(Shoshoni, WY) – Shoshoni opened its annual Wrangler Classic tournament with a Thursday evening game against Class 1-A Saratoga. The game was played for the first time with a 35-second shot clock. Shoshoni outlasted the Panthers 45-39, winning the game at the free throw line, where the Wranglers hit 13 of 19. Saratoga was just one for six from the stripe.
The shot clock becomes a rule in the 2026-27 season, but it can be implemented in non-conference games this year. One of the intents of the shot clock was to speed up play, increase scoring, and increase the pace of the game.
The shot clock went off twice when Saratoga had the ball.
None of that happened Thursday night in Shoshoni.
The Wranglers and Panthers each had long periods of scoreless play and were tied at 8-8 after one period.
Saratoga played physical defense as was reflected in Shoshoni’s steady march to the free throw line.
Shoshoni hit opportunistic 3-point shots, paced by Jordan Gilbertson with a pair and one each by Andrew Garcia and Caden Kisling.
Tied at 32 early in the final period, the Wranglers went inside to Hicks and Gilbertson and held a narrow 40-39 lead with 1:16 remaining in the game.
Shoshoni’s defense forced a 10-second call on the Panthers, and it sparked a final 6-0 run.
Kisling hit Gilbertson on a fast break layup with :19 left. Saratoga called a timeout, but Kisling stole the inbound pass.
Gilbertson and Garcia each went one for two at the line in the final 10 seconds of the game to preserve the win.
Oakley Hicks battled well inside and countered Saratoga’s height advantage in the paint.
Gilbertson led the Wranglers with 13 while Hicks and Kisling each scored a dozen.
Shoshoni plays again Friday night at 7:30 against a talented Class 1-A Upton Bobcat team.
SHOSHONI 8 14 10 13 – 45
SARATOGA 8 6 15 10 – 39
Shoshoni – Oakley Hicks 5 2-4 12, Andrew Garcia (1) 3-4 4, Carson Kisling 2-2 2, Jordan Gilbertson 2 (2) 3-4 13, Caden Kisling 3 (1) 3-6 12. Totals 10 (4) 13-19 45
Saratoga – Williams 2 0-0 4, Wearing 6 1-1 13, Sarh 1 0-0 2, Jones 2 0-2 4, Johnson (2) 0-0 6, Bartlett 2 0-1 4, Williams 3 0-0 6. Totals 16 (2) 1-6 39