TMS girls kick off basketball season

Thermopolis Middle School girls basketball kicked off their season with a complete nail-biter against Lander last week, going into double overtime for the A team.

Head coach Ginger Ward said the girls fell 18-20, but they took care of the ball extremely well with very few turnovers.

Ward said Ruthanne Johnson was the top rebounder for the game and Brookly May and Brooklyn Cooley came in and gave the starters some valuable rest throughout the match. She added Lexi Overfield may have played the entire game, but she showed stamina and grit.

"I loved the effort and focus these girls showed," Ward said.

The B team won in a close contest against Lander's B team, 16-13. Johnson was once again the top rebounder, joined by Sadie Burr.

"I am extremely proud of these 10 girls who played," Ward said. "Eight of the 10 players scored in these two games."

The seventh grade team came up against a strong, well oiled machine in the Lander seventh grade team.

"Their press really dominated the game, however, our girls rallied and regrouped," Ward said. "It was our girl's first games with real officials and score keepers. If the girls continue to practice with focus and intensity, they will improve each game."