With the start of the 2022-23 boys’ basketball season less than a week away, new Kemmerer High School head coach Matt Stewart is pleased with what he’s seen in practice so far.

“Practices are going pretty good — I’m just trying to get to know the kids a little bit better, find out what they bring to the table,” Stewart said. “We have a few starters returning from last year, as well as some bench players that are coming back, so we’re pretty excited with the level of experience we have returning.”

The Rangers posted a 13-13 overall record last season (3-3 in the 3A Southwest), and finished as runners-up at the 3A West Regional Tournament, falling to Powell in the title game, 50-42. Kemmerer went 0-2 at the 3A State Tournament in Casper, losing to Buffalo and Lyman.

Kemmerer returns six seniors, as well as a handful of juniors who logged varsity court time last season.

“We have six seniors this year, three of whom saw quite a bit of playing time last year,” Stewart said. “We have one All-State returner in Jake Kampman, so we’re glad to have him back for one more season. Mason Riding and Wyatt Peternal started just about every game last year, and are bringing a ton of experience at the varsity level.”

Asked what the senior class brings to the table in terms of leadership, Stewart said the group is one that leads by example.

“This group of seniors is pretty interesting – they’re not as vocal as you might expect, but they bring a lot of the hard work to practice,”