Hunter Lake
The Green River High School Boys' Basketball team stepped onto the court Friday night with fire in their eyes, ready to battle against Rock Springs in a showdown that promised intensity. For two quarters, they delivered just that. With fierce determination and a well-executed game plan, the Wolves stayed neck and neck with their opponents, heading into halftime trailing by just six points, 24-30.
But basketball is a game of momentum, and Rock Springs found theirs in the third quarter. A blistering offensive surge caught Green River off guard, shifting the game's tide and forcing the Wolves into a disadvantage they couldn't overcome. Despite their relentless effort, the gap widened, and when the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 48-68.
Coach Laurie Ivie reflected on the game with a mix of pride and determination.
"We came out with energy," she said. "We played smart, aggressive basketball in the first half, and we showed that we can compete. But when Rock Springs got hot in the third, we didn't respond the way we needed to."
Still, standout performances proved that Green River's fight is far from over. Senior AJ Keelin and Junior Garren Steiss put up numbers that spoke to their skill and heart, combining for 18 points and 17 rebounds. Keelin led the team in scoring with 10 points, matching Rock Springs' top scorer. His relentless hustle on both ends of the court, alongside Steiss' rebounding dominance, kept the Wolves in striking distance.
"We saw some great individual efforts," Ivie noted. "AJ and Garren were huge for us in rebounding and scoring, but it takes a full team to close out a win. We need to be more consistent through all four quarters."
Zane Dodson controlled the offense with three assists, setting up key plays that kept Green River's offense flowing in the first half. Meanwhile, defensive efforts from Hunter Lake, Steiss, and Keelin showcased a gritty determination, each player pulling down four defensive rebounds.
The loss is a tough pill to swallow, but Coach Ivie sees it as fuel.
"This team has heart," she said. "This team fights. We're learning how to put together a full game, and when we do, we're going to be dangerous."
The Wolves walked away from this battle with lessons learned and heads held high. They know they have the pieces-now it's about putting them together for a full 32-minute effort. If their first-half fight against Rock Springs is any indication, this team is on the brink of something great. Green River isn't backing down. They're just getting started.
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