Winter Sports 2018

Best Of Luck To All Area Teams!

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 1

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Thursday, December 6, 2018

ALLIANCE BOYS BASKETBALL

STEPH’S STUDIO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Alliance boys basketball team.

Class: B Sub-district: B-8 Conference: Western Last year’s record: 13-11 Head coach: Michael Baker Years coaching at school: 8th Assistant coaches: Matt Whitney, Kelley Dickerson Returning starters: Mason Hiemstra,

senior; Corbin Stark, senior; Reece Jensen, senior; Joel Baker, junior.

Other returning letter winners: Bradyn Palmer, junior, Trevor DuBray, junior.

Other contributors: Konnor Farritor, junior; Collin Schrawyer, junior; Kaden Kindred, junior.

Season outlook: “We retun four start-

ers along with several players who contributed off the bench from last season,� coach Baker said. “Most of our scoring (92 percent) and rebounding (75 percent) return. We have good quickness and should be able to pressure people on defense. On offense, we have multiple players who are skilled and can make plays. Our summer camps saw us play

well against strong competition from large schools in Colorado.�

Top competition: “Scottsbluff returns several players from a strong team,�

Baker said. “St. Thomas More is always a tough opponent. We will play three 4A teams from Wyoming at the Cheyenne Invitational the first weekend in January.�

ALLIANCE GIRLS BASKETBALL

STEPH’S STUDIO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Alliance girls basketball team.

Class: B Sub-district: B-8 Conference: Western Last year’s record: 15-10 Head coach: Troy Unzicker

Years coaching at school: First Assistant coach: Heidi Manion Returning starters: Blythe Boness, senior; Ryley Rolls, senior.

Other returning letter winners/new-

comers: Janaye Shoemaker, senior; Megan Oligmueller, senior; Emersen Cyza, senior; Jordan Hopp, junior; Payton Weber, junior.

Season outlook: “Good senior class

with limited varsity experience,� coach Unzicker said. “We have good size and athletes. Underclassmen are going to have to fill vital roles left by graduation and injuries.�

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 2

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WINTER

Thursday, December 6, 2018

SPORTS

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ALLIANCE WRESTLING

STEPH’S STUDIO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Alliance wrestling team.

Class: B District: B-4 Conference: Western Last year’s dual record: 17-2 Head coach: Nick Myers Years coaching at school: First Returning state qualifiers: Asa Johnson, sophomore, 138, 5th at State; Paul Ruff, sophomore, 120; Boone Wilson, senior, 160; Baily Hood, senior, 195.

Other returning letter winners: Kysen Harris, junior, 140; Tyson Knaub, sophomore, 113; Matthew Escamilla, junior,

182; Jaxon Minnick, sophomore, 132; Jayce Bauer, senior, 170.

Top newc omer s / brea kout season:Chandler Stinson, senior, 152; Philip Halstead, sophomore, 145; Keegan Grant, sophomore, 160; Erik Folchert, junior, 138; Tory Picket Pin, freshman, 106.

Top competition: “Our first tournament in Cozad gives us an early season preview of the eastern side of our district, as well as some kids we won’t

A

seee again until Omaha,” coach Myers said. “Valentine and Broken Bow will be tough Class C teams we face at the Holiday Tournament. Wray is coming off a team title in Colorado. District wise, Lexington will be tough. Scottsbluff, Gering, Sidney and Chadron always are tough because we’re all familiar with each other and wrestle one another multiple times throughout the season.”

Season outlook: “Our season outlook is extremely bright,” Myers said. “We

return one medalist in Asa Johnson and three more grapplers with experience in Omaha, Paul Ruff, Boone Wilson and Baily Hood. Coach Ruff has done an exemplary job of building the culture of Alliance wrestling to be one of accountablity, teamwork and inspiration and it is my full intention to continue that. The boys push each other hard in the room and wrestle hard for one another. Our team concept is on full display furing duals.”

LLIANCE BULLDOGS

WRESTLING December 6 ........... Scottsbluff Dual December 14-15 ............. @ Valentine January 3 ................... Chadron Dual January 4-5................ @ Douglas, WY January 10 ...................@ Gering Dual January 11-12 ............. @ Kelly Walsh January 18 ............... @ Kearney Dual January 25 .......... @ McCook Tourney January 29 ............... Torrington Dual February 2 .. @ Southwest Dual Tourn.

Home Games in Bold

“Success For All Students”

BOYS BASKETBALL

GIRLS BASKETBALL

December 7 ...........................@ Gering December 14 .......... St. Thomas More December 15 ........................... Sidney December 20 .................... Scottsbluff December 28 .........................Oelrichs December 29 .....................Bridgeport January 3-5............ Cheyenne East Inv. January 11 ............................ Chadron January 15 ............@ Gordon-Rushville January 18 .......................... @ Ogallala January 19 ......................... Wheatland January 25 ................................Gering January 26 .....................@ North Platte January 29 ..........................@ Chadron February 1 .......................@ Scottsbluff February 8 ........@ Rapid City Christian February 9 .................................Brush February 15 ...........................@ Sidney

December 7 ...........................@ Gering December 14 .......... St. Thomas More December 15 ........................... Sidney December 20 .................... Scottsbluff December 28 .........................Oelrichs December 29 .....................Bridgeport January 3-5............ Cheyenne East Inv. January 11 ............................ Chadron January 15 ............@ Gordon-Rushville January 18 .......................... @ Ogallala January 25 ................................Gering January 26 .....................@ North Platte January 29 ..........................@ Chadron February 1 .......................@ Scottsbluff February 8 ........@ Rapid City Christian February 5 ............................ @ Sidney February 9 .................................Brush

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Thursday, December 6, 2018

BAYARD GIRLS BASKETBALL

STEPHANIE BARKER/BAYARD HIGH SCHOOL

Pictured are the members of this season’s Bayard girls basketball team. Front row (from left to right): seniors Kaleigh Nelson, Lizabeth Marker, Kylie Stuart, Sierra Sauer, and Bailee Lake.

Second row: juniors Jessica Whitebear, Leah Albro, Dontae Abbott, Secret Gallegos, and Lorren Henkel. Third row: sophomores Grace Burry, Daci Harter, Tabbitha Muhr, Kodi Harimon, and Rylee Sharp. Back row: freshmen Candace Wolfe, Tayley Streeks, and Madison Oliverius.

Class: C-2 District: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, MAC Last year’s record: 13-9 Head coach: Zach Nesbitt Years as head coach at school: Second Returning starters: Kylie Stuart, senior, First Team All-Conference; Liz Marker,

senior, Second Team All-Conference; Sierra Sauer, senior.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Bailey Lake, senior; Jessica Whitebear, sophomore; Grace Burry, freshman; Tabbitha Muhr, sophomore.

Season outlook: “We have some veteran players that are ready to compete,” Nesbitt said. “With three returning

starters and other returning letter winners, we are ready to work hard on the court. We will again focus on defense this year, but want to also improve on our shooting percentage as a team. Also, we hope to get a lot of players on the floor and push the ball up and down the court. The great senior leadership that we have will help us

again improve our record and meet goals that we have set as a team for the year.”

Top competition: “Mitchell has been a Panhandle powerhouse and I believe they are going to be the toughest team in the Panhandle again this year,” coach Nesbitt said. “I also think that Bridgeport will put together a well-rounded team again this year.”

BOYS BASKETBALL

12/7.......................................................... @ Bridgeport 12/8..........................................................Creek Valley 12/14 .................................................. Garden County 12/15 ............................................................@ Kimball 12/20 ................................................@ Southeast, WY 12/21 ............................................................... Mitchell 1/04.............................................................. Potter-Dix 1/05...............................................@ Gordon-Rushville 1/08.................................................................@ Morrill 1/10........................................................ Sioux County 1/11........................................................ @ Hemingford 1/15................................................................... Kimball 1/25....................................................... @ South Platte 1/26............................................................ Bridgeport 1/31-2/2 ............................................................... WTC 2/05.................................................................... Leyton 2/08.............................................................@ Minatare 2/14..............................................................@ Hyannis

GIRLS BASKETBALL

12/7.......................................................... @ Bridgeport 12/8..........................................................Creek Valley 12/14 .................................................. Garden County 12/15 ............................................................@ Kimball 12/20 ................................................@ Southeast, WY 12/21 ............................................................... Mitchell 1/04............................................................. Potter-Dix 1/05...............................................@ Gordon-Rushville 1/08.................................................................@ Morrill 1/10........................................................ Sioux County 1/11........................................................ @ Hemingford 1/14-19 ..........................................(To Be Determined) 1/25...................................................... @ South Platte 1/26............................................................. Bridgeport 1/31-2/2 ................................................................ WTC 2/05....................................................................Leyton 2/08............................................................ @ Minatare

Winter Sports 12-6-18 4

Home Games in Bold

WRESTLING

12/07 ..................................................... @ Mitchell Tri. 12/08 .....................................@ Gordon-Rushville Inv. 12/14 .........................Loup City & Hay Springs Dual 12/15 ............................................... Sutherland Tourn.

1/03.................................................Perkins County Tri. 1/05........................................... Garden County Tourn.

1/12.............................................@ Chase County Inv. 1/18-19 ....................................... Chadron Inv. @ CSC TBD ................................... @ Lingle-Fort Laramie Inv. 1/26....... Boone Central/Newman Grove Inv. @ Albion 1/31..................................................... WTC Bridgeport 2/02............................................................Bayard Inv.

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Thursday, December 6, 2018

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BAYARD WRESTLING

STEPHANIE BARKER/BAYARD HIGH SCHOOL

Pictured are the members of this season’s Bayard wrestling team. Front row (from left to right): freshmen Beau Lake, Christopher Gaul, Kolton Kriha, and Denton Premus. Middle row: sophomores Hunter Kildow, Konner Jones, Christian Leonard, Oscar Flores, and Michael Rotherham. Back row: seniors Jacob Dalbey, Karsen Hunter, and Steven Tobacco.

Class: D District: D-4 Last year’s dual record: 2-2 Head coach: Randy McKibbin Years coaching at school: 20 Assistant coach: Cory Barker Returning state qualifiers: Hunter Kildow, sophomore, 120-126, All-Con-

ference; Karsen Hunter, senior, 195220, 6th at state; All-Conference; Seven Tobacco, senior, 170-182, All-Conference.

Other returning letter winners: Christian Leonard, sophomore, 138145, broke leg during districts last year; Konner Jones, sophomore, 285.

Top newcomers: Kolton Kriha, freshman; Beau Lake, freshman; Denton Premus, freshman; Jake Dalbey, senior; Oscar Flores, sophomore.

Season outlook: “It appears that we will have more than a dozen wrestling for us this year,” coach McKibbin said.

“With a young team, like we will have,

it is important to focus on what our program is about. Concepts like scholarship, work ethic, teamwork, character and attitude must be developed and strengthened. Our team leaders will play a key role in helping us instill the concepts our program is built on and stands for.”

BAYARD BOYS BASKETBALL

STEPHANIE BARKER/BAYARD HIGH SCHOOL

Pictured are the members of this season’s Bayard boys basketball team. Front row (from left to right): seniors Dawson Kriha, Justin Whitebear, Payton Oliverius, Keegan Anderson, Lane Hargens, and Leo Salazar. Second row: juniors Brandon Neiger, Traeton Harimon, Ryan Liakos, and Daeton Blanco. Third row: sophomores Daemon Avilez, Trevor Reish, and Jack Kildow.

Fourth row: freshmen Brandon Bowles, Brandon Kittelmann, Garret Hopkins, Aiden Allen, and Ben Sauer.

Class: C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, Minuteman Activities Last year’s record: 16-8 Head coach: Michael Simons Years as head coach at school: Fourth

Returning starters: Dawson Kriha, 5-8, senior, guard; Payton Oliverius, 6-4, senior, forward; Justin Whitebear, 6-1, senior, guard; Lane Hargens, 6-5, senior, forward; Jack Kildow, 6-0, sophomore, guard Returning letter winners: Daeton

Blanco, 6-0, junior, guard; Ryan Liakos, 5-10, junior, guard; Brandon Neiger, 6-0, junior, guard Season outlook: “Should be a fun, competitive season,” coach Simons said.

“We return all but one player from last year’s squad. We look to compete for some conference titles.”

Team strengths: “Size and experience,” Simons said.

Final word: “I look for us to be very competitive in both conferences,” Simons said. “We return a lot of players and will look to that experience and leadership of our seniors.”

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Thursday, December 6, 2018

BRIDGEPORT BOYS BASKETBALL

JUST SHOOT ME PHOTOGRAPHICS

Pictured are the members of this season’s Bridgeport boys basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Mason Nichols, Diego Sandoval, David Argamosa, Braxten Swires, Jake Wallesen, Kaleb Lussetto, Cole Faessler, Bayler Sterkel, and assistant coach Jeremy Reimers. Back row: head coach Nick Broz, Rafi Cantu, A.J. Kenner, Logan Nichols, Luis Garza, Drake DeMasters, Kade Loomis, Brady Newkirk, Adam Bustinza, and Jalen Hayes.

Class: C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Last year’s conference finish: Second in WTC Last year’s sub-district finish: First (District runner-up) Last year’s record: 17-10 Head coach: Nick Broz Years as head coach at school: Ninth Coaching record at school: 122-70 Assistant coach: Jeremy Reimers Returning starters: Logan Nichols, 6-2, senior, forward, 9.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, all-conference, all-region; Kaleb Lussetto, 5-9, senior, guard, 11.2 PPG, 3.1 APG, all-conference, all-region; Drake DeMasters, 6-5, senior, forward, 9.8 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.6 BPG, all-conference, all-region; Cole Faessler, 5-9, sophomore, guard, 4.1 PPG, 2.4 APG, all-region Returning letter winners: Luis Garza, 6-3, sophomore, forward, 3.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG; Jake Wallesen, 5-9, sophomore, guard; Adam Bustinza, 6-0, senior, guard; David Argamosa, 5-7, junior, guard; Diego Sandoval, 5-8, junior, guard; Brady Newkirk, 6-1, sophomore, forward Season outlook: “I am excited to get to work with this year’s group. This is a great bunch of kids to be around.

They love the game and have formed a tight bond of togetherness, which should help during the season,” coach Broz said. “The kids did a great job of

improving their skills and athleticism over the summer. This is a group that returns all but one starter and six of our top seven players. We have a lot of guys that have played at the varsity level and know what it takes to be successful.

With our experience, ability, and depth we should be competitive with everyone on our schedule. We have a lot of guys that can do a multitude of things on the offensive side of the ball. Our ability to shoot the basketball from distance with a variety of people should allow us to space the floor.

“Lussetto and Nichols lead the charge from the outside as both have the capability to make several in one game. Lussetto brings two years of starting experience to the table and is one of the top playmaking guards in the area. Nichols has started since his sophomore year and his knowledge of the game is second to none. DeMasters gives us an inside threat at both ends of the floor. He is one of the top rebounders and shot blockers returning to the area who has expanded his game over the course of the offseason. Our quickness and speed should be two things that allow us to play with the type of pace on offense and be able to run some different types of defensive pressures. If we are able to come to practice every day with the proper mentality, positive attitude, and a willingness to improve then we will have a chance to compete for championships.”

WRESTLING December 7 December 8 December 15 December 20 January 5 January 10 January 12 January 19 January 26 January 31 February 2 February 8-9

Mitchell Tri Gordon Rushville Invite Bridgeport/Sidney Invite Gordon-Rushville Tri Ogallala Duels Duel vs Sidney Chase County Invite Chadron Invite Mitchell Invite WTC Tourney Southeast Districts

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HOME GAMES IN BOLD December 7 December 8 December 14 December 15 December 20 December 29 January 3 January 5 January 8 January 11 January 12

BOYS & GIRLS BASKETBALL

Bayard Sutherland Hemingford Southeast Peetz Alliance (Boys) Ogallala Hershey (Boys) Leyton Kimball Mitchell

January 14-19 January 17-19 January 24 January 26 Jan. 31-Feb. 2 February 7 February 8 February 12 February 15

The Tarnished Halo

SPVA (Boys) SPVA (Girls) Creek Valley Bayard WTC Morrill Gordon-Rushville Girls Sub-Districts Perkins County (Boys)

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 6

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12/7/2018 3:17:06 PM

Thursday, December 6, 2018

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BRIDGEPORT GIRLS BASKETBALL

JUST SHOOT ME PHOTOGRAPHICS

Pictured are the members of this season’s Bridgeport girls basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Rachel Blue, Grace Dobrinski, Brittany Nelson, and Brooke Kramer. Back row: head coach Bryan Schluterbusch, Destinee Mitchell, Sydney Nein, Paige Schmunk, Karlie Deaver, Arista Mancias, Ellie Cline, assistant coach Derk DeMasters, Teresa Santoyo, Lexie Harding, and Natalie Keenan-Vergil.

Class: C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Last year’s conference finish: Second in WTC Last year’s sub-district finish: First (District runner-up)

Last year’s record: 17-8 Head coach: Bryan Schluterbusch Years as head coach at school: 23rd Coaching record at school: 290-191 Returning starters: Brittany Nelson, 5-7, senior, guard; Karissa Benavides, 5-2, senior, guard

Returning varsity letter winners: Cassie Leithead, 5-7, senior, forward; Grace Dobrinski, 5-6, senior, forward; Kaeli McVicker, 5-2, senior, guard; Sydney Nein, 5-5, sophomore, guard Top Newcomers: Ellie Cline, 5-10, freshman, forward; Karlie Deaver, 5-7,

freshman, guard; Paige Schmunk, 5-6, freshman, guard Season outlook: “We have a good mix of experienced seniors and freshmen,” coach Schluterbusch said. “We need to develop depth and stay healthy. We hope to be aggressive on defense and out-effort the other team.”

BRIDGEPORT WRESTLING

JUST SHOOT ME PHOTOGRAPHICS

Pictured are the members of this season’s Bridgeport wrestling team. Front row (from left to right): Jerzie Menke, Damien Bell, Casey Benavides, Carlos Torres, Chance Cooper, and Eddy Perez. Back row: Chase McGrath, Trevor Widener, Charles Lang, Dylan Schnell, Josh Warren, Abe Ramos, Steven Menke, and assistant coach Tony McGrath.

Class: C District: C-4 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Last year’s conference finish: First in both Last year’s district finish: Fourth Last year’s state finish: 11th Head coach: Zach Malcolm Years as head coach at school: First Assistant coach: Tony McGrath Returning state qualifiers: Casey Benavides, junior, 106, third-place state finish; Chance Cooper, sophomore, 113;

Trevor Widener, sophomore, 138, fifthplace state finish; Nathaniel Cooper, senior, 170 Returning varsity letter winners: Dylan Schnell, senior, 160; Josh Warren, sophomore, 152; Damien Bell, sophomore, 138; Jerzie Menke, junior, 126; Charles Lang, senior, 182; Colt Rodgers, sophomore, 220; Abraham Ramos, senior, 285 Newcomers: Edgar Perez, sophomore, 132; Carlos Torres, freshman, 195; Steven Menke, freshman, 145

Season outlook: “We bring back lots of experience, but we need to replace lots of leadership loss from last year’s team,” coach Malcolm said. “We will have to have younger kids step up and fill big roles and compete at a high level in order to better last year’s marks. I have to do this as well taking over for long time head coach Craig Johnson, who stepped down at the end of last year. Getting wrestlers down to weight

to fill all the weight classes will be the big challenge and we will go to work at getting better every day so that we are ready every week for the stiff challenges we will face.”

Team strengths: Youth and experience.

Team goals: Get better every day.

Challenge ourselves to be the best in each practice.

Final word: “We will work to be able to compete at a high level each time we step on the mat,” Malcolm said.

GARDEN COUNTY WRESTLING Class: D District: D-4 Last year’s district finish: 15th Last year’s state finish: Tied 61st Head coach: Jayson Peetzke Years as head coach at school: Fourth Assistant coaches: Jordan Russell, Tony Hoesing

Winter Sports 12-6-18 7

Returning state qualifiers: Drake Yates, senior, 138, three-year starter Returning varsity letter winners: Chris Sciortino, senior, 285, three-year starter; Colton Holthus, sophomore, 145 Top newcomers: Trey Kirch, freshman, 195; Dutch Yates, freshman, 106; Colton Martin, junior, 145 Season outlook: “The season looks

good,” coach Peetzke said. “We return two seniors and a sophomore with great experience and add two freshmen that have wrestled the past few years. I think if things go well, we could have quite a few qualifiers.”

Team strengths: “Experience new and old,” Peetzke said.

Team goals: “Qualify as many wres-

tlers as we can for the state tournament,” Peetzke said.

Final word: “I am looking forward to seeing what this bunch can do,” Peetzke said. “We don’t have many kids, but we have a tight-knit group that has been wrestling with each other for a few years.”

12/7/2018 3:17:08 PM

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Thursday, December 6, 2018

CHADRON GIRLS BASKETBALL

BRANDON DAVENPORT/CHADRON RECORD

Pictured are the members of this season’s Chadron girls basketball team.

Class: C-1 Sub-district: C1-12 Conference: Western Last year’s record: 11-10 Head coach: Jonn McLain Years as head coach at school: Fifth Coaching record at school: 60-33 Returning starters: Peyton Underwood, 5-8, senior, post; Shea Bailey, 5-7, junior, guard; Tyleigh Strotheide, 5-7,

junior, guard Returning letter winners/newcomers: True Thorne, 5-10, senior, post; Madisyn Hamar, 5-7, junior, guard; Dawn Dunbar, 5-8, junior, guard; Savanna Sayaloune, 5-6, junior, guard; Emma Cogdill, 5-6, sophomore, guard; Allie Watson, 5-6, sophomore, guard; Jalei Marcy, 5-6, sophomore, guard; Anika Burke, 5-10, senior, post; Jacey Garrett,

5-5, freshman, guard; Olivia Reed, 5-9, freshman, post Season outlook: “Our team is returning several members from last year as well as some newcomers who appear ready to contibute. This should make practices very competitive and fun to watch,” coach McLain said. “We hope to play hard and together in order to be competitive with a difficult schedule.

With so many players vying for minutes, we hope to develop depth as well as consistency throughout the season.

The players are competitive and willing to work hard. We will stress the importance of playing as a team and with high effort at all times. If we can accomplish this, it should be a memorable and enjoyable season for everyone involved in our program.”

CHADRON BOYS BASKETBALL

BRANDON DAVENPORT/CHADRON RECORD

Pictured are the members of this season’s Chadron boys basketball team.

Class: C-1 Sub-district: C1-12 Conference: Western Last year’s record: 8-13 Head coach: Mitch Barry Years coaching at school: First Assistant coaches: Von Sayaloune, Spencer Eliason.

Returning starters: Pat Rust, 6-9

senior post, 2nd Team All-Conference; Colton Olson, 6-0 senior guard; Cooper Heusman, 6-4 junior forward, 1st Team All-Conference.

Top newcomers: Trevor Berry, junior guard; Kristian Bartlett, junior guard; Keelynd Clinton, senior forward; Dan Dunbar, senior guard; PJ Ngoi, senior forward.

Top competition: “Mitchell is the returning champion of our district and have some good talent coming back on their roster,” coach Barry said. “We have a very competitive schedule with a lot of Class B schools this year.”

Season outlook: “We are only returning three players from last year’s team that got varsity experience,” Barry said.

“So we have somee holes to fill this coming year. We will have two starting spots to fill and also will need to find guys that can come off the bench and contribute this year. This should make practice very competitive and fun as we try and find guys to fill those spots. We have a difficult schedule so we will need to play hard and together.”

Western Nebraska & Eastern Wyoming

WRESTLING

12/06....... Valentine Triangular 12/08............Gordon-Rushville 12/14-15 .........Valentine Invite 12/18................. Mitchell Dual 1/03............................. Alliance 1/04-05 ...................... Douglas 1/11............................ Ogallala 1/12.......................Gothenburg 1/18-19 ............ Chadron Invite 1/24..............Custer Triangular 2/2............ Dual Championship at Univ. of NE Kearney 2/2................Dual Tournament at Southeast 2/8 & 9 ..........................District 2/14-16 ........................... State

Winter Sports 12-6-18 8

GIRLS BASKETBALL

12/07................. Gordon-Rushville 12/08.................. @ Torrington, WY 12/10................ @ Hot Springs, SD 12/14............................ Scottsbluff 12/15....................................Gering 12/28-29 Chadron Holiday Tourn.

1/05....................................Mitchell 1/08............................. Hemingford 1/11................................@ Alliance 1/18..................................@ Gering 1/19.................@ Gordon-Rushville 1/25..................................... Sidney 1/26............ @ Douglas - Box Elder 1/29...................................... Alliance 2/01................. Rapid City Christian 2/02................................ @ Valentine 2/08.................................... @ Sidney 2/09.........................New Castle, WY 2/12-14 ........................... Sub District 2/22....................................... Districts 2/28-3/2 .................................... State

BOYS BASKETBALL

12/07........... Gordon-Rushville 12/08.............@ Torrington, WY 12/10...........@ Hot Springs, SD 12/14.......................Scottsbluff 12/15.............................. Gering 12/28-29 ...Chadron Holiday Tourn.

1/05.............................. Mitchell 1/08....................... Hemingford 1/11.......................... @ Alliance 1/18............................ @ Gering 1/19........... @ Gordon-Rushville 1/25................................Sidney 1/26.......@ Douglas - Box Elder 1/29..............................Alliance 2/01......... Rapid City Christian 2/02........................@ Valentine 2/08............................@ Sidney 2/09................ New Castle, WY 2/19-21 ................... Sub District 2/23...............................Districts 3/7-9 ................................. State

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SPORTS

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CHADRON WRESTLING

BRANDON DAVENPORT/CHADRON RECORD

Pictured are the members of this season’s Chadron wrestling team.

Class: B District: B-4 Last year’s dual record: 7-9 Head coach: Jaamie Slingsby Assistant coaches: Brandon Girard, Austin Theis.

Returning state qualifiers: Jake Lemmon, senior, 152-160; Clark Riesen, senior, 182; Lance Cattin, senior, 195; Isaiah Beye, senior, 220-285.

Other returning letter winners: Cobie Bila, sophomore, 138-145; Tallon Craig, sophomore, 126; Paige Denke, sophomore, 106; Sawyer Haag, sophomore, 145-152; Zac Haug, sophomore, 152; Daniel Wellnitz, sophomore, 138.

Season outlook: “The Cardinals were an extremely young team last year with at times nine freshman in the varsity line up,” coach Slingsby said. “We did

not have any seniors last year so we return everyone back from last year’s team. We are looking at the senior leadership of the three state qualifiers to help battle in the tough B-4 District.”

Team strengths: “We return everyone back from last year’s team that had four state qualifiers,” Slingsby said.

Team goals: “Our goals are to have a winning dual record and to qualify

more wrestlers to the state tournament.

Once we get to Omaha we are hoping to bring back some medals.”

Final word: “The B-4 district is one of the toughest districts in all classes,” Slingsby said. “With the addition of North Platte, it makes the district even tougher. We plan to be battle tested throughout the season to prepare us for the district tournament.”

CRAWFORD GIRLS BASKETBALL Class: D-2 District: D2-12 Conference: Panhandle Last year’s record: 5-19 Head coach: Julie Micheel Years coaching at school: 7 Returning starters: Morgan Jones, 5-7 sophomore guard; Blake Dodd, 5-8 junior guard, All-Conference Honorable

Mention; Joclyn Staman, 5-8 senior guard; Taryn Underwood, 5-4 senior guard; Kelsey Tighe, 5-10 senior forward, 2nd Team All-Conference.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Jada Mader, 5-3 sophomore; Jillian Brennan, 5-2 sophomore; Hannah Lemmon, 5-6 sophomore; Hadlee Rudloff, 5-8 sophomore; Natalee Barry, 5-5

freshman; Skylar Summers, 5-3 freshman; Jasmine Dyer, 5-10 freshman; Dalli Anders, 5-5 freshman; Hannah Wasserburger, 5-9 freshman.

Season outlook: “Coming off a successful volleyball season will help boost the mindset of our team this year,” coach Micheel said. “Having no seniors last year, we will start with a well-balanced,

strong team that is used to competing together. I am excited to have coach Barry as my assistant. With his game experience as a girls and boys coach, I think we will make a good coaching team. As long as we are improving every week, believing in ourselves and having fun on the court, we will be a team to beat this year.”

GARDEN COUNTY BOYS BASKETBALL Class: D-2 Sub-district: D2-11 Conference: MAC Last year’s record: 13-6 Head coach: Chad Dormann Years coaching at school: 7th Returning starters: Wyatt Santero,

senior; Austin Dormann, junior; Reid Spady, junior; Chesney Stanczyk, sophomore.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Connor McCord, senior; Osvaldo Cano, senior; Isaiah Neis, junior; Zach Evens, junior; Ledoux Schwartz,

junior.

Season outlook: “We have good experience coming back from last year’s team,” coach Dormann said. “We just need to find a couple players who can be consistent in scoring. We lost two really good players who were four-year start-

ers. We need a couple younger players or older who don’t have much experience to try and fill those shoes. I think the beginning of the season, defense will be our team strength, hopefully in time the offense will come around.”

Top competition: Bayard

GARDEN COUNTY GIRLS BASKETBALL Class: D-2 Sub-district: D2-11 Conference: MAC Last year’s record: 3-14 Years as head head coach: Chad Dormann Years coaching at school: Second Returning starters: Kayden Kramer, junior; Kara Barnhart, junior; Madi

Leach, junior; Kaitlyn Hunt, sophomore.

Other returning letter winners/ newcomers: Maddie Lake, sophomore; Tarah Ross, sophomore; Kamry Kramer, freshman; Mallary Zorn, freshman; Kaylee Leach, freshman; Josie Marquez, freshman.

Top competition: Non-conference — Morrill, Wauneta-Palisade, Mullen. In

the conference, South Platte, Bayard and Leyton.

Season outlook: “I’m excited for this year coaching the girls again,” coach Dormann said. “We return the four starters from last year’s team and a couple girls who played a lot of varsity last year. I would say we are still rebuilding the program, but with all the experience

we have back, I’m expecting good things this year. We have no seniors on this year’s team, so our juniors will be the leaders. I’m also expecting some of our freshman to play a lot of varsity minutes. Going off last year, our strength will be our defense. To be successful this year we have to cut down on the turnovers and be able to score in the paint.”

GERING WRESTLING

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Gering wrestling team. Front row (from left to right): Carmelo Timblin, Quinton Chavez, Nate Rocheleau, AJ Stone, Zander Gutierrez, Jacob Smith, Eli Thompson, and Conrad Sibal. Back row: Logan Segura, Donavon DeLos Santos, Junior Agulair, Tucker Hixon, Gabe Trevino, Jacob Awiszus, Tim Bernhardt, Maverik Crable, and Marquiz Barraza.

Class: B District: B-4 Conference: GNAC Last year’s dual record: 8-8

Head coach: Jarred Berger Years coaching at school: Second Assistant coaches: Randy Donelson, Levi Loomis.

Returning state qualifiers: Quinton Chaves, sophomore, 113, 3rd at state; Nate Rocheleau, sophomore, 126, 5th at state.

Other returning letter winners: Marquiz Barraza, junior, 106; Junior Aguilar, junior, 120.

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 9

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GERING GIRLS BASKETBALL

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Gering girls basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Jenna Balthazor, Olivia Schaub, Arianna Mitchell, Kelly Snelling, Paige Lopez, and Jade Garcia. Middle row: Kayle Morris, Hallie Cochran, Taylor Philbrick, Kiara Aguallo, Cloey Fries, and Emily Harrison. Back row: Aspen Shields, Macey Boggs, Sydnee Brester, Avery Dishman, and Kelsey Bohnsack. Not pictured is Jazlyn Ybarra.

Class: B District: B-8 Conference: GNAC Last year’s record: 11-13 Head coach: Steve Land Years coaching at school: First Assistant coach: Randy Plummer Returning starters: Paige Lopez, 5-6 senior guard, Honorable Mention

All-conference; Arianna Mitchell, 6-0 senior center; Kelly Snelling, 5-6 senior guard.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Jenna Balthazor, 5-11 senior forward; Olivia Schaub, 6-0 senior forward; Taylor Philbrick, 5-8 junior; Kensey Bohnsack, 5-7 junior forward; Kiara Aguallo, 5-4 sophomore guard;

Cloey Fries, 5-9 sophomore guard; Macey Boggs, 5-7 sophomore guard.

Season outlook: “Guard play seems to be a strength,” Land said. “Good ball handling skills, and several guards that can shoot from behind the arc. I believe we will be a better defensive team this season. We will have multiple defenses added this year and it may take some

time to master all of the new offenses and defenses that we will throw at teams. Communication will be key for improvement this season. We are not deep with returning post players, the post players will have to learn how to be more efficient with rebounding and scoring.”

GERING BOYS BASKETBALL

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Gering boys basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Brett Pszanka, Thomas Nelson, Brady Radzymski, Kyle Schroeder, Noah Longoria, and Hunter Walker. Second row: Andrew Schuller, Xavier Horst, Tommy Ganos, Anthony Walker, Riley Gaudreault, Hunter Hayden, Jack Franklin, and Austin Mitchell. Back row: Zach Wilson, Henry Alvarez, Kolton Ebbers, Bryce Sherrell, Riley Schilz, Joe Ybarra, Cody Ferguson, Turner Ray, and manager John Bello.

Class: B District: B-8 Conference: GNAC Last year’s record: 12-13 Head coach: Rick Winkler Years coaching at school: First Assistant coaches: Adam Freeburg, Zach Smith, Josh McBride Returning starters: Riley Schilz, 6 - 6 senior post; Xavier Horst, 6 -1 senior guard; Bryce Sherrell, 6 - 4

junior forward.

Other returning letter winners: Tommy Ganos, 6-1 senior guard; Brett Pszanka, 6-2 sophomore guard; Kolton Ebbers, 6-3 junior forward; Cody Ferguson, 6-1 senior forward; Brady Radzymski, 5-9 sophomore guard.

Top newcomers: Henry Alvarez, 6-4 senior forward.

Season outlook: “We will be senior led,” coach Winkler said. “We should be

able to get up and down the floor and put pressure on defenses. If we can buy in on the defensive end of the floor, I think we can be pretty good. We don’t have a ton of experience coming back but these guys have worked extremely hard in the off season.”

Team strengths: “Getting up and down the floor, pushing the ball,” Winkler said. “We are fairly tall and athletic.”

Team goals: “Our main goal is to get better each day of practice and have that carry over to the games,” Winkler said.

“We want to be playing our best basketball by the end of the season.”

Final thoughts: “We are competing in a very difficult district every year, this year is no different,” Winkler said. “We feel if we can play solid defense and out work our opponents we will be successful.”

HAY SPRINGS GIRLS BASKETBALL Class: D-2 District: D2-12 Conference: Panhandle Last year’s record: 5-16 Head coach: Jason Badje Years coaching at school: 9 Returning starters: Jessi Badje,

senior; Katie Agler, junior; Joce Varvel, sophomore.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Hannah Hoose, sophomore; Hannah Wohl, sophomore; Bailey Scherbarth, sophomore; Jaiden Anderson, sophomore.

Season outlook: “Lost two top scorers,” coach Badje said. “One returning senior and one returning junior, the rest are sophomore or freshmen. Some promising sophomores. Joce Varvel is a good three-point shooter. Hannah Hoos is a tranfer sophomore who is very scrappy.

Jessi Badje brings good team leadership

and is a top defender.

“Overall, we will be young and small.

We will need to use speed and pressure defense to be competitive. Girls bring coachable attitudes and should grow throughout the year. It will be a building year, but looking forward to finding potential in the new up and comers.”

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HEMINGFORD GIRLS BASKETBALL

STEPH’S STUDIO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Hemingford girls basketball team.

Class: C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 C on fer enc e: We st er n Trails, Panhandle Last year’s record: 5-17 Head coach: Steve Morava Years as head coach at school: Fourth

Returning starters: Lauren Gasseling, 6-0 senior; Josie Stewart, 5-6 senior; MacKenzie Chancellor, 5-6 junior; Kyla Walker, 5-6 sophomore.

Season outlook: “We are returning two seniors and

one junior this year,” Morava said. “We will be a young team and our mindset will be to improve every day.

These kids love the game of basketball, and I hope for us to quickly gel as a defensive-minded team.”

Toughest competition: “Mitchell, due to their size and speed and recent successes,” coach Morava said.

“G ordon-Rushv ille and Bridgeport, they both have a number of good athletes and should have deep benches.”

HEMINGFORD WRESTLING

STEPH’S STUDIO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Hemingford wrestling team.

HOME GAMES IN BOLD

WRESTLING

12/6 ..... @ Hay Springs Triangular 12/8 ................... @ Gordon Invite 12/15 .......Bridgeport/Sidney Invite

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12/8 .................................Mitchell 12/11 ........................ Hay Springs 12/14 .......................... Bridgeport 12/15 ................................ Leyton 12/28-29 ........... Chadron Holiday Tournament 1/3 .......................Garden County 1/4 .................................Minatare

1/8 .................................Chadron 1/11 ..................................Bayard 1/12 .........................Sioux County 1/14-19 .....PC Tourney (Crawford) 1/22 ............Crawford (Girls Only) 1/26 .........................Edgemont 1/31-2/1-2 WTC Tourney (WNCC) 2/5 ................................ Morrill

2/8 ...............................Kimball 2/11-14 ...............Girls Subdistricts 2/15 ............ Crawford (Boys Only) 2/16 ............................ Mitchell 2/18-21 ...............Boys Subdistricts 2/22 .........................Girls Districts 2/25 .........................Boys Districts 2/28 .............................Girls State

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HEMINGFORD BOYS BASKETBALL

STEPH’S STUDIO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Hemingford boys basketball team.

Class: C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, Panhandle Last year’s record: 13-10 Head coach: Brennan Vogel

Years as head coach at school: Fourth Coaching record at school: 41-30 Assistant coaches: Joe Collins Returning starters: Casey Lashley, 6-0, senior, guard, 11.7 PPG; Luke Cullan, 6-0, senior, guard, 3.1 PPG; Brian Turek, 5-10, sophomore, guard,

5.2 PPG; Aaron Farritor, 5-11, junior, guard, 9.0 PPG Returning letter winners: Kenny Wyland, 6-2, sophomore, post, 4.0 PPG; Alex Plog, 5-11, junior, forward, 4.1 PPG; Austin Farritor, 6-4, senior,

post, 3.3 PPG Season outlook: “We have seven letter winners returning from last year,” coach Vogel said. “We are looking to take the next step this year. We were a very young team last year, but a very competitive team.”

GORDON-RUSHVILLE BOYS BASKETBALL

BRANDON DAVENPORT/CHADRON RECORD

Pictured are the members of this season’s Gordon-Rushville boys basketball team.

Class: C-1 Sub-district: C1-12 Conference: Western Trails Last year’s conference finish: First Last year’s record: 20-5 Head coach: Joel Nelson Years as head coach at school: 14th Assistant coach: David Morris Returning starters: Dylan Schwarting, 5-9, senior, guard Returning letter winners: Corbin Bailey, 5-9, senior, guard; Carson Hinn, 6-0, junior, post

Season outlook: “This year’s team returns three letter winners and only one starter from last year’s team that won both the Western Trails Conference regular-season and tournament championships,” coach Nelson said.

“Dylan Schwarting, an all-conference selection last year, returns as the only starter from last year’s team. Corbin Bailey and Carson Hinn saw plenty of action off the bench last season and are expected to play important roles this season. Dylan, Carson and Corbin are

all seasoned players and we are looking to them to have great seasons and take over the leadership of last year’s excellent senior class. We are going to need some other players step up and contribute if we are to be successful this year. Seniors Andrew Black Elk, Justin Frandsen and Clay Shields look to fill the void along a nice group of underclassmen Brock Meeks, Charles Hollow Horn and newcomers Cohen McKinney and P.J. Lynch.”

Strengths/Weaknesses: “We will be an inexperienced team this year with

only three returning letter winners,” Nelson said. “We will need to develop some depth very quickly if we are going to be successful this year. We will be an undersized team, so we will have to be very creative defensively and fundamentally strong in our rebounding.”

Toughest competition: “Alliance, Gering, Chadron, and Mullen will be tough non-conference foes,” Nelson said. “The WTC will be very competitive this year, but I look for Mitchell and Bridgeport to be our toughest competition.”

GORDON-RUSHVILLE GIRLS BASKETBALL

BRANDON DAVENPORT/CHADRON RECORD

Pictured are the members of this season’s Gordon-Rushville girls basketball team.

Class: C-1 Sub-district: C1-12 Conference: Western Trails Last year’s conference finish: Tied second regular season Last year’s record: 10-12 Head coach: Randy Hurlburt Years as head coach at school: 12th Coaching record at school: 136-104

Winter Sports 12-6-18 12

Assistant coaches: Shelly Benben Returning starters: Callie Shults, 5-6, senior, guard, 8.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.3 SPG, 3.5 APG; Gracey Perez, 5-6, senior, guard, 5.8 PPG, 2.0 RPG; Reann Ferguson, 5-7, senior, forward, 2.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG; Sierra Garrett, 5-9, junior, center, 9.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG

Returning letter winners: Beth Bragg, 5-2, junior, guard; Maddee Schmidt, 5-7, junior, forward; Grace Anderson, 5-7, junior, guard; Shelby Hurlburt, 5-2, sophomore, guard; Jayla Brehmer, 5-8, sophomore, forward Newcomers: Paige Lynch, 5-7, senior, moved from Iowa; Faith Brehmer, 5-9, senior, injured last season

Season outlook: “We are returning a lot of experience and have some speed,” coach Hurlburt said. “I think we will be very competitive this year.”

Team strengths: “Speed should help us apply pressure and run the floor,” Hurlburt said.

Team goals: “Win WTC,” Hurlburt said. “Going to be a difficult task.”

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KIMBALL GIRLS BASKETBALL

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Kimball girls basketball team.

Class: C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Last year’s record: 6-16 Head coach: Chauncey Pedersen Years as head coach at school: Seventh Returning starters: Madison Wynne, 5-5 senior; Carli Wurdeman, 5-5 junior; Sydney Biesecker, 5-8 sophomore; Kate Reader, 5-10 senior.

Other returning letter winners: Lacey Kilnkhammer, 5-7 senior; Jenna Greenwood, 5-10 junior; Samantha Bemis, 5-8 sophomore; Megan Spicer, 5-5 sophomore.

Season outlook: “We have three returning starters and four other letter winners who we will rely heavily on,” Pedersen said. “I think we will have some young girls that got a lot of experience last year and will be ready

to play this season and challenge for starting positions and/or add depth that we haven’t had for a couple years. We need to find some girls that can score this year, as we struggled last year with offensive production. We also welcome back Kate Reader, who suffered a season-ending injury early last year. We will look to improve every game, which hopefully will allow us to peak at the right time.”

Toughest competition: “We will be competing in both the WTC and SPVA conferences,” coach Pedersen said.

“Mitchell returns plenty of talent and will be the team to beat in the WTC. Our toughest competition in the SPVA will be Hershey, North Platte St. Pat’s and Chase County, as they all return plenty of experience and returning starters.”

KIMBALL BOYS BASKETBALL

Pictured are the members of this season’s Kimball boys basketball team.

WESTERN NEBRASKA OBSERVER

Class: C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Last year’s record: 4-16 Head coach: Luke Dea Years coaching at school: 12 Returning starters: Izaac Reuter, 6-2 senior forward, WTC Honorable Mention; Zane Anthony, 5-8 senior guard, SPVA Honorable Mention; Brady Kilgore, 6-1 senior forward; Corey Travis, 6-1 senior center; Brendan Walker, 6-2 junior forward, WTC Honorable Mention.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Beau Hanks, 6-4 junior center; Jacob Withrow, 5-9 junior guard; Austin Lulf, 5-9 junior guard; Samuel Cajero, 5-9 junior guard; Brayden Tyan, junior forward.

Season outlook: “We are returning a team with a lot of experience,” coach Dea said. “We have pretty good depth this year. I think as many as five players could come off the bench to give us quality minutes. We are pretty athletic and have a little bit of size. We have had a strong defense for most of the year last year and the hard work on defense will have to continue this season for us to have success. We have to make big improvements offensively if we want to take the next step forward. Last season we made big strides in cutting down our turnovers and improving our shot selection. Those improvements need to continue into this season. But most importantly, we need to improve our shooting percentages in all phases.”

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 1

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Wrestling 12/08 ................... Kimball Tourney 12/15.......... Bridgeport/Sidney Tourney 12/18.................Hershey/Chase County 02/08-09 ................................. Districts 02/14-16 ...................................... State Home games in bold

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KIMBALL WRESTLING

WESTERN NEBRASKA OBSERVER

Pictured are the members of this season’s Kimball wrestling team.

Class: C District: C-4 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Head coach: Wade Brashear Years as head coach at school: Seventh Returning state qualifiers: Jordan Cluff, senior, 120 Returning starters: Jordan Cluff,

senior, 120; Connor Cluff, sophomore, 113; Toby McManigal, senior, 285; Stephen Bateman, junior, 195; Izaak Rohde, sophomore, 220 Newcomers: Ethan Culek-Schaeffer, senior, 152 Season outlook: “This year will be one of our lowest number of wrestlers since I began coaching at Kimball,” coach

Brashear said. “There will be better numbers next year as we look to build back up our wrestling team from the junior high level. However, I intend to have a tough, well-conditioned team as always. Head-to-head we should be able to compete with any individual tournaments, but competing for dual wins will be difficult against teams with full

lineups. Jordan Cluff returns as our solo state qualifier.”

Top competition: “Locally Mitchell and Bridgeport will be very stiff competition. They each have several returning quality starters with solid tradition,” Brashear said. “As it pertains to the district, Valentine will again be very formidable and deep.”

LEYTON GIRLS BASKETBALL Class: D-1 Sub-district: D1-12 Conference: Minuteman Activities Last season’s record: 10-11 Head coach: Lance Howitt and Jed Benish Years coaching at school: Second Returning starters: Ella Draper, sophomore; Carly Fortune, senior; Danielle Higgins, senior; Destinee Henke, senior; Madelyne Watchron, junior, First Team All-Conference

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Mariah Draper, senior; Megan Ernest, junior; Sage Rummel, sophomore; Janessa Carley, senior; Kelcie Van Anne, senior.

Season outlook: “Leyton girls really dedicated themselves to improving this summer. The girls played all summer in leagues and camps and have really improved since the end of last season,” coach Howitt said. “We have tried to

build upon the mindset that good athletes can be good at both volleyball and basketball. We will need to be more consistent scoring this season to avoid the long periods in games when we go ice cold. We hope by playing at a little faster tempo this year, that will help us get some easier baskets. The girls played good defense and rebounded well last year and we need to continue to be strong in those two areas to have a successful season.”

Team goal: “Team goal is to be the first Leyton girls basketball team to go to state since 1983.”

Top competition: “Bayard won the MAC last year and return most of their team,” Howitt said. “South Platte has some good returning players and picked up some transfers from Creek Valley.

Out-of-state teams will be tough games as we we face Haxtun, Colorado, and Sedgwick County.

LEYTON BOYS BASKETBALL Class: D-2 Sub-district: D2-11 Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s record: 4-15 Head coach: Cody Gamble Years as head coach at school: First Assistant coaches: Nick Newkirk Returning starters: Josh Kruse, 5-10, senior, guard; Zac Henke, 6-1, sophomore, post; Dominick Russ, 5-6,

sophomore, guard Returning letter winners: Jeremy Carley, 5-10, junior, guard; DJ George, 6-0, senior, post; Blake Miller, 5-10, junior, guard; Ethan Young, 5-9, senior, guard; Tyson Baine, 5-4, sophomore, guard Top newcomers: KJ Bush, 5-10, freshman, guard; Jonathan Borges, 5-10, freshman, post; Mason Riemers, 5-9,

freshman, guard; Scout Gamble, 5-8, freshman, guard; Ethan Eckhardt, 5-6, freshman, guard; Brayden Haley, 5-11, freshman, post; Jake Kiem, 5-9, junior, guard Season outlook: “We are inexperienced and have some very young players,” coach Gamble said. “The young kids will need to figure out the speed and power of the high school game in

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 2

12/6 .............................................................Peetz 12/7 .................................................South Platte 12/11 ....................................................Potter-Dix 12/15 ................................................. Hemingford 12/18 ........................................... Arthur County 1/3 .............................................................Haxtun 1/5 .................................................... Hay Springs 1/8 ......................................................Bridgeport 1/11 .....................................................Potter-Dix 1/15 ........................MAC Tournament 1st Round 1/17 .............................. MAC Semi @ Bridgeport 1/19 .............................MAC Finals @ Bridgeport 1/25 ....................................................... Minatare 1/29 ...............................................Sedgewick Co 2/1 ................................................... Creek Valley 2/2 ......................................................... Sioux Co 2/5 .............................................................Bayard 2/15 ................................................... Garden Co 2/18-21 ...................................... SUB-DISTRICTS 2/23 .......................................BOYS SUB-STATE 3/7-9 .............................................. BOYS STATE

order to be productive at the varsity level.”

Team strengths: “We have some athletic kids that can and will eventually develop into basketball players,” Gamble said. “They are a tight-knit group that love to be around each other. They are willing to put in the extra effort to make this team better.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL

12/6 .............................................................Peetz 12/7 .................................................South Platte 12/11 ....................................................Potter-Dix 12/15 ................................................. Hemingford 12/18 ........................................... Arthur County 1/3 ........................................................... Haxtun 1/5 .................................................... Hay Springs 1/8........................................................Bridgeport 1/11 .....................................................Potter-Dix 1/14 ........................MAC Tournament 1st Round 1/17 .............................. MAC Semi @ Bridgeport 1/19 .............................MAC Finals @ Bridgeport 1/25 ....................................................... Minatare 1/29 ...............................................Sedgewick Co 2/1 ................................................... Creek Valley 2/2 ......................................................... Sioux Co 2/5 .............................................................Bayard 2/7 ...................................................... Garden Co 2/11-14 ..................................... SUB-DISTRICTS 2/22 ......................................... Girls SUB-STATE 2/28-3/2 ........................................ GIRLS STATE

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LINGLE-FT. LARAMIE GIRLS BASKETBALL

ANDREW TOWNE/TORRINGTON TELEGRAM

Pictured are the members of this season’s Lingle-Ft. Laramie girls basketball team. Back row (from left to right): Avy Emerson, Kaylie Rafferty, Shelby Heilbrun, Savannah Mirich, Madison Heilbrun, Kaelyn Riley, and Ashley Riley. Middle row: Kelcie Sargent, Tiah Meyer, M’Lynn Hill, Katelyn Seyfang, Jessy White, and Torey Bever. Front row: Makenzie Vaughn and Callie Fritzler.

Class: 1A Region: East Conference: SEWAC Last year’s record: 6-17 Head coach: Matthew Cornelius Years coaching at school: 9 Returning starters: Ashley Riley, 5-5

junior guard; Kaelynn Riley, 5-7 senior guard; Kelcie Sergent, 5-4 junior guard.

Other returning letter winners: Shelby Heilbrun, 5-7 junior center.

Season outlook: “We are returning a solid crew of varsity players this year,” Cornelius said. “The girls also worked

hard over the summer and are excited about the new season. With a combination of strength inside as well as improved shooting, we are hoping to be a solid competitive team in the SEWAC and hopefully mix it up late in February.”

Top competition: “Southeast and Pine Bluffs all return a strong returning lineup,” coach Cornelius said.

“They should be the teams to beat in the SEWAC. Don’t count out Burns and Lusk, though, with groups of young players coming back.”

LINGLE-FT. LARAMIE WRESTLING

ANDREW TOWNE/TORRINGTON TELEGRAM

Members of the Lingle-Ft. Laramie wrestling team include (from left to right) Jessy Valentine, Zane Rising, Joel Costello, Jaden Houk and Quirk Lee. Not pictured is Chris Ramos.

Class: 2A Region: East Last year’s dual record: 2-3 Head coach: Brandon Gifford Years coaching at school: 5th Assistant coach: John Gibson Returning state qualifiers: Zane Rising, junior, 145, third at state; Jessy Valentine, sophomore, 220.

Top newcomers: Jaden Houk, freshman, 106; Quirt Lee, freshman, 132; Chris Ramos, freshman, 160.

Season outlook: “Our team continues to fight the battle of numbers within the wrestling room,” Gifford said. “However, the group of young men that are out know how to work through the type of adversity to continue to get better and grow without large numbers in the room. We will have no seniors on the team this year so we will be very young and look to our one returning state placer, Zane Rising, to help led our team and

teach the younger athletes what it takes to win on the state level.”

Team strengths: “With low numbers it is important that our young men learn how to work hard and get better individually without a great number of workout partners,” Gifford said. “Fortunately, our wrestlers know how to handle this issue and are able to get better even with a lack of workout partners.”

Team goals: “Our goals this year are to qualify everyone for our state meet

LINGLE/FT. LARAMIE

and have multiple state medalists. We also want to provide a positive platform for our younger junior high athletes to aspire to.”

Final word: “Wrestling is a difficult sport and we continue to struggle getting athletes out for this great sport,” Giffor said. “The challenge is to find young men and women who are willing to challenge themselves and earn honors for their individual hard work.”

“Home of the Doggers”

Home Meets in Bold

GIRLS/BOYS BASKETBALL

December 8-9 .................................... Burns December 14-15 ...Lingle-Ft. Laramie Inv. January 4 .............................. Crawford, NE January 5 ....................Guernsey-Sunrise January 10 ...................................Southeast (at Eastern WY College) January 11 ........................................ Lusk January 17 ......................Guernsey-Sunrise January 22 ................................Morrill, NE January 25 .................................. Glenrock January 26 ..................................Pine Bluffs January 31 ...................................Southeast (at Eastern WY College) February 1 ........................................... Lusk February 8 ................................. Rock River February 9 .......................................H.E.M. February 15 .................................. Glenrock February 16 ............................. Pine Bluffs February 21-23 ............................Regionals February 28 - March 2 ........................ State

Winter Sports 12-6-18 3

WRESTLING

December 7 .......................................Lusk December 8 ...................... Banner County December 14-15 ...............Hot Springs, SD January 5 ..........................Garden County January 15 ...............................Gering, NE January 19 ......... Lingle-Ft. Laramie Inv. January 26 ............................. Mitchell, NE February 2 ................................. Southeast February 8-9 ................................Saratoga February 16 ............................... Regionals

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SPORTS

Thursday, December 6, 2018

LINGLE-FT. LARAMIE BOYS BASKETBALL

ANDREW TOWNE/TORRINGTON TELEGRAM

Pictured are the members of this season’s Lingle-Ft. Laramie boys basketball team. Back row (from left to right): Cooper Hill, Gage Correa, Hunter Hattan, Scottie Gilchriest, Nate Gutierrez, Noah Hatch, Eddie Ramos, and Dustin Swartwood. Front row: Zach Lemman, Bailey Powell, Caeden Riley, Levi Leiseth, Cordell Forkner, and Kalli Nichols. Not pictured is Ty Mueller.

Class: 1A Region: East Conference: SEWAC Last year’s record: 2-20 Head coach: Steve Zimmerman Years coaching at school: 7 Assistant coaches: Mark Perkins, Cody Powel.

Returning starters: Ty Mueller, 6-1 senior guard, 2A All-Conference; Caedan Riley, 6-3 junior post; Scotty Gilchriest, 6-0 senior guard; Cordell

Forkner, 6-1 sophomore wing; Cooper Hill, 5-6 sophomore guard.

Other returning letter winners: Bailey Powell, 6-4 junior post; Gage Correa, 5-10 junior wing; Zach Lemman, 6-3 junior post; Dagan Davis, 6-1 junior post.

Top newcomers: Nathan Gutierrez, 5-6 junior guard; Levi Leiseth, 6-5 senior post; Miles Limmer, 6-2 junior post.

Season outlook: “The Doggers look to rebound from a difficult campaign

last season that was full of injuries and tough defeats,” coach Zimmerman said. “This year the Doggers bring a team that gained a wealth of experience last year, have an attitude that is excited and confident and depth at each position. The Doggers will play in two pre-Christmas tournaments before moving up to play in a 2A division. They will also face across the border opponents in Morrill and Crawford before moving back to 1A to finish the

year. Look for seniors Ty Mueller, Scott Gilchriest and junior Caedan Riley to provide leadership in a team that still sports many young players.”

Team goals: “Reach a level of play found at the state tournament then compete in the state tournament,” Zimmerman said.

Final word: “This team has an opportunity to surprise others,” Zimmerman said. “They should be very competitive in most games and a hard out when tournament time comes.”

MINATARE Wrestling Class: D District: D-4 Head coach: Tracy Gifford Years coaching at school: Second Returning state qualifers: Ceasar Garduno, junior, 285; Isaac Gomez, junior, 195.

Other returning letter winners: Carlos Martinez, sophomore, 138.

Other returners/newcomers: Kris

Karsten, junior, 145; Nia Lerma, sophomore, 120; Allen Gomez, sophomore, 132; Haydon Olds, sophomore, 152; Devon Suhr, junior, 126; Tony Gonzales, freshman, 220; Lucas Ellis, freshman, 106; Froilan Chavira, freshman, 182.

Girls Basketball Class: D-2 Sub-district: D2-11 Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s record: 3-17

Head coach: Schyler Ferguson Years coaching at school: Fourth Returning starters: Jackie Sanchez, sophomore; Raschelle Magdaleno, sophomore; Juana Perez, junior, Second Team All-Conference; Alexandria Garcia, senior, MAC Honorable Mention; Zulema Garfio, senior.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Araceli Garcia, senior; Julissa Chariez, junior; Jessica Camargo, junior; Kaitlyn Van Winkle, freshman;

Corina Meyers, freshman; Cheyanne Taylor, freshman.

Season outlook: “We only lost one senior last year, so we have everybody back this season,” coach Ferguson said.

“We are very experienced and that will benefit us this year.”

Top Competition: “South Platte has very good returners and a great freshman class that will be there,” Ferguson said. “Leyton is a very good basketball team fundamentally.”

WRESTLING

Home games in bold

BOYS BASKETBALL

12/7 .......................... Sioux County 12/8 .................... Guernsey-Sunrise 12/11 ............................... Crawford 12/14 ....................... Arthur County 12/15 ...................Niobrara County 1/4 ............................... Hemingford 1/5 ............................. Creek Valley 1/8 ........................ Garden County 1/11 .......................................Morrill 1/25 ..................................... Leytonl 1/26 ................................ Potter-Dix 2/1 ............................ Sioux County 2/5 ............................... Hay Springs 2/8 .......................................Bayard 2/9 .................Hyannis High School 2/15 ........... Potter-Dix High School

Winter Sports 12-6-18 4

GIRLS BASKETBALL

12/7 .............................. Sioux County 12/8 ....................... Guernsey-Sunrise 12/11 .................................. Crawford 12/14 .......................... Arthur County 12/15 ......................Niobrara County 1/4 .................................. Hemingford 1/5 .................................Creek Valley 1/8 ........................... Garden County 1/11 .......................................... Morrill 1/25 ......................................... Leyton 1/26 ....................................Potter-Dix 2/1 ................................Sioux County 2/5 .................................. Hay Springs 2/8 .......................................... Bayard 2/9 ..........................................Hyannis

12/08 ..........................Banner County 12/15 ..................................Bridgeport 01/05 ........................ Garden County 01/12 ...........................Chase County 01/18 ...........................Chase County 01/24 ..........................................Morrill 01/26 ...................................... Mitchell 02/02 ....................................... Bayard

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WINTER

Thursday, December 6, 2018

SPORTS

STAR-HERALD

17

MITCHELL GIRLS BASKETBALL

MARK REIN/STAR-HERALD

Pictured are members of this season’s Mitchell girls basketball team.

Class: C-1 Sub-district: C1-12 Conference: Western Trails, Western Last year’s record: 27-2 Last year’s conference finish: First in both Last year’s sub-district finish: First, district champs Last year’s state finish: Fourth Head coach: Shawn Harvey Years as head coach at school: First Assistant coaches: Marty Gillen, Jessica Aratani Returning starters: Keyana Wilfred, 6-3, senior, center, 18.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG, all-state first team, all-conference first team, all-region first team, UNLV recruit; Kenzey Kanno, 5-3, senior, guard, 6.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, all-conference honorable mention; Anabelle Gillen, 5-7, senior, guard, 7.4 PPG, 2.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, all-conference

honorable mention, three-year starter Returning letter winners: Ricci Ayala, 5-8, senior, forward, 2.4 PPG, 1.8 RPG; Bethany Sterkel, 5-7, senior, guard, 1.9 PPG; Jessica Cotant, 5-10, senior, center, 2.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG; Ansley Hessler, 5-8, junior, forward Top newcomers: Avery Hobbs, 5-5, sophomore, guard; Jaden Kanno, 5-3, sophomore, guard, 9.7 PPG, 1.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, transfer from Morrill Season outlook: “This year’s team is going to surprise some that may think Mitchell will be down a bit with the loss of some outstanding players over the last couple years,” coach Harvey said.

“This senior class has been the nucleus of the team and has played a lot of basketball together over the last 8-10 years.

Add to that a bunch of underclassmen that have really developed through the program and Mitchell will continue to

be a force this season. With the addition of Morrill transfer Jaden Kanno, our guard play will be solid and our young players have size to help inside. Keyana Wilfred will continue her dominance on the court and is excited to have a banner senior season to go with her commitment to NCAA Division I UNLV. With some hard work and determination, we are primed for a fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament in March.”

Teams strengths: “Experience and leadership will be our biggest strengths this year,” Harvey said. “With the strong senior class this year, our younger players have an excellent opportunity to play and learn from one of the best groups playing basketball this year.

Our size inside compliments the shooters we have on the perimeter, which will cause problems for most teams.”

Team goals: “The team has set goals

to finish at the top of both conferences again and win a third consecutive district title,” Harvey said. “Making a fourth trip to the state tournament for this group is a big focus and building on the state tournament win from last year will be important for them.”

Final word: “This team will see some great competition this year in the region,” Harvey said. “Scottsbluff, Sidney and Pine Bluffs will be tough teams this year and Chadron and Gering will be much improved and compete well this year. Bridgeport will always be competitive and will battle in the Western Trails Conference. We will compete in the Cabela’s Holiday Tournament this year and should see some great competition in that tournament. If this team stays together and works hard, they will meet their goals and the season should be an exciting one.”

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TIGER GIRLS & BOYS BASKETBALL

11/29-12/-1 ..Western Conference Tournament 12/8 .................................. Hemingford 12/15 .................................................... Morrill 12/21 .................................................... Bayard Dec. 27-29 ............. Cabela’s Holiday Shootout 1/4 .............................. Scottsbluff (Girls Only) 1/5 ......................................................Chadron 1/11 ......................................Crawford 1/12 .................................... Bridgeport 1/22 ..................................Kimball (Girls Only) 1/25 .................................................... Ogallala 2/8 ...................................................... Ogallala 2/9 ...........................................Burns 2/11-2/12 ........................ Districts (Girls Only) 2/14 ............................ SubDistrict (Girls Only) 2/15 ........................ Kimball (Boys Only) 2/16 .......................... Hemingford (Boys Only) 2/22 ............................................. Girls District 2/23 .............................................Boys District 2/28-3/2 .......................................... Girls State 3/7-3/9 ............................................ Boys State

TIGER WRESTLING

12/8 ..................Invitational Gordon-Rushville 12/14 ..............................................Sutherland 12/15 ........................... Invitational Sutherland 12/20 ............ Dual Mitchell Public Schools 1/3 ........................................................... WTC 1/5 .........................Invitational Garden County 1/12 .......................Tournament Chase County 1/18-1/19 ......................... Invitational Chadron 1/24 .........................................................Quad 1/26 ..... Invitational Mitchell Public Schools

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 5

Home games in bold

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Thursday, December 6, 2018

MITCHELL BOYS BASKETBALL

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Mitchell boys basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Francisco Barrios, Luke Hessler, Angelo Ramirez, Ty Paetow, Rylan Aguallo, Hunter Fegler, Carter Snyder, Carmelo Ayala, Corbin Batt, Devon Ott, and Junior Alvizar. Back row: John Pieper, Garrett Hessler, Jaden Schumacher, Caden Knutson, Jaron Anderson, Burke Schneider, Donte Bellairs, Ashtyn Martin, Keaton Reichert, Austin Thyne, and Blake Thyne.

Class: C-1 Sub-district: C1-12 Conference: Western Trails, Western Last year’s record: 12-15 Head coach: Jayson Gregory Years coaching at school: Sixth Assistant coaches: Tanner Long, Dillon Broussard.

Returning starters: Blake Thyne, 6-3 junior guard, All-State Honorable Mention, All-Conference; Keaton Reichert, 5-11 junior guard, All-State Honorable Mention, All-Conference; Jonathan

Pieper, 6-6 junior post, All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Other returning letter winners: Rylan Aguallo, 5-10 sophomore guard; Hunter Fegler, 5-10 junior guard; Francisco Barrios, 6-0 sophomore guard; Angelo Ramirez, 5-11 junior guard.

Top newcomers: Austin Thyne, 6-0 freshman guard; Jaron Anderson, 6-0 sophomore guard/post; Caden Knutson, 6-2 sophomore post.

Season outlook: “With how we finished last season, winning five of our last six, we believe that was a great

springboard into the summer and this upcoming season,” coach Gregory said.

“The core of our team has gained valuable experience the past two seasons and we look forward to building on that.

We have graduated a lot of size the past few seasons, so we need to focus on using our athleticism toward controlling the tempo of the game and developing a full court style of play both offensively and defensivley.”

Team strengths: “Overall, we have gained a ton of experience the past couple of seasons and will lean on that,”

Gregory said. “This is an athletic group of boys that possess a lot of skills and speed. We also believe that we are a deep team and can see anywhere from 8-12 guys playing each night.”

Team goals: “To continue to improve as a team,” Gregory said. “We will need to use a tough early schedule to set ourselves up to make a run in our conference tournament in February. We always want to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season to give us the best opportunity to compete well in the sub-district tournament.”

MITCHELL WRESTLING

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are members of this season’s Mitchell wrestling team. Front row (from left to right): Austin Carrillo, Max Palomo, Kadin Perez, Hadly Markowski, Kalem Jackson, Kaden Golden, and Matt Kohel. Back row: John Thomas, Axel Nilsson, Nate Coley, Nick Coley, Dan Thomas, Ethan Harimon, Caleb Muhr, and Quentin Miller. Not Pictured are Cody Chambers, Keegan Weiss, Joseph Arroyo, and Gabe Kohel.

Class: C District: C-4 Last year’s dual record: 5-6 Head coach: Anthony Chancellor Years coaching at school: 2nd Assistant coaches: Joe Yauney, Chris Whited.

Returning letter winners: Nick Coley, junior, 220; Kaden Perez, sophomore, 138-145; Hadly Markowski, sophomore, 120; John Thomas; Max Palomo, junior; Keegan Weiss, sophomore, 285; Matt Kohel, sophomore, 138-145;

Nathan Coley, sophomore; Cody Chamber, senior.

Top newcomers: Daniel Thomas, freshman, 220; Caleb Muhr, freshman, 138-145; Kalem Jackson, freshman, 120-126.

Season outlook: “We lost some experience and are looking to see who steps up and leads the team on the mat,” coach Chancellor said. “Nick and John will provide great leadership for the boys we are just looking to see who will step up

when it’s time to compete this season.

The coaches hope to qualify five wrestlers this season, which is very difficult coming out of C-4. We should be able to fill most of our weight class, which may help us win some duals but inexperience will play a major role in this season. If the youth on the team keeps out and works hard they will surely be some names we hear in the future.”

Team strengths: “Great leadership in the room,” Chancellor said. “In the first few practices, the coaching staff really

likes the work ethic the boys are giving to make themselves the best.”

Final word: “As of now, our team looks to have 18 young men out,” Chancellor said. “We will be really stacked in the 132-152 weight classes and will see kids giving up weight to wrestle up weight classes as the boys wrestle off to see who wins the spot. Right now our upper weights are looking like they are going to really carry the team this season, but look out for kids like Kaden Perez, Hadly Markowski and John Thomas in the middle of the lineup.”

MORRILL WRESTLING

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Morrill wrestling team. Front row (from left to right): Kaleb Taylor, Nathaniel Murillo, Tyler Nagel, and Jose Verdugo. Back row: Dakota Lewis, Bryce Seier, Austin Garcia, Michael Morgan, and Andy Gomez. Not pictured is Holden Schleve.

Winter Sports 12-6-18 6

Class: D District: D-4 Conference: Western Trails Last year’s dual record: 6-1 Head coach: Willie Schwartzkopf Years as head coach at school: Third Assistant coaches: Willie Schwartzkopf Jr., Lupe Gonzales Returning state qualifiers: Tyler Nagel, sophomore, 106, 2nd at state; Nathaniel Murillo, junior, 113; Holden Schleve, senior, 145; Austin Garcia, senior, 152.

Season outlook: “Looking for another solid season, a lot of experience returning,” coach Schwartzkopf said. “Our goal again this year will be to win the D-4 district and finish top three at the state tournament.”

Team strengths: “Three of the returning qualifiers have medaled in last two years, so they shouldn’t lack confidence,” Schwartzkopf said. “I’m really excited, I feel we could possibly bring home a higher finish at state along with a few more medals. Our schedule is definitely strong for these guys to see some great competition.”

Team goals: “Again, looking to win the district and have a top three finish at the state tournament,” Schwartzkopf said.

“Also, bring home more medals from the state tournament than last season.”

12/7/2018 3:17:34 PM

WINTER

Thursday, December 6, 2018

SPORTS

STAR-HERALD

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MORRILL GIRLS BASKETBALL

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Morrill girls basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Andrea Lashley, Peyton Gibson, Joanne Valles, and Marcelina Gomez. Middle row: Katelyn Ott, Graci McCarty, Makiyla Mason, Paityn Homan, Ashley Lara, Shandie Hess, Rylie Mason, and Jessica Wilkinson. Back row: Kilee Stauffer, Mya Canseco, Keelyn Morris, Paris Frias, Jaiden Steiner, Libbie Schaefer, Madison Mendoza, Ilycia Guerue, Cassandra Lashley, Brooke Hopkins, and Tracy Zhau.

Class C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, Panhandle Last year’s record: 19-7 Last year’s conference finish: Third in WTC, first in Panhandle Head coach: Josh Guerue Years as head coach at school: Sixth Coaching record at school: 75-46 Assistant coaches: Craig Hall, Jessi McLamb, Kaitlyn Margheim, Chelsea Bradford, Chandra Stoddard Returning starters: Ilycia Guerue, 5-6, sophomore, guard, 15.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 6.1 SPG, all-conference (WTC and Panhandle), Star-Herald all-region third team, all-state honorable mention; Libbie Schaefer, 5-11,

sophomore, forward, 5.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, WTC all-conference honorable mention; Peyton Gibson, 5-3, senior, guard, 4.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG Returning letter winners: Jaiden Steiner, 5-6, sophomore, forward, 1.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG; Andrea Lashley, 5-5, senior, guard, 3.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG; Madison Mendoza, 5-7, sophomore, guard, 3.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG; Sadie Cooley, 5-10, junior, forward, 1.3 PPG; Mya Canseco, 5-5, sophomore, guard, 1.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG Newcomer: Rylie Mason, 5-6, junior, forward, transfer from Banner County Season outlook: “This season will be a process for us. We will work hard early to find our identity as a team and what role each player will play,” coach Guerue said. “With our statistical leader in

GIRLS BASKETBALL

December 7 ........................ Garden County December 8 ....................................Kimball December 14 .................................. Edgemont December 15 ..................................Mitchell December 20-21 ....................Sioux County Holiday Tournament January 4 ........................Guernsey-Sunrise January 8 ........................................Bayard January 11 ........................................ Minatare January 14, January 18-19 ....................... PAC January 22 ........................ Lingle-Fort Laramie January 25 ...................................Crawford January 26 ..................................Sioux County January 31 ........................................... PAC February 1-2 .............................WNCC WTC February 5 ....................................Hemingford February 7 .................................. Bridgeport February 9 .............................Gordon-Rushville

every category Ilycia Guerue out for the first part of the year with an ACL, it is forcing other girls to play spots and do things that will take a little time to become comfortable with. We believe that in the long term outlook of our team this will be a huge strength and make us extremely dangerous down the stretch. There will be several girls emerge on our team that teams will have to really pay attention to.”

Team strengths: “We have several girls that can play and we will sub up to five girls, giving us the ability to play a fast paced game,” Guerue said.

“We have tremendous team chemistry right now, which will help the girls battle through the tough schedule that we will face. Our girls play very hard and

practice with a purpose day in and day out. They are doing everything that we are asking of them right now and we could not be more proud of the effort and buy in from the girls.”

Team goals: “We feel we can compete for conference titles in both of our conferences as well as play for the sub-district championship again this year and give our team a chance at a district championship,” Guerue said.

Final word: “This will be a year of extreme growth for our program in all aspects,” Guerue said. “We have committed girls of exemplary character.

We will be more well rounded and have more weapons developed at the end of this year than we ever have had, giving us the best opportunity to be successful at the end of the season.”

BOYS BASKETBALL

December 7 ........................ Garden County December 8 ....................................Kimball December 14 .................................. Edgemont December 15 ..................................Mitchell December 20-21 ....................Sioux County Holiday Tournament January 4 .......................Guernsey-Sunrise January 8 ........................................Bayard January 11 ........................................ Minatare January 15, 18-19 .......Morrill Tournament January 22 ........................ Lingle-Fort Laramie January 25 ...................................Crawford January 26 ..................................Sioux County January 31, February 1-2 .............. WNCC WTC February 5 ....................................Hemingford February 7 ................................. Bridgeport February 9 ............................Gordon-Rushville

WRESTLING

December 8 ........................... Gordon-Rushville December 14-15 ............................. Sutherland December 20 ........................................ Mitchell January 3 ...................................................WTC January 5 .................................. Garden County January 12 .................................. Chase County January 18-19 .................................... Chadron January 24 .............................. Morrill Quad January 28 ............................................ Mitchell February 8-9 ......................................... Districts February 14-16 .......................................... State

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 7

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WINTER

SPORTS

Thursday, December 6, 2018

MORRILL BOYS BASKETBALL

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are the members of this season’s Morrill boys basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Rowdy Lind, Kolten McMakin, Sidney Fiske, Keaton Robb, Jerry Tarin, Tanner Whetham, and Caden Lewis. Back row: Kyle Black, Jackson Margheim, Brody Brown, Isaiah Guerue, Michael Johnson, Blake Lofink, Sam Carpenter, Grayson Lessert, and Jordan Schneider.

Class: C-2 Sub-district: C2-12 Conference: Western Trails, Panhandle Last year’s record: 8-13 Last year’s conference finish: Sixth in WTC, third in Panhandle Head coach: Terry Lofink Years as head coach at school: First Years as head coach overall: 16th

Assistant coaches: Brad Cole, Sheldon Le, Trey Mosby Returning starters: Tanner Whetham, 6-4, junior, forward, two-year starter, Panhandle all-conference, Western Trails honorable mention; Keaton Robb, 5-10, senior, guard, two-year starter; Jerry Tarin, 5-8, senior, guard Returning letter winners: Sidney Fiske, 6-1, senior, forward; Blake Lofink,

6-0, junior, guard; Rowdy Lind, 5-11, junior, guard Top newcomers: Caden Lewis, 5-5, sophomore, guard; Brady Brown, 6-0, sophomore, forward; Kolton McMackin, 6-0, sophomore, forward; Michael Johnson, 5-11, junior, forward Season outlook: “We are excited about the season,” coach Lofink said. “We feel that we have a group of guys that can compete night in and night out with the

teams on our schedule.”

Team strengths: “We return 6-8 kids who saw varsity action last year,” Lofink said. “The experience that group got should really help in the growth of this team.”

Final word: “The guys have had a good summer and they’re working their tails off in practice,” Lofink said. “We’re just ready to improve every day and get this right.”

SCOTTSBLUFF WRESTLING

PRESTON GOEHRING/STAR-HERALD

Pictured are the members of this season’s Scottsbluff wrestling team.

Class: B District: B-4 Last year’s district finish: Second Last year’s state finish: Sixth Head coach: Dustin Stodola Years as head coach at school: First

Returning starters: Paul Garcia, 106, sophomore, returning state champion; Kevin Price, 126, senior; Jaylin Chun, 113, junior; Devontae Gutierrez, 138, senior, returning state qualifier Top newcomers: Alex Galindo, 132, sophomore; Hazael Mendoza, 170, soph-

omore; Abram Perales, 120, freshman; Colby Crow, 195, sophomore Season outlook: “Returning with many young, but talented student athletes, the Scottsbluff Bearcats are looking to improve from last year’s season,”

coach Stodola said. “We struggled with duals due to having several open weight classes last year. This year the team is working on getting a full roster making each dual and tournament more competitive from a team standpoint.”

SCOTTSBLUFF/GERING SWIMMING AND DIVING

Pictured are members of this season’s Scottsbluff/Gering swimming and diving team.

Winter Sports 12-6-18 8

COURTESY PHOTO

12/7/2018 3:17:45 PM

WINTER

Thursday, December 6, 2018

SPORTS

STAR-HERALD

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SCOTTSBLUFF BOYS BASKETBALL

PRESTON GOEHRING/STAR-HERALD

Pictured are the members of this season’s Scottsbluff boys basketball team.

Class: B Sub-district: B-8 Conference: Western, GNAC Last year’s record: 18-9 Head coach: Scott Gullion Years as head coach at school: Third Coaching record at school: 44-12 Assistant coaches: Nick Goranson, Zach Boness, Michael Klein Returning starters: Conner McCracken, 6-4, senior, guard, 19.0 PPG, all-conference first team, Star-Herald All-Region Player of the Year; Jasiya DeOllos, 6-0, junior, guard, 11.0 PPG, 4.0 APG, all-conference first team

Returning letter winners: Sam Clarkson, 6-6, junior, post; Jack Darnell, 6-1, junior, guard; Sabastian Harsh, 6-4, junior, forward; Harold Baez, 6-2, senior, guard; Dawson Mohr, 6-1, sophomore, guard; Quentin Scott, 6-0, junior, guard; Chance Parker, 6-5, junior, forward Season outlook: “We return top two scorers from last year’s team along with key subs who played significant minutes. Should have a good balance between varsity experience and kids that have been waiting to get their

opportunity,” coach Gullion said. “Our schedule is going to be one of the tougher schedules we have ever had, but with that will bring quality experience against bigger schools and quality talent.”

Team strengths: “We have a good mixture between guard play and size,” Gullion said. “Overall it will be one of our bigger teams we have had, which should lead to a good rebounding team.

We have several really good rebounders and players that have a nose for the ball. We will also have a good mixture

between players that can shoot, drive, and post play. I believe we will be able to score from all three levels.”

Competition: “Our schedule will be tough with the out-of-state teams we are playing, teams from Wyoming, South Dakota and Colorado,” Gullion said. “Again our district will be one of the tougher ones in the state. Alliance returns their top players and quite a bit of experience playing varsity basketball. Gering and Sidney both return some of their top players and have guys ready to step into roles.”

SCOTTSBLUFF GIRLS BASKETBALL

PRESTON GOEHRING/STAR-HERALD

Pictured are the members of this season’s Scottsbluff girls basketball team.

Class: B Sub-district: B-8 Conference: Western, GNAC Last year’s record: 8-15 Head coach: David Bollish Years as head coach at school: Third Overall years coaching: Tenth Assistant coaches: Hattie Burford, Bryanna Jimenez, Leslie Foral

Winter Sports 12-6-18 9

R etu r n i n g st a r t ers: K ieyera h Twombly, 5-7, senior, forward, all-conference honorable mention; Yarra Garcia, 5-7, junior, guard, all-conference honorable mention; Aubry Krentz, 5-6, junior, guard, all-conference first team; Emma Herman, 6-0, junior, center Transfers: Makenzie Dunkel, 5-8,

senior, forward, all-conference first team Returning letter winners/newcomers: Jamisyn Howard, 5-9, sophomore, forward; Cali Wright, 5-4, sophomore, guard; Izzy Wright, 5-5, sophomore, guard; Emma Foote, 5-6, sophomore, guard; Taylen Holten, 5-9, junior, forward

Season outlook: “Our team is battle tested, resilient and motivated,” coach Bollish said. “Our girls have taken their licks, put in the work and return an impressive and talented core. Their speed, athleticism and fearless nature offensively and defensivley will make the season exciting. We welcome the road ahead.”

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SIDNEY GIRLS BASKETBALL

DONNA WIEDEBURG/SIDNEY SCHOOLS

Pictured are the members of this season’s Sidney girls basketball team.

Class: B Sub-district: B-8 Conference: Western Last year’s sub-district finish: First Last year’s district finish: First, lost to Beatrice in first round at state Last year’s record: 21-4 Head coach: Tyler Shaw Years as head coach at school: 13th Assistant coach: Matt McKay

Returning starters: Janay Brauer, 5-8, senior guard, All-State Honorable Mention, All-Conference; Meaghan Ross, 5-6 senior guard, All-State Honorable Mention, All-Conference; Katelyn Sylvester, 5-9 senior forward, All-State Honorable Mention, All-Conference; Mattie Johnson, 6-0 junior All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Allison Nesbitt, 5-11 forward; Macie Rolls, 5-8 guard; MJ Johnstone, 5-5 guard; Sarah Wamsley, 5-4 guard; Jaylee Shaw, 5-2 guard; Kendra Nesbitt, 5-7 forward; Nicole Birner, 5-7 guard.

Season outlook: “We lost two seniors and one junior transfer from last year’s team that were huge keys to our success

last year,” coach Shaw said. “We will return four players that started at some point last season. Our returning team is a group of hard-working players that will need to develop throughout the season. We will have some important roles to fill from our returning players. Our lack of size has always been an obstacle that we will need to overcome, especially in conference play.”

SIDNEY BOYS BASKETBALL

DONNA WIEDEBURG/SIDNEY SCHOOLS

Pictured are the members of this season’s Sidney boys basketball team.

Class: B Sub-district: B-8 Conference: Western Last year’s sub-district finish: First, lost in district final Last year’s record: 18-8 Head coach: Austin Lewis Years as head coach at school: Third Coaching record at school: 30-20 Overall coaching record: 137-89

Returning starters: Arik Doty, 5-11, senior, guard, all-conference honorable mention, three-year starter Returning letter winners: Alex Jalen, 6-3, senior, forward; Skylar Heineman, 5-9, junior, guard Season outlook: “Sidney will return one starter from a year ago and three total guys who played significant varsity minutes,” coach Lewis said. “Every

team in our conference, and almost every team we play, will return more starters/depth than we do. That’s just the reality of where we start this season. Where we go from there is up to us.

We will see some new faces in our program this year and hopefully guys will step up into leadership roles necessary to have some success. I think we’ve got

good kids and coaches in our program who want to do it the right way, so I hope we can become a team that’s tough to beat on any given night.”

Top competition: “Scottsbluff and Alliance should be at the top of the Western Conference to start this year,” Lewis said. “They both have two of their top three scorers back from district-finalist teams last year.”

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12/7 ...... Charlie Lake Duals Tournament 12/8 ............................ Charlie Lake Invite 12/14 ............................ Fort Morgan Dual 12/15 .................Bridgeport/Sidney Invite 12/20 ...........Ogallala/McCook Triangular 1/5.................Ogallala Duals Tournament 1/10 ........... Bridgeport Dual Tournament 1/12 ......... Gothenburg Dual Tournament 1/17 .......................... Sedgewick Co. Dual 1/19 ........................... John Higgins Invite 1/25 ....................................Valentine Dual 1/26 ................................ Ainsworth Invite 1/31 ........................................Gering Dual 2/2............. Southeast Duals Tournament 2/8-9 ...................................... B-4 Districts 2/14-16 .......... Class B State Tournament

Boys Basketball

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12/7 ..................................... @ Chase Co. 12/8 ............................................... Sterling 12/14 ......................................... Ft Morgan 12/15 ........................................ @ Alliance 12/20 ........................................ @ Mitchell 12/27-29 ......... Cabela’s Holiday Tourney 1/3..............................................@ Kimball 1/4............................................... @ Gering 1/5................................................. McCook 1/11 .............................................. Ogallala 1/12 ....................................... @Lexington 1/19 .............................................. @ Yuma 1/25 ......................................... @ Chadron 1/26 .................................................. Brush

2/1....................................................Gering 2/2..................................................... Bluffs 2/8.................................................Chadron 2/15 ...............................................Alliance 2/18-19 ................................. Sub-Districts 2/23 .............................................. Districts 3/7-9 ............................... State Basketball

Girls Basketball

12/7 ..................................... @ Chase Co. 12/8 ............................................... Sterling 12/14 ......................................... Ft Morgan 12/15 ........................................ @ Alliance 12/20 ........................................ @ Mitchell 12/27-29 ......... Cabela’s Holiday Tourney 1/3..............................................@ Kimball 1/4............................................... @ Gering 1/5................................................. McCook 1/11 .............................................. Ogallala 1/12 .......................................@ Lexington 1/19 .............................................. @ Yuma 1/25 ......................................... @ Chadron 1/26 .................................................. Brush 2/1....................................................Gering 2/2..................................................... Bluffs 2/5..................................................Alliance 2/8.................................................Chadron 2/11-12 ................................. Sub Districts 2/16 .............................................. Districts 2/28 ................................ State Basketball

12/7/2018 3:17:55 PM

WINTER

Thursday, December 6, 2018

SPORTS

STAR-HERALD

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SIDNEY WRESTLING

DONNA WIEDEBURG/SIDNEY SCHOOLS

Pictured are the members of this season’s Sidney wrestling team.

Class: B District: B-4 Last year’s dual record: 23-5 Head coach: Beau McConnell Years as head coach at school: First Assistant coaches: Cory McManigal, Jared Simonson, Caleb Sweetser.

Returning state qualifers: Jacob Peckham, junior, 120; Trey Arellano, senior, 138, first at state; Brody Raines, junior, 145, sixth at state; KC Higer, senior, 152.

Other returning letter winners: Deekun Cerenil, sophomore, 126; Paul Houser, junior, 126; Tristan Ahrendt, senior, 170; Angelo Revercomb, senior, 132; Brady Robb, sophomore, 160; Nathan Hofrock, junior, 195; Hayden Hofrock, junior, 220; Lane Hughes, senior, 285.

Top newcomers: Cameron Brauer, freshman, 106; Julian Maytorena, freshman, 113; Austin Munier,

freshman, 113; Christian Lecher, freshman, 152.

Season outlook: “Although we graduated a strong senior class last spring, I believe that we have a talented group of returning guys and incoming freshmen that are ready to step into those weight classes and make an instant impact for our squad,” coach McConnell said. “I have confidence that if we

stay healthy and focused, our team will be competitive in all of our duals and tournaments with a chance to have successful district and state meets.”

Team strengths: “I believe our strenghts reside in our wrestlers’ experience and competitiveness on the mat,” McConnell said.

Team goals: “To wrestle tough in all of our competitions and have strong district and state tournaments,” McConnell said.

TORRINGTON WRESTLING

TOM MILSTEAD/TORRINGTON TELEGRAM

Pictured are the members of this season’s Torrington boys basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Madison McCart, Kevin Ferguson, Austin Fox, Tristen Kingsley, Pake Haun, and Josh Stitt. Middle row: Riley Duffield, Gabe Mitchell, Quentin Meyer, Michael Sandusky, Cody Pierce, Tyler Juma, Carlos Fitzwater, and Kyler Fogelman. Back row: Alejandro Chavarria, Rhiley Grubbs, Casey Britton, Jacob Polkowske, Ryan Walsen, Dominic Marlin, Brandon Bennick, and Sebastian Doucette.

Class: 3A Region: East Head coach: Doyle Meyer Years as head coach at school: 16th Returning state placers: Tristen Kingsley, senior, 145, 2nd at state; Quentin Meyer, senior, 138, 5th at state; Jacob Pokowske, senior, 5th at state; Austin Fox, senior, 145, state placer.

Other returning starters: Cody Pierce, sophomore, 152; Pake Haun, senior, 152; Brett Posten senior, 160; Caey Britton, senior, 160; Josh Kingsley, senior, 170; Gabe Mitchell, sophomore, 182; Ryan Walson, senior, 170; Riley Grubbs, sophomore, 195; Jakob Brott, senior, 182; Brandon Bennick, senior, 285; Riley Duffield, junior, 113;

Michael Sandusky, freshman, 120.

Season outlook: “The Trailblazer team will be full of seniors and senior leadership,” Meyer said. “Leading the chage for the Blazers will be Tristen Kingsley, Quentin Meyer, Jacbo Polkowske and Brandon Bennick. The Blazers are super excited to have this great

group of seniors competing this season.

They are a great bunch of young men who all have been wrestling for a number of years. It’s going to be awesome watching these athletes achieve their potential this year.”

Top competition: “Douglas and Worland in the region and Star Valley in the state,” coach Meyer said.

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 11

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TORRINGTON BOYS BASKETBALL

ANDREW TOWNE/TORRINGTON TELEGRAM

Pictured are the members of this season’s Torrington boys basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Kevin Gunhammer, Ty Prall, Cody Clayton, Chase Miller, Cole Parriott, and Ryder Hackbarth. Second row: Trace Floyd, Daniel Casper, Josh Posten, Aidyn Saucedo, Luke Johnson, Caden Engel, Kieser Wolfe, and Deagan Keith. Back row: Sam Firminhac, Trace English, Jordan Malm, Bryan Lemmon, Jared Lemmon, Cameron Murphy, Jackson Jones, Dylan Dreiling, Thomas Heron, and Jaysen Stitt.

Class: 3A Region: 3A East Last year’s record: 12-11 Head coach: Neil Baker Years as head coach at school: Fourth Coaching record at school: 32-39 Years as head coach overall: 25th Overall coaching record: 254-200 Assistant coaches: Sean Smith, Dick Gulisano

Returning starters: Jordan Malm, 6-1, senior, guard, 15 PPG, 4.5 RPG, all-conference; Bryan Lemmon, 6-1, senior, guard, 15 PPG, 6 RPG, all-conference, all-state; Jared Lemmon, 6-1, senior, guard, 11 PPG, 8 RPG, all-conference honorable mention Returning letter winners: Sam Firminhac, 6-4, junior, forward; Trace English, 6-0, senior, forward; Jackson

Jones, 6-1, junior, guard; Cameron Murphy, 6-0, junior, guard; Josh Posten Season outlook: “Torrington High School will be very competitive this season,” coach Baker said. “We return three starters who have lots of experience and are very versatile players.

Jordan and Bryan have both earned all-state recognition in their careers and are good scorers. Jared Lemmon

was our leading rebounder a year ago and is a good defender. Josh Posten is a very hard worker and solid defender.

Sam Firminhac will be a problem for teams to deal with in the post.”

Strengths: “Guard play, experience, speed, and shooting,” Baker said.

Team goals: We hope to make it back to state and be in the hunt for a state title,” Baker noted.

TORRINGTON GIRLS BASKETBALL

ANDREW TOWNE/TORRINGTON TELEGRAM

Pictured are the members of this season’s Torrington girls basketball team. Front row (from left to right): Mattie Jones, Ona Albaugh, Laura Halley, Dani Masterson, Avery Fox, Caitlyn Flanagan, and Jenessa Derby. Back row: AJ West, Reece Halley, Katie Wiford, Jade Reinhardt, Tannya Woodruff, Brielle Bivens, Michaela Moorehouse, Hailey Boslau, Brittney Lira, and Sera Glass. Not pictured: Sam Hill, Chloe Krick, Kate Wright and Brittney Lopez.

Class: 3A Region: 3A East Last year’s record: 10-13 Head coach: Jeff Halley Years as head coach at school: 13th Coaching record at school: 191129 Returning letter winners/newcomers: Brielle Bivens, senior; Laura Halley, senior; Kate Wright, senior; Sam Hill, junior; Dani Masterson, junior; Jade Reinhardt, junior; Chloe Krick, junior; Michaela Moorehouse, sophomore; Avery Fox, sophomore; Reece Halley, freshman; AJ West, freshman; Mattie Jones, freshman.

Season outlook: “This year we are a talented team with not much experience returning,” coach Halley said. “As the season goes on, we will just continue to get better as some of our young kids mature and get used to the varsity level. We will have a little size this year, but we are replacing a team full of guards and that will be a key as how we can compete.”

Top c omp et it ion: “ D ou gla s returns all but one girl from their state champion/undefeated team last season. They have size, speed and skill to do it again,” Halley said. “Buffalo will also be tough in our conference. Rawlins will be the team to beat in our quad. Mitchell will once again be tough for us on the Nebraska side of things.”

TORRINGTON TRAIL BLAZERS BOYS BASKETBALL

WRESTLING

December 6 .................................................... Cheyenne South December 7-8 ....................................................Cheyenne East December 14-15 .................................................. Loveland, CO December 20 ..................................................... Scottsbluff, NE December 28 .................................................. Cheyenne South January 4-5 ................................................................... Douglas January 7 .....................................................Cheyenne Central January 12 ............................................................Blazer Duals January 15 .................................................................... Douglas January 18-19 ................................................................. Lander January 22 ...............................................................Gering, NE January 25-26 ...............................................................Riverton January 29 ..............................................................Alliance, NE February 2 .....................................................................Rawlins February 15-16 .............................................Regionals Rawlins February 22-23 ................................................. State at Casper

December 8 ........................................................Chadron, NE December 14-15 ............................................................Lander December 27-29 .....................................................Sidney, NE January 4 ................................................................. Newcastle January 10 ...............................................................Mitchell, NE January 11 .....................................................................Douglas January 18 ...............................................................Wheatland January 19 .........................................................................Burns January 22 ................................................................Gering, NE January 25 ................................................................... Rawlins February 1 ................................................................ Newcastle February 2 ....................................................................Buffalo February 9 ..................................................................Douglas February 15 ..............................................................Wheatland February 16 ....................................................................Burns February 22 .................................................................. Rawlins February 28- March 2 ...............................................Regionals March 7-9 ..........................................................State at Casper

GIRLS BASKETBALL

December 8 ........................................................Chadron, NE December 14-15 ............................................................Lander December 27-29 .....................................................Sidney, NE January 4 ................................................................. Newcastle January 10 ...............................................................Mitchell, NE January 11 .....................................................................Douglas January 18 ...............................................................Wheatland January 19 .........................................................................Burns January 22 ................................................................Gering, NE January 25 ................................................................... Rawlins February 1 ................................................................ Newcastle February 2 ....................................................................Buffalo February 9 ..................................................................Douglas February 15 ..............................................................Wheatland February 16 ....................................................................Burns February 22 .................................................................. Rawlins February 28- March 2 ...............................................Regionals March 7-9 ..........................................................State at Casper

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Winter Sports 12-6-18 12

12/7/2018 3:18:02 PM