Lady Grizzlies take two out of three at Big Horn Basin Classic

The Rocky Mountain Lady Grizzlies played three games in Worland at the Big Horn Basin Classic Friday and Saturday. Rocky Mountain took two out of three games in the tournament.

The Lady Grizzlies played a strong, physical game against the Worland Lady Warriors in game one.  Rocky Mountain took a 22-11 lead at the half, however, Worland outscored Rocky 11-2 in the third period to trail 24-22. In the fourth period, both the Lady Grizzlies and the Lady Warriors gave it their all. However, Rocky Mountain scored 6 points and Worland 5, giving the Lady Grizzlies a 30-27 win.

“Our team knew going into the game it was going to be a physical matchup against Worland,” said Rocky head coach Justin Moss. “Six of our first 13 games were against 3A teams, which is good for us. The girls did a good job pressing them. It was the best I have seen, and it got us an 11-point lead at the half.”

Moss said in the second half of the game the Lady Grizzlies had a difficult time finishing off the Lady Warriors, but the girls were able to pull off the win.

“Our team did not shoot well in the third period, which allowed Worland to get back in the game,” Moss said.

Shelby Wambeke finished with 7 points to lead the Lady Grizz, and Keylee Christiansen added 6 points, Lauren Bassett 5, Kaysie Cooley, Tarynn Schoening and Brittly Boettcher 4 each. Bassett pulled down six rebounds, Schoening and Wambeke five apiece. Schoening had five steals, Wambeke four.

Burlington

In game two, it was a battle on the court between rivals Rocky and Burlington. The Lady Grizzlies and the Lady Huskies were tied 21-21 at halftime, however, Burlington took advantage of Rocky Mountain turnovers in the second half, outscoring the Grizzlies 29-24 to win 50-45. Lady Grizzlies Boettcher and Cooley had 14 points each, but it was not enough to overcome the Lady Huskies.

“Our offense turned over the ball too much against Burlington,” Moss said. “The team had some tired legs in the game, and Burlington did a good job against our inside game. We had some advantages in the game, but Burlington doubled down and did a good job digging on our post with their active hands.”

Christiansen added 7 points for the Lady Grizz, Wambeke 4, Schoening, Halle Grandalen and Bassett 2 each. Bassett and Boettcher snared eight rebounds each to lead the team.

Glenrock

A 1-1 record in pool play advanced the Lady Grizz to play Glenrock Saturday. 

Glenrock built a 21-18 lead at halftime, but the Lady Grizzlies outscored Glenrock 12-6 in the third to take a 30-27 lead into the fourth quarter, then outscored the Lady Herders 14-11 to win 44-38.

Bassett rebounded from the Burlington game to pour in 23 points, and Wambeke added 8 points, Sharlotte Hanusa 4, Christiansen 3 and Cooley, Schoening and Boettcher 2 apiece. Bassett snared nine rebounds.

“Bassett did a good job attacking on the court,” Moss said. “Glenrock had a girl who is 6-2 defending Bassett, and her shot got blocked, but it did not stop her. She continued to have a solid performance.”

Moss said he was pleased with the strong effort his team made at the tournament. He said his goal at practice is to make sure the Lady Grizzlies reduce their turnovers.

“I was worried about the girls’ legs playing three games in two days,” Moss said. “It was great to see the girls come out and play, but they had 15 turnovers against Glenrock and way too many turnovers against Burlington, and we must fix that.”

The Lady Grizzlies will open conference play at Greybull Friday with games tipping off at 4 (JV) and 5:30 p.m. They host Shoshoni Saturday at noon and 1:30 p.m.