RANGELY | Rangely High School’s girls basketball team continued its strong start to the season by hosting a home tournament this past weekend, finishing 4-1 overall with wins over Ouray and Dove Creek.
The Panthers opened with a 59-12 rout of Ouray on Friday. Freshman Aubrey Yates led the way with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals. Senior Aubrianna Tapia added 10 points, while freshman Teagan Behunin scored 11.
Rangely’s defense forced multiple turnovers and held Ouray to just 12 points, including two in the second half. Brooklynn Griggs scored eight points, Rylee Kenney added five and Addison Scott chipped in two as the Panthers totaled 17 rebounds and 22 assists.
Rangely followed with a 59-26 win over Dove Creek on Saturday. Yates finished with six points, five assists and two steals. Behunin added six points and a game-high 10 rebounds, while Tapia contributed six points and seven rebounds.
Head coach Jimmie Mergelman said winning the home tournament was an exciting way to open the season. He credited the team’s defense for setting the tone through the first five games. “Our goal is to get better every day and week and then transfer that to the games each weekend,” Mergelman said.
Looking ahead to Frontier Academy, Mergelman said early-season scouting is limited but the focus remains improvement and confidence.
Behunin said hometown support and team chemistry played a key role in the weekend’s success, noting the team’s defensive pressure, balanced offense and growing chemistry.
Rangely heads to the Rye tournament this week, looking to build on its 4-1 start and maintain early-season momentum.
Rangely High School girls basketball players and managers pose with the first-place trophy. Back row, from left: managers Rachel Elder, Taylor Fouch and Alivia Green; Brooklynn Griggs (#4), Rylee Kenney (#10), Aubrey Yates (#1), Natalie Bollinger (#14), Kenlie Plummer (#3), Makenzie Hill (#24), Gentrie Plummer (#20) and Teagan Behunin (#23). Front row: TyLee Fielder (#5), Aubrianna Tapia (#13), Addison Scott (#11) and Aubrey Kenney (#2).