Tigers take two

The Encampment Tigers were finally able to get some time on the hardwood both at home and on the road this past week. Though they were scheduled to host the Carbon County Classic the weekend before, winter weather put it to a stop.

On December 16, the Tigers hosted the North Park (Colorado) Wildcats for a win before traveling to eastern Wyoming to face the Southeast Cyclones and the Lingle-Ft. Laramie Doggers.

While the Tigers were able to secure a win over Lingle-Ft. Laramie, they lost to Southeast.

Tigers vs. Wildcats

Thursday night saw the Wildcats of Walden travel across the border to be hosted by Encampment for what would be a loss to the Colorado team. Though North Park attempted to get some scratches in on the Tigers, Encampment won the game 62-39.

Tigers vs. Cyclones

Two days later, Encampment departed Tiger Nation for Yoder to take on the Cyclones. While still fresh from their win against the Wildcats, the Tigers were nearly swept away by Southeast during their Saturday morning game.

In the 1st quarter, Encampment put 3 points on the board compared to the Cyclones' 7 points. The 2nd quarter saw more scoring, and more even scoring, as the Tigers threw 13 points up on the board. Southeast, meanwhile, scored another 16 points. At halftime, Encampment trailed 23-16.

Coming back onto the hardwood for the second half, the Tigers continued to try to get some claws into the game. The 3rd quarter saw Encampment put 12 points on the board, though the Cyclones put up 18 points of their own. In the 4th quarter, the Tigers were able to outscore Southeast with 16 points compared to 10 points from the Cyclones. Despite the final quarter push, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

Encampment lost 51-44.

Tigers vs. Doggers

Later that day, Encampment was hosted by the Doggers. Despite their loss to Southeast, the Tigers sunk their claws into Lingle-Ft. Laramie for a decisive win to end their weekend. Throughout the game, in fact, Encampment outscored the Doggers.

In the 1st quarter, the Tigers put 14 points on the board while Lingle-Ft. Laramie was kept to just 6 points. The 2nd quarter saw Encampment put up another 11 points and keep the Doggers to just 8 points. At halftime, the Tigers led 25-14.

The second half was more of the same with Encampment scoring 19 points in the 3rd quarter. The Doggers, however, were able to increase their scoring as they put up 14 points on the board. In the 4th quarter, however, Lingle-Ft. Laramie returned to their single digit scoring with just 9 points compared to the Tigers' 13 points.

Encampment won 57-37.

Following their first full week of games, the Encampment Tigers are 2-1 for the season. Christmas break gives Encampment a chance to practice before their first conference game as they are hosted by their Valley rivals, the Saratoga Panthers.

The Tigers will face off against Saratoga at 4 p.m. on January 7 at Saratoga Middle High School.