wyoming wolves girls basketball

By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

After a four-game winning streak, including a “Battle of Wyoming” championship over the holidays, the Wyoming girls basketball team was cooled off by Mona Shores 58-49 Tuesday.

Coach Jesse Vasquez said every time his Wolves cut into the lead, Mona Shores would build it up again.

“In the fourth quarter, Mona had us by 14 points and we cut it down to seven, but couldn’t get over the hump,” said Vasquez, whose team fell to 6-4 overall. “They would make a big 3 to put it back at 10 points.

“We just couldn’t get in a rhythm. They did a real good job defensively against us, and we couldn’t find a bucket when we needed one.”

Last year, Mona Shores finished atop the OK Green at 12-2 and were 19-4 overall.

Wyoming freshman Myah Nabors led in scoring with eight points.

Vasquez said La’Anna Griffin, Shakya Anderson and Meneliza McGee are “some big pieces for us this year.”

Turning things around

Vasquez said recently winning the Potter’s House holiday tournament, the “Battle of Wyoming,” was a cool experience.

“It was a great atmosphere; really loud and great that our girls found a way at the end to win,” said Vasquez, whose Wolves were 4-17 overall last year and have won two more games at this early point in the season.

“I didn’t come in to a bare cupboard; the cupboards are very full,” continued Vasquez, in his first season. “We’re getting them to rely on their teammates, trust one another and they definitely put the work in every practice.

“The girls buy in to what we’re talking about.”

Wyoming cruised past Godwin Heights in the first ‘Battle of Wyoming’ girls basketball tourney opener on Wednesday.(WKTV)

By Zach Fanko

WKTV Contributor

Wyoming used its size and physicality to overpower Godwin Heights in the opening game of the first ‘Battle of Wyoming’ girls basketball tournament on Wednesday night at Potter’s House High School.

The Wolves secured a 65-45 victory as forward LaAnna Griffin recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Aaliyah Ratliff added 12 points.

Wyoming sophomore Shakya Anderson goes in for a basket. (WKTV)

The frontcourt duo of Griffin and Shakya Anderson were able to establish their presence in the post and provided key baskets according to Wyoming coach Jesse Vasquez.

“Everytime Godwin would make a run we threw the ball into them and they made some good shots,” Vasquez said. “Which allowed us to get into our defensive sets after a make.

“I thought our defensive pressure causing problems and the way we rebounded really turned the game for us.”

Godwin tries to defend against Wyoming’s fast moving LaAnna Griffin (15). (WKTV)

The importance of this win could not be understated for the Wolves (4-3), who have already matched last year’s win total and have the look of a much improved team.

“To come out against Godwin, a school right down the road from us. A lot of the girls know each other.

“And to win a basketball game because of our effort and energy it’s huge for us.”

Battle of Wyoming championship Thursday

Wyoming faces host Potter’s House in the ‘Battle of Wyoming’ championship on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Pumas beat Kelloggsville in the other semifinal game, 58-31.