Panthers proceed with perfect pacing

The Saratoga Panthers went into the 1A West Regional Tournament with a large target on their back being the only undefeated boys basketball team in Wyoming

Like many teams, the Panthers left for the regional tournament on Monday due to an incoming winter storm which shut down the state. Saratoga faced the Riverside Rebels, the Farson-Eden Pronghorns and the Cokeville Panthers to continue their undefeated record.

Panthers vs. Rebels

After three days of waiting, Saratoga faced the Rebels on Thursday evening. Despite their early arrival in Lander, the Panthers set their sights on how best to dispatch Riverside to the consolation bracket.

“We didn’t want to give Riverside any opportunity to shoot three pointers and concentrated strongly on defense,” said Head Coach Jason Williams. “The boys did a really good job of limiting Riverside’s looks from the three point side and we executed our offense the way we wanted to. The night took care of itself.”

Saratoga sent the Rebels packing with a double-digit deficit, winning the quarterfinal round 71-37.

Panthers vs. Pronghorns

On Saturday the Panthers faced Farson-Eden in the semi-final round. Williams said Saratoga played the Pronghorns differently than other teams they had faced.

“Farson-Eden we had a game plan for because of their personnel and their style of play. We feel we have to game plan them pretty special,” Williams said. “The boys came out and executed the plan well and it was really good to see. They knew how important that game was, because that win was our ticket to State and that was our goal from the beginning.”

Williams said the boys were keyed up to win on Friday.

“We did jump out in the beginning with a good lead and by halftime it was 38 to 19 in our favor,” Williams said. “We were able to build on it in the second half.”

The Panthers mauled the Pronghorns 56 to 34.

Panthers vs. Panthers

On Saturday, the Panthers faced Cokeville.

The final score showed a much different game than either Riverside or Farson.

“It was a pretty hard fought game and it wasn’t until the 4th quarter that we started to pull ahead,” Williams said. “I don’t count a lead by points but by possessions and honestly it was not until the last minute and a half did I feel comfortable with the game. We knew it was going to be a battle.”

Williams said he could tell Cokeville was prepared for Saratoga.

“They were very deliberate and patient on offense and they played good defense and at halftime it was 18 to 18,” Williams said. “We finally got the lead up 10 points with a minute and a half left, but it was a control that took time. We were only up 5 points in the 3rd quarter and if a person likes defense, this was a game to watch. That is why every possession was really important and every basket counted.”

In the end, Saratoga beat Cokeville, 39 to 33.

“Our wins at regionals were a total team effort, because we have guys who can score when others are hitting. They all helped each other to give those sparks of getting the plays and doing what needs to be done,” Williams said. “That is what I hope we continue as we head off to State.”

The Panthers first game at the 1A State Tournament will be against the Hulett Red Devils, who are the No. 4 East seed.

“Our focus at State will be on what we need to do to win the first night,” Williams said. “After that, we will be looking at the winner from Southeast/Burlington. I know it sounds cliche, but we really do have to take it one game at a time and not think about Saturday night until Saturday night and then focus on what it will take to win that basketball game.”

Williams said he suspects each team will have a game plan to beat the Panthers.

“For those teams out there, they are questioning how to beat us and we have to be focused on each individual team as well,” Williams. “Everyone has the luxury for game planning for us, but we don’t have the luxury for game planning for all other seven teams.”

Williams said staying undefeated is not a goal, but he certainly doesn’t want to lose any game.

“Being undefeated has never been our focus or goal,” Williams said. “It is something if it happens, we will look back at it with pride and know it was special, but the goal is to be playing on Saturday.”