Lady Wolves headed to state basketball tournament

The Moorcroft Lady Wolves Basketball Team headed into the 2A East Regional Tournament as the #1 seed and found themselves facing off against the Glenrock Herders. The Wolves jumped out to an early 15-4 first quarter lead but saw Glenrock fight back.

The Wolves took a 24-23 lead into the locker room at half. The second half was much of the same as the Wolves couldn’t gain much ground.

Finally, in the fourth quarter, the Wolves found the opening they were looking for and took advantage of it. The Wolves locked down on the defensive end and Glenrock was only able to score five points in the quarter. Moorcroft won the game, 48-38.

We definitely had some nerves in the first game out. I was really proud of how the girls responded in the second half when the game got close. We didn’t panic and we executed on the offensive end while really stepping up our defensive intensity. 

The semi final game found the Lady Wolves against the Tigers from Lusk. The game was intense from the get go and the Wolves came out with good energy.

The Wolves led 14-9 after the first quarter. The second quarter was much of the same way, but Lusk was able to keep up and the Wolves led, 29-22 going into the half.

The third and fourth quarters were very similar to the first half as neither team could open up a big lead. The fourth quarter saw both teams make key baskets, but the Lady Wolves were able to convert their free throws at the end to secure a 50-45 victory.

We really did a good job of answering when they made baskets on their end. When the game got close, towards the end, we were able to get stops on the defensive end and make free throws when they had to foul us. 

The championship game on Saturday saw the Wolves against the Pine Bluffs Hornets. Pine Bluffs got out to an early lead and led, 25-11, going into the half.

The second half was much of the same as the Lady Wolves couldn’t get it going and Pine Bluffs prevailed, 61-31. We struggled some with the height that Pine Bluffs is able to put on the floor. We didn’t execute offensively or defensively like we would have wanted to but we will learn and get better from the game. 

Overall, it was a really good weekend for the Lady Wolves. Moorcroft earned their first trip to the State Basketball Tournament in Casper on March 5-7 since 2006.

I am so excited for the girls to have this opportunity. This is a fun team who enjoys being around each other on and off the court. They put in the time each and every day, they play hard and play together and that, as coaches, is all that we can ask for.

I am also so appreciative of the support that we had down in Torrington from the parents and siblings to the activity bus full of students that came to the game, the pep band and the numerous community members who made the trip. It was great to have that support there! Moorcroft takes on Riverside on Thursday, March 5th at 4:30 p.m. at Natrona High School. Come out and support your Moorcroft Wolves!