Close games for Lady Wolves at state

By Dusty Petz

On Friday, the Lady Wolves took on the Rocky Mountain Lady Grizzlies in the first round of the Wyoming State Tournament. Neither team was able to accomplish much in the first quarter, but Rocky held a slim 8-6 lead.

The Grizzlies found some offense in the second quarter and took a 26-16 lead into the half. We talked at half about some changes to our defense and we also knew that we didn’t hit the shots that we normally do, but to stay the course on offense.

The Lady Wolves came out strong in the third quarter and put up 17 points while holding Rocky to 5 and were ahead, 33-31. The fourth quarter was back and forth with neither team able to get a commanding lead, but Rocky was able to close out the game with a 47-41 win.

We didn’t shoot the ball as well as we normally do, but I was proud of our effort and always giving it our all. We got down 10 in the first half and the girls just kept battling. 

On Saturday morning, the Lady Wolves took on the Big Piney Punchers. Big Piney led, 8-6 at the end of the first quarter, but the Wolves found some offense and took a 21-16 lead into the half.

The Wolves had another good third quarter and were up, 37-25. The fourth quarter saw Big Piney come back and tie the game at the end to go to overtime.

In overtime, both teams played to a draw and required another overtime. Big Piney converted some free throws and were able to get the 63-59 victory. It really was a tough game for the Lady Wolves.

I thought we did everything in our power to get the victory, but in the end, we just had too many things not go in our favor. It’s a tough pill to swallow when our girls did everything that they could and came up short. That’s the way it goes sometimes and that will provide motivation for next year. 

Overall, we had a great season. We finished 18-5 and were ranked 1 or 2 in 2A for much of the season. We went undefeated in the Powder River Conference and won it for the second consecutive year.

On Monday night, the Moorcroft Lady Wolves held their end of the season banquet. They had a great turnout for the event. Recognition was given to Smokey Stenson for his great radio coverage, Diana Adolph and Carolyn Feehan for all they do to support all of the sports from the high school office, Kris Nelson for her great work as the girl’s bus driver and doing book at all the games.

Steve Gerry, Cindy Gill and the custodial staff were recognized for their significant contributions throughout the season and everything they had to do with the COVID regulations. There were so many things they had to do behind the scenes to ensure we were able to have a season and although it often goes unnoticed, it is greatly appreciated.  

All of the girls on the team were recognized for their growth and contributions to Moorcroft Lady Wolves Basketball. They are a great group of girls and I couldn’t be more proud of them and all of their accomplishments. Each person on the team has a role and they do their very best to make our team what it is. Moorcroft’s lone Senior, Tianne Fischbach, was celebrated for her years in the Lady Wolves Basketball Program. Tianne is such a hard worker and leads by example. She has left this basketball program better and for that, we will always be grateful to her.  

Girls Basketball Post Season Honors: 

West River All Tournament Team: Camlyn Connally and KyAnna Petz

2A Powder River All Conference Honorable Mention: Tianne Fischbach, Camlyn Connally, Char Cranston  

2A Powder River All Conference: KyAnna Petz, Kailee Gill, Talissa Fischbach

2A Powder River Conference Player of the Year: KyAnna Petz

2A All State Honorable Mention: Talissa Fischbach

2A All State: KyAnna Petz and Kailee Gill  

Lady Wolves Defensive Player of the Year: Tianne Fischbach