Running clocks into overtime

While they were technically preseason games, the Encampment Tigers appear to be off to a good start as they hosted the Carbon County Classic and won all four games over the weekend. Following a 20-point lead over the Dubois Rams for their first game, the Tigers saw a repeat from last season as they had two running clocks against the Meeteetse Longhorns and the Hayden Tigers. In their final game, against the St. Stephens Eagles, Encampment would go into overtime to secure a win.

In addition to the four wins, the weekend saw junior Dalton Peterson complete a dunk against the Longhorns. The running clock and advanced score also gave Jake Johnston, head coach of the Tigers, significant time to play his 1st string substitutes on the hardwood.

Tigers vs. Rams

In the first game of the weekend, Encampment appeared to be off to a slow start as they took on the Rams. For a portion of the first half, Dubois kept in step with the Tigers. It did not take long, however, for Encampment to find their footing and keep ahead of the Rams. By the end of the first quarter, the Tigers would lead Dubois 17-5.

While the Rams would work to get points on the board, they would never break the double-digit lead of Encampment as the first half ended with a score of 25-15 and the 3rd quarter would see a score of 43-30.

The final score was 61-41.

Dalton Peterson was the lead scorer against the Rams with 22 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. Following Peterson was senior Dayne Anderson with 14 points and senior Reid Schroeder with 9 points and 5 assists.

Tigers vs. Longhorns

Going into the second game on Friday, the Tigers would have their first running clock game as they faced Meeteetse. Try as they might, the Longhorns would not be able to escape Encampment's claws.

The final score was 81-33.

Peterson scored 22 points against Meeteetse and was followed by Anderson with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Schroeder scored 16 points and had 6 assists and sophomore Koye Gilbert had 8 points and 5 rebounds.

Tigers vs. Tigers

In the Tiger/Tiger matchup on Saturday, Hayden was unprepared to take on the hosting Tigers as the first quarter ended with a score of 29-9 in Encampment's favor. Before the end of the second half, the black and red Tigers would lead 52-11. 

With the running clock and advanced score, Johnston was able to play the 1st string substitutes for most of the game. While one might have expected Hayden to be able to gain points against the hosting Tigers, the younger players continued to keep Encampment ahead. A casual observer, however, would be able to see the differences in gameplay between the varsity and junior varsity.

While the varsity players controlled the hardwood with experience and a level of calm, the junior varsity took to the court with excitement and a desire to prove themselves. This drive, however, worked in their favor as they maintained the lead that Encampment had against the visiting Tigers.

The final score was 69-28.

Schroeder would lead in scoring with 16 points and 5 assists followed by Peterson with 15 points. Sophomore Mike Anderson would score 12 points against Hayden and have 8 rebounds.

Tiger vs. Eagles

The game of running clocks came to an end as St. Stephens attempted to pry a win away from the Tigers in the final game of the weekend. For the first half of the game, Encampment would lead against the Eagles as they kept them from flying away with the score. The first quarter saw St. Stephens in the lead, but by the end of the first half, the Tigers would be leading by 5 points with a score of 39-32.

As the second half of the game began, Encampment and the Eagles would continue to go back and forth on leading. At times, three point shots from the Tigers were answered by similar shots by St. Stephens. The 3rd quarter ended with the Eagles on top, but in the 4th quarter, Encampment would attempt to put a stop to any success St. Stephens was seeing.

The 4th quarter ended with a tie score of 72-72. Going into overtime, Encampment would score another 10 points while keeping the Eagles grounded with only two additional baskets. The Tigers would win their fourth and final game with a score of 82-76.

Peterson returned as the lead scorer againsts St. Stephens with 44 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Schroeder followed with 21 points, 8 assists and 7 steals and Anderson scored 10 points and had 7 rebounds.

Following the Carbon County Classic, the Encampment Tigers are 4-0 for the season and have yet to enter conference play. Encampment will face the Kaycee Buckaroos on Dec. 20 in Lingle-Ft. Laramie as part of the Dogger Basketball Classic Tournament.