MEEKER | The Meeker High School boys basketball team opened their season last weekend at their annual WREA Cowboy Shootout but came away winless after three tough matchups.
The Cowboys tipped off their season Thursday night against the Lotus School for Excellence Meteors. Despite a strong effort, Meeker fell 54-42. The Cowboys defeated the Meteors in their last meeting in 2022, but this time, the result didn’t go their way.
Sophomore Trent Sanders led Meeker with 17 points and five rebounds, while senior Alex Garcia contributed six points and eight rebounds. Head coach Klark Kindler emphasized the lessons learned in the season opener.
“We learned that we can play with anyone, and we need to grow into our new roles,” Kindler said.
The Cowboys excelled on the boards, pulling down 10 offensive rebounds, a feat they have now accomplished in five consecutive games dating back to last season.
On Friday afternoon, Meeker faced DSST Cedar in a closely contested matchup. The Cowboys battled into overtime but ultimately lost 56-50.
Senior Alex Garcia had a standout game with 12 points and five rebounds, setting a new career high in scoring. Fellow senior Finley Deming added eight points in the effort. Despite the team-oriented offense, the loss dropped Meeker to 0-2 on the season.
“We need to cut down on turnovers,” Kindler said. “We’re playing a tough preseason schedule, and we just need to keep getting better.”
The Cowboys wrapped up the tournament Saturday afternoon against the Battle Mountain Huskies, falling 51-41. The loss dropped Meeker to 0-3 on the young season.
Kindler reflected on the challenges and positives from the weekend. “We overcame some adversity with injuries and lost two close games to 4A and 5A schools,” he said. “We are close. We did some good things on both ends of the floor but had way too many turnovers.”
Meeker will look to secure its first win of the season this Friday at the Windsor Charter Showcase.
By JARED HENDERSON
