Hoops Team captures five first-place votes

Powell High School climbed two spots in the latest Wyopreps coaches’ and media boys basketball poll. Powell received five first-place votes out of a possible 18 as they ascended to the No. 2 position this week.

Depending what happens this weekend, that coud be nothing more than a temporary resting position. Newly annointed No. 1 Torrington was the victim of a lopsided 79-34 loss to Scottsbluff, Neb., on the eve of the latest poll being released.

Torrington picked up 12 of the 18 first-place votes and was named second on five of the remaining six ballots to score 246 points in this week’s poll. Powell, which was named as a top-three team by all 18 voters, had 213 points. The Panthers received five first-place votes, seven second-place votes and six third-place votes.

Star Valley remains at No. 3 for still another week. The Braves were leapfrogged by Powell, but did receive one first-place nod from this week’s voting panel. The Braves finished with 165 points this week after voters seemed uncertain of where to place them. Star Valley was voted anywhere from first to fifth place by pollsters.

Lander crashes out of first place and lands at No. 4 after being beaten decisively by the Panthers last Saturday. The Tigers were named on just 14 of the 18 ballots and tallied 87 points in this week’s poll. Buffalo, with 51 points and votes from 13 of the 18 voters holds steady at No. 5 for another week.

Wheatland and Lyman were the only other schools to receive votes in this week’s poll.

The Panthers wrap up their regular season this week with a Thursday game at Worland followed by a Saturday home contest against Park County rival Cody. The Panther teams travel to Jackson next week for 3A West regional play.