(Ethete, WY) – The Wyoming Indian Chiefs pulled off a thrilling overtime win Tuesday night in Ethete, defeating the visiting Thermopolis Bobcats 59–56 in a game that swung dramatically from start to finish.
Thermopolis controlled the early tempo, as they jumped out to a 19–5 lead by the end of the first quarter. That tone began to shift in the second quarter, as Wyoming Indian tightened up defensively and clawed back to within striking distance at half after an adjustment that appeared to follow a motivating huddle from head coach Craig Ferris.
The Chiefs continued to chip away after the break and finally took their first lead of the night in the fourth quarter. Seniors Heeyei’Niitou Monroe-Black and Adriano Brown came up big for the Chiefs down the stretch, knocking down key shots to keep Wyoming Indian alive late. Regulation ended in dramatic fashion, tied 50–50, as Thermopolis had three shots rattle around the rim in the final seconds before falling off as time expired.
In overtime, the Chiefs faced another test, trailing by four with under two minutes to play. Monroe-Black and Brown each stepped to the line in the bonus and calmly drained their free throws to pull their team even. With seconds remaining, Monroe-Black went one-on-one in the paint and finished at the rim to give Wyoming Indian a 58–56 edge. The Chiefs were able to secure the ball from a Thermopolis turnover on the ensuing possession and iced the game at the free-throw line, sealing a hard-earned overtime victory in Alfred Redman Sr. Gymnasium.
Mitchell C’Hair is off to the races after a steal Thursday against Thermopolis. Jordan Black applies the full-court press for the Chiefs. Heeyei’Niitou Monroe-Black squares up on defense after hitting what would be the game winning shot for the Chiefs. Wyoming Indian fans cheer as an offensive foul is called on Thermopolis, sealing the deal for the Chiefs’ win. 
Kids shot the basketball for a chance at a pop ticket at half-time Thursday in Ethete. 
Parlayne Ferris puts up a floater for the Chiefs over Thermopolis. Senior forward Adriano Brown battles with a man in the paint for a rebound Thursday. Wyoming indian head coach Craig Ferris claps at the end of the game as Wyoming Indian emerges victorious in overtime against Thermopolis. h/t Carl Cote
H/T Carl Cote for County 10
Continuing through the weekend, the Chiefs face Lame Deer at home tonight at 7 p.m., and they’ll join the Lady Chiefs in Greybull Saturday, where they’ll get a 3 p.m. start.
Wyoming Indian Chiefs Leading Scorers: H. Monroe-Black 30, J. Black 8, J. Robinson 6, A. Brown 6