The basketball team has been putting in countless hours of hard work this season as they prepare for their run at state. According to varsity coach Coach Lancaster, the team has faced a challenging schedule that has helped them grow stronger. “I think our team has done very well this season from our preseason schedule which was really tough to conference which showed where we stack up with Wyoming teams,” Lancaster said.
Lancaster also explained that the team has faced ups and downs throughout the season, but those challenges have helped them become more prepared. One of the moments he was most proud of came during regionals, when the team showed resilience by coming back from being down late in games and continuing to compete with confidence. Lancaster also shared that some of his favorite moments come after the games, saying that “after big wins awaiting the celebration in the locker room is pretty awesome.”
Varsity player Dylan Shumway also believes in the team’s potential heading into state. “I’m extremely confident in our guys. I think when we are playing together and well, we can beat anyone in the state,” Shumway said, adding that the team’s close bond helps them succeed. “This team is extremely close, we all enjoy being with each other and we all are willing to put everything on the court for each other.” With strong teamwork, determination, and a lot of hard work, the SVHS basketball team is ready to give their best effort as they head into the state tournament.
The team carries significant momentum into the state tournament after a dramatic postseason run, aiming to cap their season with a first-place finish. The team’s journey was highlighted by an unforgettable moment during the 4A West regional tournament in Evanston when Roman Erickson sank a buzzer-beating turnaround jumper to secure a 62-60 victory over Rock Springs. The last-second shot electrified the crowd and solidified the Braves’ position as a top contender.
Off the court, players Tayt Lawson and Zach Delgado attribute their success to a tight-knit team culture, noting that the squad frequently spends time together outside of practice. To get game-ready, the team typically listens to a collective playlist, though Zach often turns to his personal “hype” song, “Is This Love” by Bob Marley. This relaxed bond reflects their coaches’ consistent advice to “relax and have fun” rather than playing under pressure—a philosophy they hope will lead to a championship in Casper.
The Star Valley Braves’ journey to the 4A State Tournament has been defined by a “never-quit” attitude and the hard-earned growth of a battle-tested roster. Varsity Head Coach Shumway noted that while the season was full of “ups and downs,” the team’s ability to stay focused and “fight through” early deficits against Rock Springs and Green River stood out as a defining strength. Senior Will Linford echoed this sentiment, describing the regional opener against Rock Springs as an intense, “back and forth battle” that came down to the final seconds. For Linford, seeing the team’s determination and teamwork successfully handle such adversity was a season highlight and proof of their preparation.
Coach Shumway emphasized that clinching a top-eight spot at state is a “huge accomplishment” and a direct result of the players’ relentless effort in practice all year. As they head into the championship weekend, both Shumway and Linford believe the team is primed for success, fueled by the “excitement of seeing their hard work pay off” on the biggest stage in Wyoming high school basketball.
