PINEDALE — The four Valley varsity basketball teams took some knocks at the 3A West Regional tournament last weekend at Pinedale.

Turned out – three down, one to go. The Lyman Lady Eagles who had held the top spot in the south were knocked from their perch as the top team and ended up third in the 3A West region.

The Lady Eagles entered state competition as last year’s consolation champions. This year they posted a record of 22-2.

At the regional tournament last weekend, the Lady Eagles went in as the #1 seed of the South and went up against the Riverton Lady Wolverines, #4N. The Lady Eagles took the game Thursday morning by 10, 55-45. Forced into the consolation bracket last week at the regional tournament, the Lady Eagles were back on the court Saturday morning tackling the Mountain View Lady Buffs. The Lady Eagles took the win from the Lady Buffs by eight, 46-38.

The game at regionals for third and fourth proved to be a nail-biter, but the Lady Eagles dug in and handed Cody the defeat in overtime, 63-60.

LHS Eagles

The LHS Eagles haven’t had a glory run this year as they entered the regional tournament shy of a conference win. In a building year, the Eagles have struggled and not been able to put enough points on the board to be victorious.

The Eagles suffered a loss in their first game and were back on the floor Friday at noon to face the Lander Valley Tigers. The Tigers were roaring and handed the Eagles a second 20-point loss, 62-42. In a 2-loss tournament, the second loss eliminates the team. 

“We gave it our best shot and came up short. We will miss our seniors – Ben Niederer, Cayden Giles, Beaudee Bluemel, Alex Turner and Max Turner,” Eagle head coach Kevin Lueck said Tuesday afternoon.

“It was a difficult and trying season, but now our kids know they can do hard things. It's a life-lesson that some never learn,” Lueck added. “You don't get stronger picking up sticks.

“Our coaching staff is proud of the effort our kids gave."

Pictured:

The Lady Eagles lay up to make two at the regional tournament in Pinedale. COURTESY PHOTO/Jolene Bradshaw.