Travelling team sees court action

Friday, Feb. 15 the fourth to sixth grade girls basketball travelling team was able to pick up a few games with Worland and Lander. With 11 girls — one fourth grader, five fifth graders and five sixth graders.

Earlier this season on January 13, coach Ryan Shaffer said, the travelling team “played in a tournament in Douglas where we met some fierce competition as we played a team from Sheridan, Gillette, and Casper. As our first ever games outside of recreation basketball league, we struggled a little with the pace and pressure that this tournament brought. Even though the scores were not very close, the girls learned a ton and improved immensely over the three games.

“After returning, we were able to schedule a few games with Worland and Lander, and thanks to our athletic department, we were able to host the games at our middle school here in Thermopolis. We opened up the games against Worland where you could see our girls were very nervous and timid. We only allowed eight points to be scored, which was very good, however we were unable to score more than five and ended the game losing by three.

“After discussions on our intensity levels and being more aggressive on the court, we then played Lander. Again our defense was very good as we only allowed six points in the game. This time though we were able to hit a few outside shots and won the game 10-6. The girls played very well and as we have taught them all year, it is all about improving and they did just that. This was a fun event and along with the tournament earlier in the year it gave our girls a lot more experience!”

The team includes Hanna Hill, Jayssie Owsley, Chloee Owsley, Madison Shaffer, Taylor Ivie, Brooke Richter, Aspen Brooks, Sofia Gerber, Waikeli Lahoe, Kameron Farrell and Millie Johnson.