Wolves run wild at Flaming Gorge Classic

The Green River Wolves Basketball team turned their home court into a fortress this past weekend, thrilling fans with three straight victories at the Flaming Gorge Classic. From hard-fought battles to electrifying offensive performances, the Wolves proved their mettle and left little doubt about their potential this season.

The action began Thursday with a gritty 54–48 win over Rawlins. Senior AJ Keelin led the way with 12 points, calmly delivering when it mattered most. Hunter Lake and Daxton Taylor added 10 points each, with Taylor dominating on the boards with five offensive rebounds. Rawlins made several late-game pushes, but Green River's disciplined defense and steady execution helped them hang on for the win.

"We are focused on continuous improvement. Competing at the Flaming Gorge Classic gave us the opportunity to do just that," said Coach Laurie Ivie.

On Friday, the Wolves kicked into high gear with a commanding 75–62 victory over Pinedale. Hunter Lake lit up the scoreboard, pouring in 24 points in a performance that had the crowd on their feet. Dylan Archibald added 15 points and anchored the defense with five crucial rebounds. Meanwhile, Dawson Peterson showcased his hustle with three key steals that disrupted Pinedale's rhythm.

"I thought we did an excellent job of handling adversity throughout the tournament and staying resilient under pressure," said Ivie. "This kind of mental toughness will be invaluable as we face tougher competition moving forward."

By Saturday, Green River's confidence was soaring as they faced a tough Mountain View team. The Wolves battled through every possession to claim a thrilling 46–41 victory and close the tournament undefeated. Once again, Hunter Lake proved to be the offensive spark plug with 20 points. Dawson Peterson chipped in 10 points, while Dylan Archibald was a defensive wall, pulling down nine rebounds that stifled Mountain View's attempts to rally late in the game.

"Competing on our home court was a huge source of pride for the team," Ivie said. "We have the best student section in the state, and the support from our community is unmatched."

Beyond the wins, the Flaming Gorge Classic highlighted Green River's growth as a team. From defensive stops to unyielding ball movement, the Wolves displayed a level of discipline and cohesion that bodes well for the road ahead.

"Our two goals are to get better every time we step onto the court and to be the hardest-working team on game night," Ivie said. "The team will have a few days off over Christmas to rest, and then we'll be back in the gym."

The Wolves now set their sights on the James Johnson Tournament in Cheyenne, January 9–11, where they'll look to carry the momentum from this unforgettable weekend. With a mix of standout individual performances and a team-first mentality, Green River is quickly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with this season. For Wolves fans, the road ahead promises to be as exciting as the victories that brought the house down at Flaming Gorge.