Lady Buffs roll past Wind River, fade late in loss to Wyo. Indian

The Greybull Lady Buffs split last week, rolling over Wind River 73-21 in Pavillion on Friday before a tight 66-61 loss to the always-tough Wyoming Indian at their home opener in Buff Gym on Saturday. 

“It wasn’t the finish we wanted, but we can walk away from the weekend knowing we can play with anyone and that we are so close to being a top tier team,” Coach Jeff Hunt commented. “We scored over 130 points in two games.  I can’t remember the last time we’ve done that, if ever.”

Wind River is down in numbers this season, with only 11 girls. The Buffs played at a high speed and pressed them early on, an outstanding showing on defense, Coach Hunt relayed. 

“Every player scored in this game,” Coach Hunt said. “We had four players score in double digits. We had great ball movement on offense and did a great job being patient in our offensive sets.” 

Perla Rodriguez led the Buffs with 19, followed by Marlee Henson with 12, largely off steals; Caitlyn Hunt and freshman Ella Keisel each had 10. 

The Buffs started fast against Wyoming Indian on Saturday; the first play fed straight to the post for a quick score. Coach Hunt reported Greybull had their eye on Ethete’s high scorers, Taya Dixey and Paisley Blackburn, who took all-state honors last year. 

“We held them to 10 total points in the first half, but they both found rhythm in the second half,” Coach Hunt said. At one point, the Buffs had a 19-point lead in the first half, aided by a big three from Shayne Cheatham to close, but ended up in foul trouble by the second. 

“They took advantage of our foul trouble and used their size to hurt us in the key the whole fourth quarter,” Coach Hunt said. “We still put up a lot of points on a very tough team.  We had three players in double digits.  That’s the first back-to-back games we’ve had multiple players in double digits all season.”

Caitlyn Hunt hit 5-of-6 three-pointers, leading the team with 19 points. Henson banked 12 and Perla Rodriguez 11. 

“We are shooting well and our defense is getting better and better.  I am proud of all our girls,” Coach Hunt commented. “The JV is playing so well and our varsity has only lost to top four teams and a 3A team.”

Up next, the Buffs will be on the road for the Big Horn Basin Classic. Their first game will be against Powell on Friday, Jan. 16 at Powell High School, with JV opening at noon in the auxiliary gym and varsity following at 1:30 p.m. in the main gym. JV will be in the auxiliary against Lovell at 3 p.m., with the varsity game in the main gym at 4:30 p.m. 

Saturday, the Buffs will be up bright and early for a 9:30 a.m. match against Burlington in Powell’s main gym before hopping the bus to Rocky Mountain High School in Cowley, with varsity to take on Worland at 12:30 p.m. in the main gym and JV to follow in the auxiliary at 2 p.m. 

Greybull 27 19 14 13 – 73

Wind River   5 12   2   2 – 21

GREYBULL – Perla Rodriguez 8 3-3 19, Marlee Henson 6 0-0 12, Caitlyn Hunt 5 -0 10, Ella Keisel 5 0-0 10, Fallon Hoffman 3 0-0 6, Shayne Cheatham 2 1-2 5, Brooklyn Allen 2 0-0 4, Sherlyn Diaz-Rios 1 1-2 3, Jasmine Rodriguez 1 0-0 2, Reagan Vigil 1 0-0 2. Totals 34-63, 5-7, 73. 

STEALS – Greybull 27 (Henson, Cheatham 5). ASSISTS – Greybull 24 (Perla Rodriguez 5). TURNOVERS – Greybull 18. 

Wyo. Indian   6 15 24 21 – 66

Greybull 14 20 18   9 – 61

GREYBULL –Hunt 7 0-0 19, Henson 4 4-5 12, Perla Rodriguez 4 3-5 11, Allen 3 0-0 6, Diaz-Rios 2 0-0 5, Cheatham 1 2-2 4, Jasmine Rodriguez 1 0-0 2, Keisel 1 0-0 2. Totals 23-48, 9-13, 61. 

3-POINT GOALS – Hunt 5, Diaz-Rios 1.  STEALS – Greybull 15 (Henson 5). ASSISTS – Greybull 20 (Henson 6). TURNOVERS – Greybull 43.