Evanston Sweeps Laramie in Cheyenne

Two good games resulted in two close losses for Laramie High School basketball during Friday’s action at the Taco John’s Invitational in Cheyenne.

The Laramie Lady Plainsmen had three chances in the final 13.9 seconds to win the game, but none of them went in, and they lost 52-51 to No. 5 Evanston.

The Plainsmen were involved in a close game for a second straight day, but saw fourth-ranked Evanston pull away for a 64-56 victory.

Laramie Lady Plainsmen

Evanston’s Tayler Groll made one of two free throws with 16.5 seconds left to give the Red Devils their second victory over Laramie this season.

The Lady Plainsmen fought back to tie the game on a pair of big shots from senior Sekoya Romero. She knocked down a corner three, and then followed with a 15-foot baseline jumper that made it 51-51.

After a Laramie turnover, Groll was fouled and made the game-winning free throw. The Lady Plainsmen called timeout. Romero missed a runner in the lane. DaiJane Giron got the rebound, but missed the put-back. Shyann Bastian grabbed that board and found Lexi Pulley, whose free throw line jumper was no good at the buzzer.

Laramie (3-6) was led by Pulley with a game-high 19 points. Jennifer Aadland added 12 points and seven rebounds. Romero contributed nine points and six boards.

Evanston (7-1) got 15 points from Hailey Barker, while Emmery Wagstaff added 11.

The Lady Plainsmen finish the Taco John’s Invitational with a home game against Riverton Saturday at 1 p.m. from Laramie High School.

Laramie Plainsmen

The Red Devils got revenge for a loss in the season opener for both teams last month in Casper, by knocking down free throws late and pulling away for an eight-point victory.

The game featured nine lead changes and eight ties, as the two teams battled back-and-forth. Neither team led by more than six points in the first three quarters.

Laramie nearly rallied after trailing by eight. They pulled within 58-56, when Evanston made one-of-two free throws. Two turnovers in the final minute, plus a missed three led to the Red Devils hitting five-of-six at the line that iced it.

Frank Crum led the Plainsmen with 19 points and five rebounds. Asa Williams added 12 points.

Evanston (6-2) got a game-high 28 points from Braxton Hiatt. Chase Critchfield added 19.

Laramie (5-4) has lost three straight and will face defending 3A state champion Riverton at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at LHS.