Busy week for Panther boys team

RANGELY | The Rangely High School boys’ basketball team completed their busiest stretch of the season last week as they played four games in six days. On Monday, Rangely hosted the Vail Mountain Gore Rangers and led by four at halftime. A poor third quarter led to a deficit the Panthers couldn’t overcome and led to a 45-36 defeat.
Tuesday, the Panthers traveled to Cedaredge and featured a more consistent effort against the Bruins. Rangely found themselves leading by four again at the half, 27-23. However, the foul ratio quickly turned into an issue in the second half as Rangely took only four trips to the charity stripe compared to the Bruins 25, leading to a final Bruin win, 55-44.
“After Monday’s uneven effort, it was good to see the guys play closer to their potential and gain a little confidence. Cedaredge took advantage of their extra 21 trips to the line and I’m proud of my guys for fighting till the end,” said coach Kyle Boydstun. Over these two games the Panthers’ scoring leaders were Micah Zenner with a combined 20 points, Sydney Cole with 16, and Drew Brannan and Marshall Webber both had 11 points. Leading rebounders were Sydney Cole with 12 and Marshall Webber and Micah Zenner each with eight boards.
On Friday, Rangely hosted the Soroco Rams. Rangely had fallen to the Rams at the Meeker Shootout and the Panthers, in need of a victory, found one. Again up by four points at the half, 21-17, the Panthers found a way to capitalize in the second half. Behind a strong team effort on the defensive end, the Panthers found many contributors as they clung to a 48-39 victory. Micah Zenner had an all-around game with 11 points, three blocks, three steals and three assists. Sydney Cole was big with 16 points and five boards and Marshal Webber worked for his seven points and 10 rebounds. Drew Brannan pitched in eight rebounds, three steals and three assists, and Riley Boydstun contributed six points and proved to be a wall in the middle of the Panthers zone defense.
Saturday’s contest at Hotchkiss saw the Bulldogs turn the tables on the Panthers. Holding a 21-19 lead with a minute to go until the half, the Panthers succumbed to the Bulldogs’ 2-2-1 full court press. Hotchkiss capitalized on Rangely’s turnovers with 10 straight points to end the half at 29-21. The second half was much of the same as the Panther’s failed to find an answer for Bulldog pressure and fell 55-39. Sydney Cole led all scorers with 19 points. Drew Brannan brought down seven rebounds, and Dylan LeBleu dished out four assists.
The Rangely JV had a very successful week as they tallied three victories. The Panther JV squad defeated Cedaredge and Soroco as well as earning a double overtime victory over Hotchkiss.
“I am very lucky to have Chris Hejl and Colt Allred coaching this group, they do a fantastic job. These boys capped off an undefeated week with a true shootout. It was a thriller for our fans and we appreciated the great turnout at Hotchkiss for both the girls and boys,” Boydstun said. The Panthers next and only game of the week is Feb. 1 at Meeker with game times at 4, 5:30, and 7 p.m.

Special to the Herald Times