The Laramie Plainsmen kept their recent hot streak going with a 78-52 victory at Rock Springs Saturday in their final non-conference game.

It was the third straight victory and fifth in the last six for the Plainsmen, who improved to 6-4 this season.

Head coach Travis Brown was very happy with his team’s effort.

“We threw and asked a lot out of them, and I thought they did a really good job of adjusting on the fly. I thought we got a lot of good minutes out of a lot of guys; got some good leadership. There were a couple of moments where we had a couple of brain farts, but overall, I was really proud of ‘em.”

Hudda Herrera had 22 points and 17 rebounds to lead three Laramie players in double figures. Christian Mickelson had 15 points, while Will Tyser added 13.

The Plainsmen made 13 three’s and shot 47 percent in the game. Herrera and Mickelson made 3 triples each, while Tyser and Tyler Oppie had two each.

Brown said, “When you get the ball going through the hoop, it just gives you energy throughout the team. The offensive end of the thing is fantastic, but it starts with our defense. Our intensity on defense stays a lot higher, obviously, when you’re getting rewarded on the offensive end.”

Laramie opened with the first five points of the game. Rock Springs came back with the next five and tied it for the only time in the game. LHS scored the next eight and never trailed. They led 23-15 after the first quarter and 37-29 at halftime. The Plainsmen pushed the lead to 19 points in the third, and the Tigers failed to get closer than 15 the rest of the game. The final margin was the biggest lead for Laramie.

Rock Springs (3-7) was led by Justis Reese and Shane Ramsey with 16 points each. The Tigers shot 25 percent from the floor.

Heading into the next phase of their schedule, league play, Brown said he thinks they can compete with anybody.

“We have to play to our strengths. When we can get out and run a little bit and push the tempo, it’s a good thing. We definitely play better in transition and when we have those opportunities. When we go into the half-court, we’ve got to be willing to make that extra pass. They’re starting to get it, and they’re liking the style of play we’re playing. Every year it takes you a little time to figure out the team and the personnel you have and their strengths, and I think we’re starting to put some things together.”

The Plainsmen open conference quadrant action Wednesday at No. 2 Cheyenne East at 7:30 p.m. They will be at home Friday versus No. 5 Cheyenne Central at 7 p.m.

Laramie Lady Plainsmen

For the fourth consecutive game, the Laramie Lady Plainsmen lost a close game, 36-30, at Rock Springs last Saturday.

Laramie (3-7) has now lost four games by a combined 19 total points. All of them have been by six points or less.

Lauren Sylvestre led LHS with nine points and five rebounds. The Lady Plainsmen shot 29 percent in the game and just 17 percent in the second half.

LHS held a 22-20 lead at halftime and gave up just one 3-pointer in the third quarter. A late surge helped Laramie establish their biggest lead of 30-23 going into the fourth. The Lady Plainsmen struggled in the final period and went 0-12 from the field and failed to score. The Tigers scored 13 points and rallied for the victory, 36-30.

Rock Springs (7-3) shot 31 percent for the game. They were led by Brenli Jenkins with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

LHS girls’ head coach Rod Tyson was not available after the game for comment, as the team departed early for home.

Laramie heads to Cheyenne to face No. 2 East Wednesday at 6 p.m. They are back at home Friday at 5:30 p.m. versus No. 3 Cheyenne Central.

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