The Casper Journal :: Casper's Community Newspaper

We are smack dab in the middle of the Wyoming state high school tournament schedule, and it is a wonderful time to be in Casper.

The state Class 1A and 2A tournaments were completed on March 1 with championship honors going to Lusk and Encampment boys, and the Big Horn and Southeast girls following the final games at the Casper Events Center.

The atmosphere throughout the small-school tournament was positive with a wealth of enthusiasm at all levels. One of the best games of the three-day event was the Friday night 2A boys' semi-final when Lusk edged Wind River 68-64 in overtime.

Wind River was on a perfect season going into that contest, with impressive wins over Wyoming Indian High School, as well as Lander and Riverton, both larger schools.

And the Cougars from Pavilion put on a determined effort against the defending state champions from Niobrara County. Wind River led most of the way, but couldn't withstand a fourth-quarter drive by the team from Lusk and lost in overtime, finishing the season at 29-1.

The Cougars were a joy to watch with a high-flying style that was very much in evidence on Saturday night when they put up 102 points against Tongue River in the third-place game.

The loss by Wind River can serve as a warning to any team that goes into tournament play with an unblemished record. It is very difficult to maintain that level of success throughout a long and arduous basketball season.

The Natrona County High School Mustangs have not lost to any of their in-state opponents to date. NC's only defeat came in Montana against a highly-regarded Billings team. Natrona opens state tournament play on Thursday at Casper College against Laramie.

The Mustangs are the defending Class 4A champions, and they have played like that all season. Coach Randy Roden's team has a good group of experienced players back from last year's champions, and they play with poise and confidence.

Unexpected things can happen in prep sports, but this group at NC looks like a solid bet to win it all when Saturday night comes at the Events Center.

The decision by the Wyoming High School Activities Association to play the tournament girls' game on Friday at Casper College looks like a winner. In recent years, the Friday night semi-final games have packed Swede Erickson Thunderbird Gym to overflowing.

So it was decided to play the Friday boys' games at the Events Center, which can accommodate the larger crowds. This year's plan has the opening round of boys' games at the college on Thursday, with girls' games there on Friday, thus allowing for everyone interested to attend the boys' semi-finals at the Events Center.

The state tournaments are always fun, even when one doesn't have a special favorite in the mix. It is pleasant to renew acquaintances with old friends from all around the state and to make new friends as well.

In chatting with one longtime friend, he offered the opinion that there is nothing that quite rivals high school athletic tournaments for atmosphere and competition. And he's right.

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