RANGELY | New head coach Clint Hill enters his second season of high school coaching with a clear vision for the Rangely boys basketball program.
After serving as an assistant last year, Hill said he enjoyed coaching many of the returning players and felt the program was a natural fit. “We are building our team and program on pride and teamwork,” he said. “One saying we have is, ‘Play hard, play smart, play together.’”
Hill wants the Panthers to be defense-first while running a fast, flowing offense that gives players multiple options. Preseason work has shown strong effort and improving chemistry among the team.
Key returners expected to play major roles include Wyatt Petty, who has stepped up as a vocal leader and post player, along with Landon Bollinger, Chase Cochrane, Lincoln Harris and Kacey Allred. Sophomores Chance Allred and Porter Yates are newcomers Hill believes can make an immediate impact.
The Panthers are aiming for a winning season and a competitive showing at the regional level, though Hill acknowledged the Western Slope League will offer some strong competition. Early-season focus is on mastering the small details and taking one game at a time, with the opening matchup against Dugway at 2:30 p.m. followed by a game against Manila on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. seen as key measuring sticks.
Hill said fans can expect fast-paced, exciting basketball with an emphasis on accountability. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue growing the program and establishing Rangely as a lasting basketball presence in the region.
With a mix of veteran leadership and promising newcomers, the team is expected to develop and compete throughout the season.