RANGELY I The Rangely boys’ basketball team opened the season in the annual White River Electric Cowboy Shootout in Meeker and won one of three games during the event.
“The Cowboy Shootout is a great atmosphere because there are a lot of good basketball players in one location,” said head coach Jeremy Cantrell, who made his coaching debut in Meeker.
The Panthers easily defeated Moffat County’s junior varsity team 56-32 in the first round but lost to Mancos 65-49 in the semifinals before losing a close game (62-56) to Fruita Monument’s junior varsity on Saturday.
“Thursday, we did a good job of executing offensively and defensively,” coach Cantrell said. “Friday was a learning experience against a talented and experienced Mancos team. We needed that game to be prepared for league play. Saturday, we played really well in a lot of areas like rebounding and being efficient on offense, but we gave up too many threes.”
Rangely senior Colt Allred scored 21 points against Moffat County and added 22 against Fruita, pulling down nine and 12 rebounds, respectively.
Patrick Scoggins made his high school debut in great fashion, being named to the all-tournament team as a freshman. Scoggins scored 16 points against Moffat County, 22 against Mancos and 12 against Fruita.
Senior Mitchell Webber averaged more than eight points per game and led the team with 28 rebounds.
“Colt and Mitchell did an excellent job, bringing leadership and energy to all three games,” coach Cantrell said. “I look forward to seeing those qualities and much more from them throughout the season.”
The Panthers will host the Rams from South Routt County (Soroco) on Friday, with the JV game starting at 5 p.m.