Encampment heads to regionals

Little Snake River Valley (LSRV) (20-2), (7-0) will remain number one in the Boys 1A southwest conference, and Encampment (14-5), (6-2) will go into the regional bracket as number two. LSRV came out on top of a low scoring defensive battle, 28-37.

In the first quarter, A.J. Kuster was able to play some great defense keeping Encampment close. LSRV was gaining advantage on the scoreboard in a rough game that Kyle Wessel, Matt Jarrett and Kuster were controlling in the paint. Gaven Pantle hit a key 3-point shot to make the score 5-7 late in the quarter, but LSRV’s good defensive stands kept them on top 5-9 at the end of one.

LSRV continued to pull ahead mid-way through the second but key play from Kuster brought the score to within three, with two minutes forty seconds left. Wessel backed his team and brought the score to within one, but LSRV would score four more points before going into the locker room on top, 14-19.

Pantle started the second half with a 3-point shot, but LSRV answered with one of their own reminding the Tigers that they can shoot. LSRV hit another 3-pointer to go ahead. The remainder of the quarter moved away from Encampment and the game was not going the Tiger’s way.

The Tigers trailed the fourth, never getting closer than 7 points to LSRV and the time ticked away on Encampment’s conference-improving hopes. The final buzzer sealed the deal with LSRV winning, 28-37.

“Our kids were really up to it,” head coach Dan Kraft said. “It was a let down when we couldn’t beat them (LSRV). I think we can play with Snake River and hopefully the next time will be our turn.”

Encampment is already slated in the regional bracket to play Dubios on Thursday and has beaten them in a game earlier this season.

“We can’t overlook them,” Kraft said. “They match up well with us. They (Dubios) also have a good big kid and good shooting guards. We are looking forward to it.”

The regional tournament starts this Thursday and runs thru Saturday in Lander. Encampment’s first game is Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Guy Erickson suffered a knee injury in the game against Saratoga Saturday night that hopefully won’t end the season for the outside shooting freshman. Erickson will have an MRI on Wednesday.

Matt Jarrett also suffered a concussion in the Saratoga game and will be out for regionals.