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MKB: A few of the teams we're looking at are coming off a pretty rough 2004-2005 season. Which squad has improved the most, in your opinion? Gabe: Right now, I'd have to say the Wyoming Indian boys and the Riverton girls. Wyoming Indian didn't go to state for the first time in something like two decades, and now they have started the season 6-0, and are ranked second as of the latest poll. New coach Craig Ferris is doing something right to win the close ones, as four of their six wins have been decided by four points or less. The Riverton girls won all of five games last year. They are 6-0 right now. Reggie Miller has the kids believing in themselves. They get after it on defense and take care of the ball on offense, and they are having a terrific start to the season. MKB: Have the coaches' predictions for hot teams and players come true so far this season? Gabe: I would have to say yes, they are right on the money. There are always leader that seem to materialize as the season goes on, but for now, most of the predictions are pretty close. MKB: Are there any teams or players playing surprisingly well, exceeding expectations? Gabe: I think that the Dubois boys are doing well with a young, first-year head coach. Now that they re in 1A, they should be able to make a run at state like they did in 2A last year. MKB: Who are your picks for state champs? Gabe: Wow. Those who listen to my Ten County Sports Plus at 9:30 on KVOW know that my prognostications aren't too great. I'll say this: In 1A, I think it's between Burlington and Upton right now. St. Stephens will obviously have something to say before it's all over. On the 1A girls side, Guernsey and Encampment are runaways, with Farson and Arvada looking to be spoilers. In 2A, flip a coin and make it a big one. I think that it's a five team race at least there. 2A girls, I think will be between Tongue River and Wyoming Indian. Lovell may have a word to say, but we'll see. In 3A, Buffalo looks to be the cream of the boys crop, with Lander as the front-runner on the ladies' side. For 4A boys, probably Cheyenne East; it's theirs to lose, basically. Central and Gillette will be contenders. On the girls' side, it appears Gillette is the hand-down favorite to take it. Again, it's early, and there's a lot of hoops to be played, and I don't want to take anything away from anyone's chances, but those would be my picks if you forced me to choose. MKB: What would be your dream state playoff scenerio? Gabe: I think it would be cool to have a Best of the Best event after state. Let the teams that won and placed second in each class come to one site and play for a Wyoming State Champion. The small schools wouldn't be at the top most years, but the times they did go, it would be huge. For up-to-date information on your favorite teams--be it basketball, volleyball, swimming, or gymnastics--catch John's reports on the radio or check out WyoPreps.com for sports action around the state. My thanks to John for his help in bringing this magazine about. The passion and loyalty that Wyoming residents feel for their high school sports teams is reflected in his work, and is sure to be passed on to a new generation of sports fans. |