Laramie Lady Plainsmen to Play for State Title

For the second time in three years the Laramie Lady Plainsmen are in the 4A State Championship game. Behind 14 points apiece from Ali Beckler and Ragen Wilson, Laramie pulled away from Evanston for a 45-27 victory in the semifinal game on Friday at the Casper Events Center.

After two early lead changes and two ties, Laramie hit four 3-pointers  as part of a 14-2 to run.

“Someone had to start us off, and so I just started us off and everyone followed,” said Beckler about her 8 first quarter points that sparked the Lady Plainsmen to a 17-7 lead after the first period.

LHS extended to a 14-point advantage early in the second quarter before the game got a little ragged with turnovers. Both teams committed four late turnovers before Laramie went to the locker room with a 26-14 lead on 48 percent shooting.

An early Katie Kuhn 3 gave Laramie a 29-14 lead, but Evanston cut the lead to 9, at 32-23. That was as close as the Lady Red Devils would get. The Lady Plainsmen controlled the clock down the stretch for the convincing win.

Laramie shot their season averages of 40 percent from the field and 32 percent from 3-point land. LHS knocked down 8 treys and forced 17 Evanston turnovers that led to 14 Lady Plainsmen points.

“The girls really worked hard and they deserve to be there. So I’m really happy and proud of them,” commented Head Coach Rod Tyson on his team advancing to the title game.

Laramie will face the undefeated Natrona County Fillies in the championship game on Saturday afternoon at the Casper Events Center. Coverage on KOWB will begin about 3:45 p.m. with David Settle and VerDon Hoopes.