Rangers floored at home by Punchers, 64-50

Three Rangers score in double figures in tough loss

By Don Cogger, Gazette Sports Editor
Posted 1/22/25

The Kemmerer High School boys’ basketball team played a pair of hard-fought games against some tough competition last week, and though the Rangers came up short in both contests, head coach …

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Rangers floored at home by Punchers, 64-50

Three Rangers score in double figures in tough loss

Posted

The Kemmerer High School boys’ basketball team played a pair of hard-fought games against some tough competition last week, and though the Rangers came up short in both contests, head coach Matt Stewart said he liked the grit he saw from his team.

The Rangers opened conference play against 2A Southwest rival Big Piney, and played the Punchers tough for three quarters before fading down the stretch in a 64-50 loss. Kemmere then headed across state lines to Utah Saturday to take on Manila in a non-conference matchup, giving the Mustangs all they could handle before losing in a nailbiter, 55-52.

“Overall, I feel like we played well for three quarters in both the Big Piney game and Manila game,” Stewart said. “Unfortunately, against Big Piney, we dug ourselves a big hole early. We won the second, third and fourth quarters. Against Manila, it was quite the opposite — we controlled the game until the last four minutes.”

The Rangers continue conference play on the road this weekend, with games scheduled at Wind River and Wyoming Indian.

“We have two very important Conference games at Wind River on Friday and Wyoming Indian on Saturday,” Stewart said. “It will be crucial for us to win both games to keep pace for the conference title. We have a lot to work on to prepare for our games this weekend, but the boys are improving and learning every day.”

Big Piney 64, Rangers 50

The Rangers welcomed Big Piney to Rangers Gymnasium Thursday for the start of conference play, and the Punchers wasted no time making themselves at home, dropping 31 points on the home team in the first quarter, while allowing just eight.

Once the shock wore off, the Rangers were able to play the visitors straight up for the second quarter, though they trailed 43-20 at the break.

The Rangers came out strong to start the second half, outscoring Big Piney 17-12 in the third to cut the lead to 55-37 heading into the final frame. Kemmerer once again outscored the Punchers 13-9 over the final eight minutes, but were unable to erase the first quarter deficit, sending Big Piney home with a 64-50 win.

“We didn’t handle the press well in either game,” Stewart said. “That is something we will work on this week. Against Big Piney, we shot poorly from the field and the free throw line. If we make a few more shots from three and two — and make half more of the free throws we shot — we win that game.”

Three Rangers finished in double figures, led by Bryson McGill with 14 points; he also grabbed seven rebounds and two assists. Gabw Wiswell followed with 12 points, while Cage Bowen added 11.

Milan 55, Rangers 52

Against the Mustangs in non-conference action Saturday, the Rangers led 25-23 at the break, and then used a 19-point third