Rawlins will be Panthers’ first challenge at state

By Steve Moseley
Posted 3/12/20

The Powell High School boys basketball team will try to make history repeat itself — plus one — at this week’s Class 3A State tournament.

Last year the Panthers came alive at …

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Rawlins will be Panthers’ first challenge at state

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The Powell High School boys basketball team will try to make history repeat itself — plus one — at this week’s Class 3A State tournament.

Last year the Panthers came alive at regionals and qualified for state, a feat they duplicated last weekend in Lyman, where they avenged two regular season defeats while playing their way onto the state tourney bracket with a fourth-place finish.

A year ago, PHS head coach Chase Kistler and his troops upset No. 1-ranked Buffalo and made the championship game, where they fell to Lander. That title game is the “plus one” the Panthers seek as they open play opposite Rawlins tonight (Thursday) at 9 p.m. in the Casper Events Center.

“Rawlins,” said Kistler, “is very disciplined. They shoot the ball well outside and are very deep on the bench, too.”

The teams met in Powell on Dec. 14, when the season was very young. The Panthers won that encounter 54-45. Mason Marchant scored 22 points and fellow junior Landon Lengfelder hit for 16. The Panthers were 9-18 at the line, pulled down 13 rebounds in their total of 28, stole the ball 13 times and overcame 20 turnovers.

However, that matchup is meaningless now given how much both teams have progressed.

Kistler, now wrapping up his sixth season, explained both he and Rawlins coach Denver Allard were just getting acquainted with their squads in that December game — starting to figure out where the then-new season’s players fit into the grand scheme.

“That first tournament out,” Kistler said, “was more like pickup basketball.”

“Early in the year you’re subbing is different,” he said, sharing a coaching insight. “Come regional time you know who you are going to sub. From then to now they’re executing more and shooting the ball better, too.”

The 3A state tournament begins today (Thursday) with Torrington vs. Big Piney at noon, Worland vs. Buffalo at 1:30 p.m. and Lander vs. Wheatland at 7:30 p.m. That’s followed by Powell vs. Rawlins in the nightcap.

A win over the 18-6 Outlaws would send the Panthers to a semifinal against the Lander/Wheatland winner at 9 p.m. Friday with a ticket to Saturday’s 5 p.m. title game riding on the outcome.

Lose to Rawlins tonight and Powell (11-13) will play at 1:30 p.m. Friday against the Lander/Wheatland loser. The winner of that game earns a shot at the consolation championship at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

How will the drama play out?

“The thing about regionals and state,” said Kistler in answer, “is no matter how well you are prepared for it there are upsets. People get hot and come out of nowhere” — not unlike Powell hopes to do again this year.

It’s comforting, Kistler said, “that our younger kids experienced it last year and know what it’s like.”

“I hope all the fans can make it down there and support us,” he added. “That makes it a lot more fun.”

Powell High School, Panther Basketball

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