The Niobrara County High School (Lusk, WY) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against HEM (Hanna, WY) today at 1:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Wyoming High School Basketball
Who: HEM vs Niobrara County
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 1:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: HEM vs Niobrara County

The Wyoming high school basketball season has seen an exciting mix of performances, but one of the most intriguing matchups has been between the Hanna, Wyoming (HEM) squad and Niobrara County from Lusk, Wyoming. This season has presented contrasting trajectories for both teams, with Niobrara County dominating their conference play, while HEM struggles to find consistency.

Team Overview

• HEM (Hanna, WY) has an overall record of 2-6 and sits with a 1-2 conference record. Their win percentage currently stands at 25%, which reflects the team’s ongoing struggles on both ends of the floor. In their most recent game, HEM suffered a tough loss to Niobrara County with a 72-34 result.
• Niobrara County (Lusk, WY) has been a powerhouse this season, maintaining a perfect 10-0 record overall and a flawless 3-0 conference mark. Their ability to dominate in every phase of the game is reflected in their impressive 67.7 points-per-game average. Their consistency has made them one of the top contenders in Wyoming high school basketball this season.

Recent Head-to-Head

The latest meeting between the two teams occurred on December 20, 2024, in a neutral conference game where Niobrara County easily triumphed over HEM with a commanding score of 72-34. This defeat highlighted the disparity between the two teams, as Niobrara County dominated both offensively and defensively, showcasing their depth and skill.

Scoring Averages

• HEM: The team averages 41.4 points per game, with their scoring spread across four quarters. They average 7 points in the first quarter, 9 in the second, 12 in the third, and finish with a low 5 points in the final quarter.
• Niobrara County: In stark contrast, Niobrara County averages 67.7 points per game. They start strong, scoring 26 points in the first quarter, and maintain their momentum throughout the game, finishing with an average of 14 points in both the third and fourth quarters.

Common Opponents

Looking at games against common opponents further emphasizes the gap in performance:

• Lingle-Fort Laramie: HEM lost to Lingle-Fort Laramie 84-33, while Niobrara County is set to face them on January 17, 2025, after already posting a solid victory over them.
• Guernsey-Sunrise: HEM picked up a win over Guernsey-Sunrise 59-36, while Niobrara County defeated the same team 53-16 in their matchup.
• Southeast: HEM lost to Southeast 61-38, while Niobrara County has yet to face them this season but will meet them on January 25, 2025.
• Rock River: HEM is set to face Rock River on January 16, 2025, but Niobrara County already handed Rock River a 68-25 loss in their earlier game.
• Midwest: HEM has a home game against Midwest scheduled for January 24, 2025, but Niobrara County won 84-27 when they played Midwest earlier in the season.
• Encampment: HEM will face Encampment on February 10, 2025, but Niobrara County also earned a solid victory, winning 64-39.

Record Breakdown

• HEM: With a 2-6 overall record, HEM has a more difficult schedule ahead of them. They’ve posted a 1-2 record in conference play, which means they need to significantly improve to compete within their league. Their only real bright spot has been a victory over Guernsey-Sunrise.
• Niobrara County: With a flawless 10-0 record, Niobrara County has maintained its dominance in the league. They are 3-0 in conference play and 7-0 in neutral games, demonstrating their strength in various environments. Their performance against common opponents, with a 4-0 record, shows their readiness for any challenge.

Upcoming Games

Both teams will continue their seasons with more challenging matchups. HEM’s next game is an away conference game against Niobrara County, scheduled for 1:30 PM on January 11, 2025. This game will provide another opportunity for HEM to face one of the toughest teams in the state.

As for Niobrara County, their impressive form suggests they will continue to dominate the remainder of their schedule, and they are expected to be a force to be reckoned with as the playoffs approach.

Conclusion

While HEM is in a rebuilding phase, Niobrara County has emerged as one of Wyoming’s top teams. With strong offensive and defensive strategies, they appear poised to extend their undefeated streak and potentially claim a conference title. HEM will need to make adjustments and capitalize on opportunities to improve their record and build momentum for the rest of the season.