Encampment hoop stars receive honors

Though the Encampment Tigers didn’t make it to 1A West Regionals and the Lady Tigers didn’t make it to the 1A/2A State Tournament, their season still ended on a positive note as members of both teams received honors from the Wyoming Coaches Association.

Junior Kyenna Jackson won 1A All-State honors with junior Kristie Jordan winning All-Conference. Meanwhile, senior Kaban Picket won All-Conference honors for boys varsity.

Jackson has had a great season both in scoring and defense. She is known to make the clinch plays such as important steals giving the Lady Tigers opportunities to win games. Jackson said that winning 1A All-State honor is not just about her but the hard work she has put into getting this honor. She thanked her entire team, who pushed her to be the best she could be.

“I am so excited to win 1A All-State honors,” Jackson said. “Over the season I improved my skills and became a better leader for my team,”

Jackson said winning the All State honor does not symbolize her but her entire team. She said she shares this honor with them because they also deserve it.

“I feel the All-State (honor) can go to every one of my teammates,” Jackson said “They all deserve it because we all work together and I am proud to share this with them because everyone on my team is an All State player.”

Jackson also thanked Head Coach Kevin Pantle for his mentorship. She said she also dedicates this honor to him for everything he has done for her.

“Coach Pantle has helped me big time,” Jackson said. “He showed me that I can be a better person both on and off the court and that there is more to skills than just being a good person.”

Jordan has had an outstanding season both in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals.

She said winning 1A All Conference honors was a bit of a surprise when she received the news and also gives credit to her team for making this all possible.

“It is pretty exciting because this is my first ever 1A All Conference I have won in basketball,” Jordan said. “My teammates have helped me out a bunch. They are so great and they did what they were supposed to by getting me in a good position to make the plays.”

Jordan said Coach Pantle has also been a big help for her. She said Pantle made the best out of her as he had done for the entire team and always had doors open for extra time in the gym. Jordan also said that Jackson truly deserved All State Honors.

Pantle said he is proud of Jackson and Jordan. He said he admires both of their hard work at practices and on game day.

“ I believe Kristie and Kyenna worked very hard for this nomination,” Patel said. “Their unselfish and family-first attitude contributed to their success. I think this is an honor that they will always remember. Kyenna is the only player in Girl’s Basketball to make it to the All-State team and not make it to state. For any girl to get on the All-State team and not go to state basketball is never easy to do. It shows how important they are to our team but all the girls are important of course. Kyeanna and Kirsta are true leaders of our team and I could not be any more proud of them.”

Pickett has had a great season despite the fact his dreams of making it to regionals for his senior year did not happen. Pickett and the Tigers fell short to the Little Snake River Valley Rattlers at the Pigtail Toss-up in Rawlins. However, Picket ended up winning 1A All-Conference Honors.

Picket said he is happy about winning this achievement but said he would have traded this award just to make it to Regionals.

“This is the first time I have won 1A All Conference,” Pickett said. “It was an award I was hoping to get and work for but I would much rather go to regionals. I would trade this award just to get there, but I am glad I got the award and was able to represent Encampment.”

Pickett thanked Head Coach Jake Johnston. He said that he has had so many great years with Coach Johnston, starting back in 8th grade.

“Coach Johnston is so great. He has always opened the weight room for me since I was in 8th grade, “ Pickett said. “He always took the extra time to do open gym which took away a lot of time from his family and that means a lot and I could not have done it without him”.

Johnston said that he is proud of Pickett. He said he could not have been any prouder than coaching such an outstanding student of the game and that his achievement is well earned.

“Kaben is a hard-working young man who has been a joy to coach,” Johnson said. “His skill set and knowledge of the game advanced this season. He was a difference maker for us with his effort and ability to control the paint. I am happy for him being selected all-conference. He is well deserving.”