TMS girls playing great

The Thermopolis Middle School eighth grade girls basketball teams had some great games this past weekend.

The A team and B team both played in Lovell on Friday, with both teams winning, the A team, 32-31 in overtime and the B team, 23-17.

Coach Ginger Ward said the A team dug a hole, 22-12, at the end of the third quarter, but the girls stepped up their full court defense and clawed their way back into it.

Julie Johnson, who was the top rebounder, shot 50 percent or better from the field and Hallie Martinez played some key moments during overtime.

For the B team, Ward said Bronwyn Dobbins held the top rebound honors.

"We take great shots during the game and I want to start honoring those that ar going a step farther and putting them through the hoop," Ward said.

Kamry Bowman and Johnson both shot over 50 percent from the field.

"We played a super first half," she said. "While others lost their poise and composure, our girls played the game and did not get ruffled."

On Saturday, the A team whipped Cody, 23-20.

"Our second half shined," Ward said. "In fact, we won it. However, we must decide to play four strong quarters, and when we do, it will be fun to see."

Caydence Becher stood top rebounder while Johnson again shot over 50 percent.

The B team won over Cody, too, 15-12.

Mariah Brooks grabbed five rebounds and Becher shot over 50 percent from the field.

"We came out hard, lost intensity a little on offense, but defensibly, these girls move together as a unit," coach said.

Against Powell, it was a 29-25 win with Dobbins shooting 50 percent and Brooks snagging seven rebounds to go with Becher's six.

"We hit the boards hard," Ward said. "Layne Myers shot 3-4 from the free throw line and Bowman's defense improved a ton from when we played Powell last."

It was another win for the B team as well, taking down Powell 34-5.

"We might have actually scored 36 points," Ward said, " which really excites us."

Cadence Steadman really came on and posted big, played great defense, started pivoting in a big way, and won the rebound honors. Myers and Johnson also shot 50 percent with Brooks close on their heels.

"Ashlyn Harvey posted strong and found passing lanes," Ward said. "She was a little too excited at the shooting opportunities, but next game I look forward to her cashing in and making those shots."

Ward said it was fun to see the team score like they did this weekend.

"Almost each one of the girls led the team in shooting or rebounding during one game or another," she said. "We fight hard. Defensibly, we saw the team working as a unit and blocking out.

"When others say the girls fight hard it is a true compliment to them. I hear that a lot this weekend. Way to go, young ladies."

Results from seventh grade basketball were not received from the coach at press time.

The seventh and eighth grade teams hit the road to take on Ten Sleep Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.