Eighth graders finish second conference tournament

“It was a great weekend of basketball for the eighth grade.”  That’s how Greybull Middle School girls basketball coach Becky Eichelberger summed up her squad’s performance at last Saturday’s Big Horn Conference Tournament hosted by Rocky Mountain.

The No. 3 seed going in, Greybull took care of business in the opening round, defeating No. 6 seed Burlington 28-17, and followed that up with an 37-22 upset win over Shoshoni in the semifinals before succumbing to Thermopolis in the championship game by a 55-19 score.

“Our defense gave us the upper hand (in the first two games),” said Eichelberger. “We had been working on a full court press and the girls executed it beautifully.  We were able to get steals, pass the ball up the court quickly and score.”

Eichelberger said the girls knew Thermopolis would present a greater challenge in the title game.  The Bobcats had won the two regular season matchups.  “We were able to hang with them the first half, but just couldn’t finish with them,” she said. “We never gave up and continued to push through as a team.

“This group of girls have grown in their skills and understanding of what it means to be a team player,” Eichelberger continued, referring to Lovely Araiza, Joey Boyer, Reagan Vigil, Josie Collingwood, Kaylee Cervantes, Ella Keisel and Makinli Mowery. “I’m excited for them to move into high school. I know they will continue to work on their skills and add another dynamic to the next level.” 

Jamboree

Greybull was also represented at a middle school girls basketball jamboree in Meeteetse.

The seventh graders, under the direction of Tami Wright, fell to Burlington, 35-13, and Thermopolis, 31-14.

“We might not have won our last two games of the season, but the girls sure played a lot better,” said Wright. “I saw improvement in this weekend’s games.  They were applying what we practiced offensively and were more aggressive on defense.  

“I hope that they will continue playing throughout the season and go to some camps this summer.  Our eight-week season is not enough time to get good at the sport of basketball.  It takes a lot of work from the player on the off season.  Whether it is dribbling in your driveway or going to the park to shoot baskets, all of that will help improve their skills.”