Kemmerer senior Louis Failoni looks to pass in the Feb. 2 game against Big Piney. On Feb. 3, the Rangers picked up their first win of the season against Shoshoni, winning the game 71–47. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

A season of hard work and perseverance paid off for the Kemmerer Rangers boys’ basketball team on Saturday, Feb. 3, when they picked up their first win of the season and ended a 34-game losing streak.

The Rangers won big against the Shoshoni Wranglers, with a final score of 71–47.

Rangers head coach Steve Moyles agreed that it was great to have the final scoreboard reflect a strong team effort.

“What a confidence builder for the Rangers!” Moyles said. “We had four quarters of solid play and the game was a tribute to a fine group of seniors. Our fourth quarter press was just too much — an outstanding performance.”

As the final home game for the Rangers, Saturday was also the senior recognition game for Louis Failoni, Brandon Crank, Corbin Ourada and Ty Hysell. It was a great way for the seniors to end their time in the Kemmerer gymnasium.

Senior Corbin Ourada chipped in 13 points and pulled down five rebounds against Shoshoni. Sophomore Colter Brunski put up 16 points for the Rangers and had six rebounds. Junior Tanner Plowman had 14 points and two assists. Senior Ty Hysell had six points and four assists. Junior Cole Meeks logged six points and seven rebounds.

Kemmerer Ranger senior Corbin Ourada goes up for a shot against Big Piney. Ourada had 13 points and 5 rebounds against Shoshoni. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

The Ranger boys did have some tough losses last week leading up to their big win, but it looks like what they learned in those games paid off against Shoshoni.

Kemmerer traveled to Mountain View on Wednesday, Jan. 31, and lost 59–21.

“It was a tough game, and the Buffalos defense prevailed,” Moyles said.

Senior Louis Failoni had eight points against Mountain View. Brunski added six points, Meeks had four, and Plowman chipped in three points.

On Friday, Feb. 2, the Rangers hosted the Big Piney Punchers and fought hard, but lost 69–48.

“There were bright spots throughout the game, especially in rebounding and transitions, as well as our press break,” Moyles said. “We just need four quarters of execution.”

Rangers Colter Brunski, Derick Wilcox and Louis Failoni play defense in the Feb. 2 game. Brunski had 16 points and 6 rebounds in the win against Shoshoni. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

Brunski had an impressive 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists for the Rangers against Big Piney. Plowman added 11 points, four assists and two steals. Senior Brandon Crank knocked down two three-point shots for the Rangers, and Meeks had five points and 11 rebounds.

On Friday, Feb. 9, the Kemmerer Rangers travel to take on the Wyoming Indian Chiefs. Then on Saturday, Feb. 10, the Rangers play the Wind River Cougars in Riverton.

Freshman Clayton Moyles hustles for the ball in the J.V. game against Big Piney. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

The J.V. Ranger boys also worked to a win against Shoshoni.

“The J.V. boys held on in a close game for the win, beating Shoshoni 51–47,” Moyles said.

Sophomore Caden Bowen led the Rangers against Shoshoni with 22 points.

Freshman Austin Martinez had 10 points, TC Coles had five points, and Clayton Moyles chipped in five points and seven assists for the J.V. Rangers.

“It was a well-fought game, but we need to work on team composure when games are close,” Moyles said. “It was a good experience for our young players.”

The Ranger wrestlers join other Kemmerer High School students in cheering for the Ranger basketball teams at the pink games on Friday, Feb. 2, at the Kemmerer gymnasium. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

The J.V. boys also struggled earlier in the week. The J.V. Rangers lost to Mountain View 79-44, but had several boys rack up impressive stats.

“Austin Martinez had an outstanding offensive performance with 24 points,” Moyles said.

Caden Bowen added 11 points, TC Coles had five points and Clayton Moyles chipped in four points for the J.V. Rangers.