MEEKER | The Meeker High School boys basketball team opened its 2025–26 season last weekend by hosting the Cowboy Shootout, presented by White River Electric.
The Cowboys opened the tournament with a 57-54 victory over Lake County. Junior Trent Sanders led the way with 22 points, including 15 in the first half, and added eight rebounds. Junior Said Rodriguez finished with a game-high eight assists, while juniors Carlos Carrillo and Tucker Chinn each pulled down six rebounds. Junior Andy Mondragon scored five points, and senior Sam Conrado added two points and four rebounds. Meeker shot 33 percent from three-point range and 50 percent on two-pointers.
Rodriguez said it felt good to start the season healthy after missing time last year and noted the team remains young but continues to improve through daily work in practice.
Sanders said his shots were falling and credited the team’s pace and transition play, adding chemistry will continue to improve as the season progresses.
Head coach Klark Kindler said he liked the team’s effort throughout the weekend. “We competed and did not quit,” he said, adding the Cowboys are still working to find their identity early in the season.
On the second night, Meeker fell to Coal Ridge 76-57. Sanders again led the Cowboys with 24 points. Rodriguez added six assists and six rebounds, while Chinn and Carrillo each grabbed three rebounds. Meeker shot 33 percent from long range and 37 percent on two-pointers, but turnovers and defensive lapses proved costly.
Meeker closed the tournament with a 63-59 loss to Moffat County in the third-place game. Sanders scored 16 points, while Chinn, Carrillo and Conrado each recorded four rebounds. Mondragon and freshman Lawson Anderson added key points. Meeker struggled from outside, making just 13 percent of three-pointers, and committed 18 turnovers.
Junior leaders Chinn and Carrillo said the team is emphasizing defense, rebounding and physical play as the season continues. Kindler remained optimistic despite the losses, saying the Cowboys continue to make progress.
Meeker returns to action this weekend at the Windsor Showcase on Dec. 19-20, facing Lotus School for Excellence Metros on Friday before a Saturday matchup with Banning Lewis Academy. Kindler said the showcase will provide another strong test as the Cowboys continue building early-season momentum.