The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams competed in the regional competition on March 4. The girls competed in Kemmerer, while the boys were in Lyman.

The Kemmerer boys’ basketball team went up against Lyman, the No. 2 team in the conference, in their first match at regionals. Unfortunately, after a close fight, the Rangers lost, 40-48.

The girls’ basketball team also went up against Lyman, the No. 1 team in the conference, for their first match at regionals. The girls played hard but ultimately lost against Lyman, 30-40.

“We have had our ups and downs [this season],” girls’ basketball coach Tim Fagnant said. “I think it stemmed from a lot of different issues. COVID-19 and moving to 3A are part of it.”

Fagnant said that while most people look at the game record for success, he said that isn’t what he looks at.

“We never gave up,” Fagnant said. “We battled. We would be down 16, and then we would be within three points at the end. The girls never gave up.”

Fagnant said the biggest change for the team will be replacing the seniors on the team.

“We have a number of younger players who are coming into program,” Fagnant said. “You can never replace personalities, but we can hope to place basketball skills.”

Fagnant said for next year, the team and coaches need to decide whether they want to continue the position-less basketball squad.

“We try not to Pidgeon hole the girls into specific positions right now, but we might want to reconsider that,” Thatcher said.

Fagnant said in order to compete at 3A the team needs to match the physicality of other teams the whole 32 minutes of the game.

Fagnant said he is pleased with the team and the younger junior varsity players. He said he is thankful for everyone who has helped throughout the season.