Laramie Seniors Celebrate Sweep of Cheyenne South

Laramie concluded the regular season with a pair of victories of Cheyenne South in high school basketball last Friday night.

The Laramie girls made enough free throws for a 51-39 victory over the Bison, while the Laramie boys took control early and beat the Bison 63-47.

Both teams sent their senior class out on a high note in the final home games of this season. Laramie now prepares for the 4A East Regional Basketball Championships in Cheyenne Feb. 28-March 1.

Laramie (6-14, 1-5) jumped out to a 10-2 lead early. They struggled in the second quarter and trailed at halftime 17-16. The Lady Plainsmen scored the first eight points of the second half and regained a lead they would not relinquish. They led 28-24 as the game entered the fourth quarter. LHS knocked down 15-of-25 free throws in that final period and pulled away for a 12-point victory.

Head coach Rod Tyson said the start was good, but he was ready for a battle.

“We started off 10-2, but you have a lot of emotion, all the kids are excited and all that, but you know that’s going to wear off in the second. They (South) obviously wanted to beat us, and they put the pressure on us, and we sort of panicked a little bit. Jen (Aadland) had a skinned up knee. She had to go out for a while, so things just went downhill quickly. I knew we were okay if we could get to halftime, and still be right in the game. Then, we came out and played a lot better in the second half.”

Aadland led LHS with 15 points and nine rebounds. Senior Lauren Sylvestre added nine points and six boards. She went 7-7 at the foul line in the fourth quarter. Laramie shot 28 percent from the field.

Cheyenne South (8-13, 2-4) shot 29 percent. They were led by Riley Van Tassell with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Bison out-rebounded LHS 45-38.

Laramie will play Thunder Basin in their first regional tournament game Thursday at 6 p.m. That game is at Cheyenne East High School.

Laramie Plainsmen

Hudda Herrera scored 25 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Plainsmen to their Senior Night win.

Herrera and fellow senior Brady Epler accounted for all 21 points in the first quarter, as Laramie jumped out to a 21-11 lead. They led by 15 at halftime, 15 after three and were never really threatened.

Laramie (8-12, 2-4) snapped their six-game losing skid with the win.

Head coach Travis Brown said he was really proud of the guys, especially his seniors setting the tone.

“They wanted that one. Not for themselves, per se, but for the guys next to ‘em and the people that were here supporting ’em. I was super proud to give everything they had to the end, and that was their goal all day.”

Epler added 13 points and eight rebounds in the victory. LHS shot 33 percent for the game and enjoyed a 53-37 edge on the glass.

Cheyenne South (3-18, 0-6) was led by Cade Burns with 10 points and eight rebounds. The Bison shot 29 percent for the game.

The Plainsmen will also play Thunder Basin in their first game at the regional tournament. They face the Bolts at 3 p.m. Thursday in Cheyenne but at Storey Gym.