Boys basketball team looks to shine

After a few lackluster seasons, the Green River High School boys basketball team are ready to shine in the 2016-2017 season.

Head coach Laurie Ivie said the team is coming into the season in a better place than they were last year. Team members have competed in more than 45 games during the off season and have spent the summer training in the weight room.

With all five varsity starters returning, as well as a number of players who received varsity play time during the previous season, Ivie said the goal for the team never changes because they aim to get better each time they step onto the court.

“Practices have been intense, upbeat, and full of energy.  Our guys are pushing each other hard, every single day to get better,” Ivie said.

The team has worked on new schemes on both offense and defense, learning new systems and focusing on mental toughness, she said.

“We plan to play uptempo on both ends of the court. Offensively, we are going to run the floor,” Ivie said. “We have kids who can get to the rack, as well as many good outside shooters. Defensively, we want to play physical and apply pressure.”

Ivie said the team also works on honoring their team covenants.

So far, the team has performed well during their first tournament, coming out on top against Big Piney, Lyman and Lander.

The boys will compete in the Flaming Gorge Classic this weekend. Their fist game is against Pinedale Thursday at 11:15 a.m. They will then take on the team from Grace, Idaho at 6 p.m.

The boys then face a team from Northridge, Utah, Friday at 4:20 p.m., then take to the court a final time Saturday evening against Rawlins at 6:30 p.m. All of the boys games will take place at Green River High School.