketball games. Head LHS boys basketball coach Shane Durtsche was also selected to be on the North’s boys basketball coaching staff.

After the five-set volleyball game, the two girls basketball teams faced off, and the South was able to build enough of a lead to seal a 79-55 victory over the North.

Rael saw good action on the court and was able to score a bucket and play tough on the defensive end.

“Playing in the all-star game was an unforgettable experience and an amazing week,” she said. “I got to compete alongside some truly amazing athletes, and even though the game didn’t go the way we hoped, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

She said that her coaches were incredible, and she expressed gratitude to everyone that makes the event possible.

“It is something I will always remember,” she added.

For the boys, the North dominated the South and clinched the 90-72 win.

Nicholls was a leader on the court and created ways for every player to be involved in the game. Coach Durtsche mentioned how their team only had nine players, so one player would often have to play extended periods of time without the same amount of rest as the others.

“There were multiple times that the players going into the game would ask us to leave Jace in with them so they could have the opportunity to play with him,” Durtsche said. “That says a lot about the type of player and teammate he is, and it made me really proud.”

Nicholls scored multiple times from the field and from the free throw line and snagged several rebounds that led to a handful of assists, according to Durtsche.

“The whole week was really fun. I got to meet some new players and coaches, and it was cool to see all of the players from 1A through 4A come together,” Nicholls said. “We had a blast hanging out and getting to know one another, and being able to pull out the win was amazing.”

Durstche also said he had a blast throughout the week in Casper.

“I am thankful for the opportunity I had to work with such good kids and excellent coaches,” he said. “I was able to coach alongside Coach Hladkey and Coach Neely in their final high school game.”

The North jumped out to a 37-17 lead after the first quarter and never looked back.

“What impressed me the most was, more than just the talent of the athletes and their basketball abilities, I was taken by what good people they are,” he added. “There is a reason they are all-stars.”

Durtsche described the week as a humbling experience, and he is grateful that he had the chance to be a part of it.