RANGELY | After a couple of weeks off for Christmas break, the Rangely Panthers boys basketball team returned to action last Saturday, taking on North Fork High School. The Panthers entered the game on a high note, having ended a four-game winning streak by defeating Mancos 49-34 in their last outing. They aimed to keep their momentum going against the Miners.
North Fork had other plans, handing Rangely a tough 57-33 loss. The Panthers struggled throughout the game, being outscored in every quarter. The defeat dropped their record to 3-6 for the 2024-25 season. Despite the setback, the Panthers remain optimistic and are determined to bounce back this Friday when they host the Hayden Tigers.
Friday’s game is shaping up to be a classic “cat fight,” with both teams eager to reverse their fortunes after recent losses. To secure a victory, the Panthers will need to contain Hayden junior Jace Bene, who posted an impressive double-double in his last game with 15 points and 17 rebounds—a career-high for the standout player.
Hayden enters the matchup with a 1-7 record, while the Panthers hope to snap a four-game road losing streak that dates back to last season. The last meeting between these teams was in February 2024, with Hayden narrowly defeating Rangely 56-50. This time, the Tigers will be without senior Cale Howard, who scored 28 points in last year’s contest and shot 11-of-22 from the field—a relief for Panthers fans.
The Rangely Panthers boys basketball team is eager to get back in the win column Friday night at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and show their support. Good luck to the Panthers as they look to secure a much-needed victory. Go Panthers!
By JARED HENDERSON | [email protected]