Tigers take time

If the Encampment Tigers are setting out to prove a point this season, it was more than apparent as they hosted the Carbon County Classic over the weekend, and that point seems to be "Do not underestimate us." Throughout the whole weekend, the boys of Encampment tore through the competition as they defeated the Hayden Tigers (81-43), St. Stephens Eagles (79-40), Meeteetse Longhorns (64-23) and Dubois Rams (71-15). All four games saw the opposing teams struggle against Encampment as well as against a running clock.

Encampment vs. Hayden

The first game for Encampment saw the boys take on the only Colorado team to participate in the Carbon County Classic. The rival Tigers, however, didn't stand a chance in Tiger Nation as they were outplayed and outscored. In the first of four games to see a running clock, Hayden struggled in the fourth and fell to Encampment by 38 points.

Sophomore Dalton Peterson lead the team in scoring with 23 points, followed by senior Kyler Miller with 17 points along with 6 steals and 6 rebounds. Sean Stewart, also a senior, scored 14 points and had 6 rebounds.

Encampment vs.

St. Stephens

In the past, the Eagles have been a contending team, but the Tigers were undeterred. At the end of the first quarter, Encampment scored 23 points while allowing St. Stephens to score only 8. Despite their best efforts, the Eagles would not recover as the Tigers continued to surge ahead throughout the game. Peterson was, again, the lead scorer with 28 points, along with 7 rebounds and 5 steals, followed by junior Dayne Anderson with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Junior Reid Schroeder scored 13 points and had 12 assists, 7 steals and 7 rebounds and Miller had 13 points and 6 rebounds.

Encampment vs.

Meeteetse

The Tigers began their second day of the tournament continuing their winning ways as they pounced on the Longhorns. Last season, Meeteetse had made it to the 1A West Regional tournament only to fall in the first round to Saratoga. Peterson scored 17 points against Meeteetse, Miller scored 14 points and Schroeder scored 12 points and had 6 assists.

Encampment vs. Dubois

The game against the Rams saw the largest score difference with Encampment only allowing Dubois to score 15 points through the entire game. This game gave less seasoned players on the team a chance to stretch their legs and get time on the court. Freshman Koye Gilbert scored 11 points and had 10 rebounds, freshman Caysen Barkhurst also scored 11 points and had 5 steals. Stewart scored 11 points and had 7 steals and Miller scored 12 points.

While the regular season has yet to start the pre-season tournaments are giving the Tigers a chance to see where they stand against some of the teams they may end up facing later.

During the tournament, Encampment also showed a great deal of good sportsmanship. While competition can sometimes have a tendency to make athletes forget how to conduct themselves during a game, the Tigers never forgot. Following a tumble to the ground, often on the way to the basket, or a tussle on the court in an attempt to gain possession of the ball, Encampment was quick to lend a hand to players from the other team and help them to their feet.

Encampment will be playing this weekend in Lingle-Fort Laramie as they participate in the Doggers Classic. Starting on Dec. 14, the Tigers will play the Rock River Longhorns.