Rocky Mountain junior varsity falls to Thermopolis and Big Horn

The Lady Grizz JV squad opened the weekend against Thermopolis on Friday, playing with a short roster due to injuries and players moving up to varsity. With limited numbers, the team competed hard for three quarters before falling 41-24.

Brooklyn Larsen led the way with 10 points to help Rocky start strong, while Leah Haslem added 5 and Avery Thomas chipped in 4. On the boards, Larsen pulled down six rebounds, while Charlee Welling recorded three box-outs.

On Saturday, the Lady Grizz returned to the floor against Big Horn and, despite low numbers, played all four quarters in a 43-10 loss. Thomas scored 5 to lead Rocky, while Larsen and Haslem each added 2 and Annie Crosby finished with 1.

The effort was evident throughout the game as the Grizzlies ran out of substitutes and played the final quarter with only four players on the court due to foul trouble. Thomas led the rebounding with four boards, and Larsen had three.

Assistant coach Stacey Haslem praised the team’s determination.

“Our JV squad went into the weekend with six players,” she said. “Friday, we only played three quarters. However, even with the few numbers, our squad wanted to be on the floor, so Saturday we played all four quarters.

“Most players never got a sub the entire game, and we ended up with four on the court because of foul trouble. While the losses stung, the heart and drive these girls have are admirable.”

The Lady Grizz will look ahead to Friday’s road trip to Tongue River and a home matchup Saturday against the Wyoming Indian Chiefs.