Last-second shot propels Tigers to state

Encampment's varsity boys basketball team is finally heading back to state.

After a long four-year absence, the Tigers finally get to unleash their claws again tomorrow at the state tournament, with tipoff at 9 p.m. The Tigers wrapped up regionals in Lander last weekend with two wins over Hanna-Elk Mountain-Medicine Bow and Cokeville, a team that beat the Tigers twice in the 2013-14 season.

The 48-45 win over Coke-ville's Panthers came down to the wire, thanks to a last-second shot made in overtime by Harold Jackson.

Saturday's win placed the Tigers as fourth-place regional champions, following Burlington (1st), Little Snake River (2nd) and Dubois (3rd). Encampment head coach Clint Bromley said he couldn't be prouder of his players, or more grateful for the effort they put out last weekend.

"They found a way to get two wins before two losses, and their reward is a trip to Casper," he said. "I have always felt we had the ability to get there if everyone contributed, and I saw several of the players step up and do just that. We are excited to be playing in the State Tournament after a four-year absence."

Bromley said he knew the Tigers' third and final regional game against the Panthers would be tough, especially after the two losses they suffered from Cokeville earlier this season. In what was their last Panther showdown, Luke Pantle scored 18 points; Harold Jackson and Jared Stewart made 10 each; and Matt Jarrett and Guy Erickson contributed 5 each.

"We knew going in that this game was going to be a real challenge, since Cokeville had already beaten us twice during the regular season, but we had a game plan that we thought would give us a chance to advance if everyone did their job," Bromley said. "It took overtime and a last second shot from Harold Jackson to seal the win and a trip to the State Basketball Tournament."

The Tigers were cold earlier in the tournament in a 58-65 loss to Dubois. Pantle led the way with 16 points, Erickson contributed 15, Jackson scored 11, Brett Miller had 8 and Stewart secured 6.

"We started out slow in the game as I expected we would since only one of our players had seen much time on a court at the Regional Tournament," Bromley said. "At the half we trailed 29-21, and 45-36 at the end of the third. With 58 seconds to go in the game, the score was tied at 58 when Dubois scored six unanswered points to end the game at 65 to 58."

Bromley said he was proud of his boys for sticking to the game plan and getting the score even in the final minute, which gave them the chance to win over Dubois.

"Unfortunately, the climb proved to be too much, and a good Dubois team that is very well-coached finished the game with a run of their own," Bromley said.

In the second game, the Tigers hit their winning stride as they went on to beat HEM 48-45. During this battle, Pantle led with 15 points, Erickson scored 12, Jarrett made 8 and Stewart netted 6.

"This game was a hard fought battle, with Encampment winning the game in the final seconds of the fourth quarter by a clutch basket, and two free-throws from Guy Erickson," Bromley said. "EHS had won the first half 26-20, but HEM put together an impressive third quarter rally to lead 34-31. The Tigers scored the last five points of the game in the last 30 seconds, to win the game 48-45."

Bromley said Erickson really showed he was a player to rely on during a crucial point in the game.

"Luke had fouled out and Guy took it upon himself to advance the Tigers to the third round," he said. "Seven players stepped up and scored for us when we have been looking at two or three most nights, so the whole team took on the challenge of seeing we moved on."

After a sucessful weekend at regionals, the Tigers will begin their state play at 9 p.m. tomorrow at the Casper Events Center in Casper. The tournament runs tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. The Tigers will face off with the Kaycee Buckaroos, who are coming into the tournament as the first seed from the Northeast Region.

"We hope as many fans that can will come and join us in the fun and excitement," Bromley said.