Tigers enter quadrant play at No. 2 seed

The Encampment Tigers will be entering the 1A Southwest Quad Regional Tournament as the No. 2 seed this week following a conference loss and two non-conference wins last week. On February 16, the Tigers were dealt a narrow loss by the Saratoga Panthers (14-2, 6-1) but would go on to win by a substantial margin against the Rock River Longhorns and the Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) Miners.

Tigers vs. Panthers

When Encampment hosted the Panthers earlier in the season, they had dealt a loss to the defending state champions. As the season progressed and the top spot in the conference seemed continually up for grabs, the Tigers hung out near the top. When they headed to the Panther Den, Saratoga worked to ensure they wouldn't lose again.

Encampment, however, would not make it an easy win for the Panthers as the 1st quarter ended with a tie score of 10-10 and the 2nd quarter also ended with a tie score, this time of 17-17. 

When the two teams came back to the court after halftime, Encampment would work to keep the score close as the Panthers worked to push ahead and the 3rd quarter ended with Saratoga leading by 3 points, 26-29.

The final quarter became a defensive and offensive battle for both teams, with the Panthers working to maintain their lead while Encampment worked to secure a second win over Saratoga. As the seconds wound down, the score sat at 37-42 . A last minute 3-pointer buzzer beater, however, put the final score at 40-42.

Tigers vs. Longhorns

Encampment didn't less their loss on Tuesday slow them down as they ventured to Rock River. While there, they would sink their claws into the Longhorns and come away with a 50-point lead over the 1A Southeast team.

The final score was 59-19.

Tigers vs. Miners

The last home game of the season for the Tigers saw HEM come into Tiger Nation. While the Lady Miners would see a win against the Lady Tigers, the Miners wouldn't come away so lucky. Not only did the final game of the regular season see the Tigers come away with a win, but senior Dalton Peterson made two slam dunks for the home crowd against HEM.

The final score was 63-27.

"We were happy to get our last two games in before quadrant play. It was nice to have a game for senior night and let those athletes be recognized," said Jake Johnston, head coach of the Encampment Tigers. "Quadrant play will be a battle here in the southwest. Every team is tough and can beat you." 

Encampment will face the No. 3 Farson-Eden Pronghorns in Saratoga as they enter quadrant play. Encampment will serve as the "hosting" team with the game beginning at 3:30 p.m. on February 25.