Stoeger signs with Western Wyo. team

One of the Wolves' leaders on the basketball court has signed with nearby Western Wyoming Community College to play junior college basketball as a Mustang.

Chase Stoeger signed his letter of intent last week at the Green River High School Activities Office. Stoeger said he ultimately plans to obtain a degree in chemical engineering.

Stoeger said he wanted to play for a team that wanted him to play, saying the coaches at Western made it clear they want him on the court. He also chose Western because he felt it would be an easier transition for him into college due to its location.

According to head Mustangs basketball coach Steve Soza, Stoeger caught his eye after watching him play a different position against Evanston after Braxton Yeager left the game due to injury. Watching Stoeger play a different role again during the Rock Springs-Green River game in Rock Springs showed Soza Stoeger is a team player and is more than a player who can just shoot the ball.

"I think you can be a Division 1 player with your skill set," Soza told Stoeger Monday.

Head boys basketball coach Laurie Ivie said Stoeger had a major role in turning the program around from its 56 game losing streak. She said he helped change the culture of the team, saying players were drawn to Stoeger because of his leadership abilities both on and off the court.

"He just makes everyone better," Ivie said.

She said Stoeger is also willing to put a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, saying he scored 32 points during the championship game between Green River and eventual State champions Kelly Walsh at the 4A West Regional Tournament. She also said he's able to see things on the court other players and sometimes even the coaches miss.