Miners 0-2 in state competition

Cliff Jones, head basketball coach for Hanna Elk Mountain (HEM) High School, described the match-up between the Burlington Huskies and the Hanna Miners as a challenge. The score ended with the Huskies scoring 63 to the Miners’ 41 points.

Conor McGraw and Jarrett Neimark both contributed 11 points. Shane McGraw had 8 points, Brandon Scott 7 points and Brendan Reeves had 4 points with 6 rebounds.

“Opening up the state tournament with the three-time defending state champions is not an easy task,” coach Jones said. We start 3 freshman and 2 seniors so just playing in the Casper Event Center was a big deal for us.

We played well but our inexperience showed at times.”

The second game the Hanna Miners played was close, but the Lingle-Fort Laramie Doggers prevailed 47-50. Conor McGraw led the Miners with 13 points followed by Brandon Scott with 12 points and 5 rebounds.

Shane McGraw shot 10 points, Brendan Reeves put in 7 points while Jarrett Neimark added 5 points.

Of the game–which had several lead changes–Coach Jones said, “Great game to be a part of, but we came up short at the end. Down by 1 with under 10 seconds we got called for an offensive foul. After they inbounded we intentional fouled and they made the two free throws. Brandon Scott’s three quarter (court) buzzer shot hit the backboard but didn’t go in.”

Coach Jones concluded, “Our two seniors got to finish their careers at the state tournament and our young guys got to see what the big tournament is all about. We had 10 kids participating in basketball this season; two seniors, one junior, two sophomores, and five freshman.

Hopefully it motivates us to get in the gym, put in some time, and try to get back there next year.”