Lady Panthers open season in WREA Cowboy Shootout

RANGELY I The Rangely girl’s basketball team kicked off its season in the annual White River Electric Association’s Cowboy Shootout in Meeker.
The lady Panthers started with the varsity playing a very close game against Grand Valley on Thursday night, then playing Friday against Little Snake River and Saturday against Soroco.
On Thursday night, the team had five of its seven players score with Aimee Hogan leading the way with eight points, Carrie Goddard adding six, Desiree Coombs contributed five, Tessa Slagle finished with three and Chelsea Ficken added two.
Friday was a defensive battle against the Little Snake River Valley Rattlers from Baggs Wyo. Rangely fell behind 12-4 in the first quarter but came back to outscore Little Snake 14-10 in the second quarter, making it 22-18 in Little Snake’s favor at the half.
Coach Quinton Kent said, “We got off to a rocky start, and even though we lost to Snake River on Friday, I was pleased with the improvement. We played much better all around, and some shots began to fall.”
The team was lead by Ficken with 10 points and Hogan, Slagle and Thacker each added four. Coombs and Stephens each had a pair on the night.
Rangely completed the tournament against Soroco, a game in which the team came out playing very well, finishing the first quarter down 17-15 and the half down 28-20.
The team went cold shooting in the second half, and the Rams took a commanding lead for the remainder of the game. Aimee Hogan had 15 of the team’s 35 points and Chelsea Ficken added eight.
The Panthers gained quality court time and learned what they have to work on as they round out the pre-season.