Rock Springs came into the SVHS gym on Friday night and completed the varsity sweep of both the Braves and the Lady Braves in 4A West Conference action.

The Lady Braves found themselves down 19-5 in the second quarter but drew to within seven at the half and tied the game at 31 apiece in the third stanza.  To the Lady Tigers’ credit, they responded each time the Lady Braves drew close and sealed the game at the free-throw line for a 56-46 victory.

Amanda Willmore scored a game high 18 points and chipped in five assists for Rock Springs, while Kyla Radakovich also scored in double figures wiht 13 points.

McKenzie Luthi scored a season-high 14 points, ten of which came in the second half for the Lady Braves, while Carolee Saunders finished with nine.  Sage Draney finished with seven points and five rebounds.

Danette Warren scored six points and pulled down five rebounds while Aubree Johnson also scored six and collected three steals.

On the boy’s side of the equation, the Braves led very briefly, 9-6 before Rock Springs went on a 15-0 run to close out the first quarter.  It was a deficit that proved to be too much for Star Valley to overcome.  While the Braves closed the gap to six points on several occasions, they were never able to catch a confident group of Tigers coached by Mike Swensen.

Austin Maxwell was key in building the lead, scoring 14 of his team-high 18 points in the first half.  Kolby Vasa and Kevin Gold also finished in double digits scoring 15 and 14 points respectively.  Brandon Allen finished with nine points and six rebounds for the Tigers.

Mitch Schwab scored a game-high 25 points and collected five steals for the Braves, while Tyler Schwab notched 13 points of his own.  Despite playing much of the game in foul trouble, Remick Rappleye finished with seven points and nine rebounds. 

Coach Dixon shuffled his lineup multiple times while five different Braves finished with at least four fouls.

Both Star Valley squads fell to 0-3 in the 4A West and will try to get into the win column Saturday evening against Green River.

On the wrestling mat, Natrona edged the red-hot Braves in Casper, 36-33 in a conference duel.  Star Valley responded well in their next duel, wiping the mat with Kelly Walsh, 68-6.

The 4A West Regional Tournament will take place in Afton on February 15-16.