Rangely, Rangely Sports, Sports

Denver Lutheran ends Panthers’ season at regional tournament

The Rangely boys’ basketball team put their hands together in solidarity before what became their final game of the season. Coach Hejl said his team worked all season on becoming a team and “made huge strides in achieving that goal.”

RANGELY I “Sometimes you run into a freight train,” Rangely boys’ basketball coach Eric Hejl said. The freight train Hejl was referring to was the Denver Lutheran boys’ basketball team that ended Rangely’s season last Friday with a 90-35 win in the Region 4 basketball tournament. Denver Lutheran went on to beat Wray in the championship game to qualify for the state tournament this weekend in Pueblo.

The Denver Lutheran Lights took control of the game early leading 25-9 after the first quarter.
“I knew the (Joel) Haywood kid was a really good player but they were a balanced and deep team,” Hejl said. “We decided to play them straight up but their depth still hurt us. We could have done a better job of contesting shots but those guys were hitting almost everything they shot.”
The Lights hit 12 3-pointers in the game, including five in the first quarter.
“We’re young and were definitely battling some nerves early but I was hoping we could force them into some missed shots and turnovers to keep it close in the first half but that didn’t happen,” Hejl said.
The Panthers trailed 20-41 at halftime and only scored four points in the third quarter compared to Denver Lutheran’s 28. Rangely was outscored 11-21 in the final quarter.
Caleb Templeton finished the game with 11 and Connor Phelan scored five. Denny brothers Kacey and Kody, along with sophomore Jake Massey, each added four points, while freshmen William Scoggins, Cameron Enterline and sophomore Gabe Garcia each made a basket and freshman Andrew Morton made a free throw to round out the Panther scoring.
“I told the guys afterward that even though things didn’t go how we wanted, the experience was invaluable,” Hejl said. “It means the next time we get here, we’ll have a much better idea of what to expect from an emotional and mental standpoint. From the beginning of the year, we’ve been working on becoming a team rather than just a group of guys and I think we’ve made huge strides in achieving that goal.”
The Panthers will graduate two varsity players, Kacey Denny and Caleb Templeton, who moved to Rangely at the beginning of this year.
“We were blessed to have Caleb come in and provide some stability at the top and carry a lot of the load, while the young guys took time to develop,” Hejl said. “Kacey was also a big contributor, especially on the offensive end. We’ll miss both of those guys for sure but it’s been encouraging to see these young guys start to come into their own and see the potential that is there. I’m already excited for summer ball.”

By bobby [email protected] I “Sometimes you run into a freight train,” Rangely boys’ basketball coach Eric Hejl said. The freight train Hejl was referring to was the Denver Lutheran boys’ basketball team that ended Rangely’s season last Friday with a 90-35 win in the Region 4 basketball tournament. Denver Lutheran went on to beat Wray in the championship game to qualify for the state tournament this weekend in Pueblo.The Denver Lutheran Lights took control of the game early leading 25-9 after the first quarter.“I knew the (Joel) Haywood kid was a really good player but they were a balanced and deep team,” Hejl said. “We decided to play them straight up but their depth still hurt us. We could have done a better job of contesting shots but those guys were hitting almost everything they shot.”The Lights hit 12 3-pointers in the game, including five in the first quarter.“We’re young and were definitely battling some nerves early but I was hoping we could force them into some missed shots and turnovers to keep it close in the first half but that didn’t happen,” Hejl said.The Panthers trailed 20-41 at halftime and only scored four points in the third quarter compared to Denver Lutheran’s 28. Rangely was outscored 11-21 in the final quarter.Caleb Templeton finished the game with 11 and Connor Phelan scored five. Denny brothers Kacey and Kody, along with sophomore Jake Massey, each added four points, while freshmen William Scoggins, Cameron Enterline and sophomore Gabe Garcia each made a basket and freshman Andrew Morton made a free throw to round out the Panther scoring.“I told the guys afterward that even though things didn’t go how we wanted, the experience was invaluable,” Hejl said. “It means the next time we get here, we’ll have a much better idea of what to expect from an emotional and mental standpoint. From the beginning of the year, we’ve been working on becoming a team rather than just a group of guys and I think we’ve made huge strides in achieving that goal.”The Panthers will graduate two varsity players, Kacey Denny and Caleb Templeton, who moved to Rangely at the beginning of this year.“We were blessed to have Caleb come in and provide some stability at the top and carry a lot of the load, while the young guys took time to develop,” Hejl said. “Kacey was also a big contributor, especially on the offensive end. We’ll miss both of those guys for sure but it’s been encouraging to see these young guys start to come into their own and see the potential that is there. I’m already excited for summer ball.”

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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
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