Middle school girls finish season

The Thermopolis Middle School girls basketball team finished out their season over the weekend at the eighth grade A tournament in Lander.

During the first game of the day, the girls posted a 13-point loss against Cody, 22-35.

“The young ladies played extremely hard and poised,” said head coach Ginger Ward. “Their team defense was outstanding.”

Mariah Brooks had an exceptional game, pulling down eight rebounds and shooting 50% from the field.

Next in the bracket was a real nail biter against Worland which the girls won with a last second shot, 19-18.

“As a team we ripped down a lot of boards,” Ward said, “which gave us opportunities to win the game.”

Bronwyn Dobbins led the team with nine rebounds while Layne Meyers shot 75% from the field, choosing opportune times to drive into Worland’s zone defense.

Just as a last second shot brought the win against Worland, a last second shot by Lovell brought a one-point loss for Thermopolis in their final game, 22-23.

“If I had got a time out called with ten seconds left, the game might have turned out differently,” Ward said, “however, we played with fewer turnovers than any game during the season.

“I asked the girls to cherish the ball, and they did. They took care of it.”

Brooks and Dobbins won the boards war and Kamry Bowman shot just under 50% with 5/11 during the game.

“Overall, an exciting finishe to a seaon of learning about ourselves, about basketball, and about team work,” Ward said.

Ashylnn Harvey and Hallie Martinez came in for short bursts to boost the team’s energy.

Lovell zoned a lot during the game, which put post players Cadence Steadman and Caydence Becher out of a lot of shot opportunities. The perimiter players, though, had opportunities to drive and shoot the outside shot for a change.

“Throughout the season, in almost every gym, a new compliment was bestowed upon the girls,” said Ward. “In Powell, it was how in shape they were. In Worland, how scrappy and such hard workers, and in Lander, how much they improved. Those are the acknowledgements any coach wants to hear!”

Ward said her most coachable player overall was Sariaya Sosa.

“Perfect attendance, great student, always smiling, willing to learn and do anything we ask, and at every open gym,” Ward said.

Perfect attendance recognition goes to Brooks, Bowman, Dobbins, Sosa, Julie Johnson and Jayci Basse.

Three on three champions were Meyers, Becher and Basse.

“I would like to give a shout out to our volunteer coaches, Lisa Shaffer and Shawna Farrell,” Ward said. “Their help provided a ton more opportunities to work individually and in small groups with these girls.”