Tigers look to attack

Last year ended in disappointment for Encampment's basketball team. Despite a 17-9 record, their first trip to the state tournament in four years was cut short after a shooting a lowly 20 percent from the field.

"We got the deer-in-the-headlights look [at the state tournament]," head coach Clint Bromley said.

But this is a new season; and with new seasons come new opportunities.

With a year's experience of state tournament-level play under their belt, they are ready to prove they belong with the best in the state.

"It's always exciting to start the season and learn what you have," Bromley said.

The Tigers enter the 2014-15 season with (how many) returning players. The team is led by senior Luke Pantle and Junior Guy Erickson. Pantle will look for his third straight All-Conference honor after finishing his 2013-14 campaign as the third highest scorer in 1A with 18.7 points per game. Last year was a breakout season for Erickson, whose 15.3 points per game and 79 percent free-throw shooting was good enough for him to receive All-Conference and All-State honors.

"They are kind of the anchors on our team, and we have to build around them," Bromley said about Pantle and Erickson.

Encampment is 13 players strong this year and filled with experienced and talented players. Thirteen players is a relief from the 10-man roster they had last year, allowing them more opportunities for scrimmage during practice and more depth on their bench.

The Tigers will incorporate Bromley's fast-pace offense once again this year. While his squad has some height, Bromley said his team is relatively small compared to opposing teams in the conference. The Tiger offense will focus on their athleticism, ball control, shooting and quickness in order to compete this year.

But up-tempo play will fatigue his players. Bromley plans on utilizing his bench throughout the season. He said the younger classes are full of talent and size, and it will be crucial for them to learn the system so they can contribute this season and in the years to come.

"We have kids who had a lot of playing time last year, and we will find out who fits that bill [of starters] a little bit."

The the battle for the 1A Southwest Conference is going to be a dogfight again this year. Conference foes Little Snake River (Baggs) and Cokeville will be the toughest competition for the Tigers again this year, but Bromley said every conference game will be a test.

"As far as I am concerned, we have the toughest conference in the state," he said. "You never know how it is going to shake out. We have to get ready for each team."

The Tigers are projected to finish fifth in Wyopreps' 1A Coach's and Media pre-seaon poll. Bromley said his team's goal is to return to the state tournament and place higher than they did last year.

"I am pretty excited about what we have," Bromley said. "And hopefully, if no one gets hurt, we can make a run to state again."

Encampment tips off their season on their home court during the Carbon County Classic on Dec. 12.