McGraws 'Grand'fathers of HEM basketball

Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow High School boys basketball team had two reasons for celebration against Rock River on Feb 12. First, the team won decisively 70-44 at Rock River and second, Shane McGraw became the second player to hit 1,000 points in his career at HEM. The first was his twin brother Conor (See “Shooting for the Record” on page 16 of the Jan. 30 Saratoga Sun).

“Shane went over a 1000 points for his career. He scored 14 on the night with 11 rebounds,” Head basketball coach Cliff Jones said. “It is pretty cool to have two kids in the same class get there during their third year of high school.”

Jones said the game did not start out with the Miners scoring much in the first half. However, the second half was a different.

“We started slow and then had an excellent 3rd quarter to put the game away,” Jones said.

“Not only did Shane go over 1,000 points, we had three other players score in double figures.”

This is the second win against Rock River this year. The first time the Miners and Longhorns met on Jan. 26 the score ended with HEM winning 65-41. The Miners are now 9-7 overall and 3-1 in conference.

Jones said a game scheduled on Friday against Guernsey was canceled due to road conditions.

“It was considered a no contest because roads were closed on Friday afternoon,” Jones said. “Not much we could do about it, but just isn’t a great way to finish the regular season.”

The Miners will have played the Laramie Sophomores on Tuesday although Jones said he already has another team in his sights.

“Although we have a game against Laramie’s sophomores, we are mainly trying to focus on Hulett as they will be our first game at the regional tournament on Thursday,” Jones said.

The Miners will go to the 1A East Regional Tournament in Douglas on Feb. 23-24.