The Kemmerer High School boys’ basketball team struggled in closing out its non-conference schedule last week, dropping a home game to the Rich Rebels, then falling on the road to a talented Cokeville squad.

The visitors from Randolph, Utah, made it a season sweep of their hosts on Thursday, capitalizing on a big first half to win 73-51. Friday’s contest at Cokeville saw the Rangers fall to the Panthers for the third time this season, 55-46.

“It was a rough week, all the way around,” said KHS head coach Matt Stewart, who watched both games from a hospital bed, due to an illness. “I was out sick last week, so I didn’t get to be at either of the games.”

The Rangers continue conference play on the road this weekend, with games at Wyoming Indian Friday, and St. Stephens Saturday.

“Those are two big games for us,” Stewart said. “Wyoming Indian put it on us pretty good the last time they were here, and I think the boys are still a little frustrated with the way that game went. We’ve been talking about what we need to do to get focused on that game. We’re gonna have to match their physicality, and try to stay out of foul trouble in the process.”

Rich 73, Rangers 51

The Rangers battled Rich Thursday for the second time this season, and the Rebels started fast, scoring 20 points in the first quarter and 23 in the second to lead 43-26 at the break.

Kemmerer cut the lead to 11 in the third quarter, 54-43, but the Rebels pulled away in the fourth to put the game away, 73-51.

“Rich came out, and just pushed the ball up the floor — we didn’t get back very well on defense,” Stewart said. “We also turned the ball over a little bit too much — 18 turnovers against a team like Rich, you just can’t do that. We just need to do a better job of taking care of the ball, as well as rebounding. Those were the big takeaways from that game.”

Gabe Wiswell led the charge for the Rangers with 15 points, to go along with a team-high five assists. Chase Bowen finished with a double-double, netting 11 points, and grabbing 11 rebounds; Ethyn Perkins and Skyler Rogers followed with eight points and six points, respectively. Kade Witbeck and Kade Jimenez chipped in four points apiece, while Bryson McGill rounded out the scoring with three points.

“Rich defended Chase Bowen really well — double-teamed him, made it hard for him to get the ball,” Stewart said. “He was able to still get his points, but it was a different look than we’ve seen in a while, the way they guarded him. But we had some other kids step up; Gabe Wiswell had a great game offensively —  that was great to see out of him. Every kid that had significant minutes was able to score, and that’s what you like to see.”

Cokeville 55, Rangers 46

The Rangers hit the road Friday to take on the No. 2 team in 1A, and for the third time this season, the Panthers had Kemmerer’s number, earning the season sweep, 55-46.

Cokeville jumped out to a 21-9 lead, and though the Rangers played their hosts even the last three quarters, they were unable to make up the first-quarter deficit.

“We’ve struggled with Cokeville every time we’ve played them this year,” Stewart said. “They’re really athletic — they handle the ball well, they pull up off the dribble and shoot really well. They hit a ton of mid-range shots against us, it blew me away. We usually don’t get beat from that spot, it’s usually from the 3-point line. They shot the ball really well.”

Chase Bowen paced the Rangers with his second double-double in as many days, with 13 points and 13 boards. Kaden Witbeck followed with nine points, while Skyler Rogers finished with eight points, to go along with six rebounds. Gabe Wiswell added seven points, while Ethyn Perkins and Bryson McGill closed out the scoring with five points and four points, respectively.

“Cokeville has just been a thorn in our sides this year,” Stewart said. “I’m glad we don’t have to play them again.”