(Riverton, WY) – With no returning starters, and little varsity experience aside from 6-5 senior Malachi Smith. The Riverton Wolverines were an unknown facing defending state champion Cheyenne Central in their opening game at the Strannigan Classic.
The Wolverines dropped a 48-44 decision to the Indians after an 8-0 run by Central to end the game.
Riverton led by 11 points early in the final period, but Central rolled back to tie the game at 44.
“I was pleased that we were right there, still a gut punch,” Riverton head coach Beau Sheets said. “I’m proud of the boy’s effort.”
Riverton had solid play in the paint and from the perimeter. Smith ended with a game high 13 points and fellow senior post, Ryan Cox, also 6-5 added 11. Their high-low exchange was effective throughout the game.
From the perimeter the Wolverines were streaking with Ayden Kelly hitting three 3-points, Eric Smith a pair and Josiah Hernandez one.
Riverton trailed early 7-2, but Kelley’s first trey cut the gap to 9-7 at the first break. The Wolverines played well in the second taking a 24-18 lead into the locker room on eight second quarter points by Smith in the paint, with another close range shot off the glass from Cox. Kelley, Hernandez and Eric Smith all added 3-pointers.
Riverton kept the Indians at bay until four minutes remained in the game when Central rolled to the win.
“There are definitely some things to build on,” Sheets said. “Lots to work on.”
RIVERTON 5 19 14 6 – 44
CHEYENNE CENTRAL 7 11 15 15 – 48
Riverton – Eric Smith (2) 0-2 6, Ayden Kelley (3) 0-0 9, Josiah Hernandez (1) 0-0 3, Beau Anderson 1 1-3 3, Malachi Smith 6 12 13, Ryan Cox 5 0-1 11. Totals 12 (6) 2-8 44
Central – Berry 3 0-0 6, Hernandez 1 0-0 2, Davis 1 0-2 2, Little (1) 0-0 3, Brenchley 5 (2) 1-2 17, Filpin 1 1-2 3, Klaassen 3 (2) 2-4 14. Totals 14 (5) 5-10 48