Bobcats continue to shine

The Hot Springs County High School Bobcat basketball team have pursued a winning season this year, with wins against some very accomplished teams from both the 2A and the 3A conferences. This past weekend, however, conference play got underway, with games against Shoshoni and Greybull.

The Cats are the number one ranked 2A team, and came into the weekend with a record of 8-3 – good enough for a two-way tie with Shoshoni in the 2A Northwest. With first place on the line, the Cats went into Shoshoni on Friday night.

Although Shoshoni held an identical record following the tournament play of the early season, arguably, they have had a lighter schedule. The Wranglers are a good team, however, and a lighter schedule would not, necessarily mean that a win would be a cinch for the Cats.

The Cats played a little fast and loose as the game began, getting ahead of themselves, and not working to find good shooting opportunities. In the second quarter, however, the Cats began to settle into their style of run and gun offense, and pushing the pace on Shoshoni. Throughout the game, Ellis Webber played a very tight defense, harassing the opponents, and sometimes serving as a one-man full court press.

In the third quarter, the Cats doubled up the score on Shoshoni (34-17) and went into the fourth with a comfortable lead. Perhaps, too comfortable. As the fourth quarter began, the Bobcats seemed to fall into a bit of a funk, allowing the Wranglers to put up ten unanswered points. A spectacular dunk, over a very tight defensive effort by Shoshoni, brought the team back to life, and the game ended with the Cats up 56 to 41.

Back home on Saturday afternoon, the Cats were treated to an excited and vocal home crowd, who had come to see a victory for Thermopolis. Getting off to a quick start, the Cats did not disappoint, leading after the first quarter by 11 points, and never looking back.

In a game that was never in doubt, the Bobcats seemed to be clicking in all phases of the game. Their unrelenting defense checked the Buffs at nearly every opportunity, while the offense came hot and heavy. The team's two big men, Cody Bomengen and Brody Potter, each had great games, with some impressive shot blocking and some picturesque dunks on the offensive end.

Throughout the game, the Cats were really feeling it: Zak Hastie (2), Cody Bomengen (2), Ellis Webber, Bridger Peil and Dell Dukes each put up successful three-point shots. Cody Bomengen had two dunks, while teammate Brody Potter put down another two. Cody Bomengen, Zak Hastie and Brody Potter each had timely blocked shots.

With the game securely in hand, Coach Shane Corpening, had the luxury of awarding some of the JV team with some well earned Varsity playing time and getting to try out a number of player personnel combinations.

Reviewing the weekend success, Coach Corpening said, "I thought the team played pretty darn well. We got the lid off the rim, and put in some very solid defense. Each member of this team has bought into his assigned role on the team. They play very unselfishly, and I couldn't be more proud of what they have accomplished up to this point. The Bobcat's fan base really showed up in Shoshoni. That was an important game, and it felt like we were playing it at home. We really appreciate the support."

With the two wins over the weekend, the Bobcats now sit at a 10-3 record – alone in first place in the 2A Northwest Quad – and three games up on second place Rocky Mountain. The Cats have a challenging schedule this week, however, as they will play at home on Thursday night against number 3 ranked Wyoming Indian, and will travel to Cowley on Friday to play Rocky Mountain. The team will finish up the weekend at home on Saturday afternoon in a game against Class 3A Lovell.