MEEKER | The Meeker High School girls basketball team extended its undefeated start to the season with three consecutive wins this past week, including a home victory over Rangely and road wins at Olathe and Gunnison.
The Cowboys opened the week at home on Tuesday, Jan. 20, against the Rangely Panthers, seeking revenge after a 63-22 loss at Rangely last season on Jan. 14, 2025. Meeker came away with a 48-43 victory, improving to 7-0 on the season.
Freshman Raegan Clatterbaugh led the team with 13 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Fellow freshman Cienna Rogers added nine points and four steals, while senior Addie Knowles contributed six points, nine rebounds and a team-high six assists.
Meeker dominated the glass, outrebounding Rangely 37-10, and used pressure defense to generate extra possessions, holding the Panthers to just 43 points. Senior Rylee Sullivan added five assists and helped control the pace, while Shailee Rundberg chipped in 11 points on efficient shooting.
Coach Eric Hamilton praised his team’s balanced effort. “We’re getting better every week. Our defense just keeps improving, and we have girls stepping in when we need them. We’re not relying on one player. It’s a very balanced team, and they’re playing hard and working hard every week,” Hamilton said.
Meeker traveled to Olathe on Friday night, for its second game of the week, defeating the Pirates 51-28. Senior Rylee Sullivan led the way with six points and four rebounds, while senior Addie Knowles added four points and five rebounds. Freshman Raegan Clatterbaugh recorded a double-double with four points, 10 rebounds and six assists. The Cowboys recorded 17 assists and 20 steals, outrebounded Olathe 35-20, and converted turnovers into transition points.
The following day Meeker faced Gunnison on the road, securing a 44-34 victory to improve to 9-0 overall and 4-0 in league play. Senior Rylee Sullivan led with seven points and five assists, providing leadership on both ends. “It’s important to read the floor and see what people are contributing offensively. Reminding players they always have a role helps keep their confidence up. I play an important role in keeping the team organized and executing,” Sullivan said.
Freshman Haigen Harrison contributed five points, 10 rebounds and a steal. “I approach defense and transition opportunities thinking, ‘Stop the ball first, then stop the pass.’ Playing alongside upperclassmen has helped me grow. Being a freshman on an undefeated team is awesome. We have a great balance and everyone is motivated,” Harrison said.
Senior Addie Knowles added two points, two rebounds and three assists. “Defense is very important for our team. Timing is key to steals and rebounds. Great teamwork and everyone doing their job has led to our success so far,” Knowles said.
Freshman Raegan Clatterbaugh finished with three points, six rebounds and five assists. Senior Shailee Rundberg scored one point and grabbed four rebounds, while freshman Cienna Rogers chipped in three points, three rebounds and eight assists.
Junior Josey McClain and sophomore Julie Kracht contributed off the bench. McClain said, “The team is so supportive on and off the court. When the younger players play like they do, it’s so cool to watch them—they are the future for upcoming seasons. Our defense and rebounding are key to gaining a lead and keeping our pace.” Kracht added, “We keep our heads up no matter the score and support each other, even with limited minutes. We have competitive girls and great support from Coach Hamilton, which helps us play our best.”
Hamilton emphasized defense as the team’s foundation. “Our defense is our best asset right now. We’re aggressive, flying around making plays. We get a lot of points off turnovers. We need to improve offensively and take care of the ball, but we’re gelling together with young players and seniors,” he said.
Hamilton also discussed the challenges of the upcoming schedule. “This is a very tough week. Snake River is a strong team, and we play in the ‘snake pit’ Thursday night. Aspen is next, and then Saturday we host undefeated Roaring Fork with the leading scorer in the state. We have to lock in defensively and take care of the ball, but the girls are focused and ready,” he said.
As of Jan. 20, 2026, CHSAA rankings have Meeker fifth and Roaring Fork sixth. The Cowboys will face Snake River on Thursday, Jan. 22, Aspen on Friday, Jan. 23, and Roaring Fork on Saturday, Jan. 24. The Rams are led by junior Riley Bevington, averaging around 32 points per game, and senior Nikki Tardif, averaging 13.7 points and rebounds, both of whom Meeker will need to contain to maintain its unbeaten streak.
Julie Kracht of Meeker dribbles the ball upcourt as she looks to set up a play during the Cowboys’ 48-43 home victory over Rangely on Jan. 20. Kracht contributed to Meeker’s balanced scoring and helped control the pace of the game. GABRIEL N. CARDILE PHOTO