The Thunder Basin varsity basketball team in Gillette, WY will play a home conference game against Laramie, WY today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Wyoming High School Basketball
Who: Laramie vs Thunder Basin
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Laramie vs Thunder Basin

As the high school basketball season heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming showdown between Laramie High School and Thunder Basin High School. The teams are set to face off in an exciting conference game today, with a return matchup scheduled for February 8. Both teams have been performing strong this season, and their head-to-head battle promises to be a must-watch.

Team Overview

Laramie (9-2, 1-0 Conference) has demonstrated impressive consistency so far in the 2024-2025 season. With an overall win percentage of .818, Laramie has been dominating at home (3-0) and away (2-0), while also maintaining a solid 4-2 record in neutral site games. The Laramie team is putting up an average of 66.9 points per game, showing their offensive strength. They have a well-balanced squad, led by standout player Neil Summers, who is averaging 16.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

Thunder Basin (5-3, 0-0 Conference), on the other hand, has had a more up-and-down season but is still a formidable opponent. The Gillette-based team has a solid overall record of .625, and has shown strength in away games, posting a 2-0 record in such contests. However, they will need to be on their A-game when facing Laramie, as Thunder Basin has struggled a bit at home with a 2-2 record. Their average points per game stands at 57.0, with a focus on solid defense and rebounding.

Statistical Comparison

Looking at key stats, Laramie stands out in scoring with an average of 66.9 points per game, while Thunder Basin hasn’t had its full statistics published yet. However, Laramie has a clear advantage in the assist and steal departments, with Jaden Smith contributing 4.4 assists and Gabe Sanchez leading the team in steals with 1.5 per game. Laramie also boasts better offensive consistency, averaging more points across all four quarters, with notable consistency in the second and third quarters.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The first of two matchups between these two teams will take place tonight, with Laramie traveling to Thunder Basin’s home court in Gillette. The game will be crucial for both teams as they look to establish themselves in conference play. Laramie will aim to keep their momentum going, building off of wins against quality teams like Kelly Walsh and Natrona County.

Thunder Basin will be hoping to improve on their 2-2 home record and secure a win on their turf. They’ve demonstrated solid performances against teams like Green River and Riverton, but the challenge posed by Laramie’s offense will require their defense to step up significantly.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents throughout the season. Laramie has had a perfect record against shared rivals, going 5-0 against teams like Kelly Walsh and Green River. Thunder Basin has not been quite as successful but has still managed a strong 4-1 record in similar matchups.

In terms of head-to-head results, Laramie holds a clear advantage, having outperformed common opponents in more convincing fashion. Thunder Basin will need to dig deep and focus on executing their game plan in order to close the gap and compete for the win.

Key Players to Watch

• Laramie: Neil Summers (16.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG) – Laramie’s standout player, Summers, will be key to their success. His scoring ability and presence on the boards make him a dual threat that Thunder Basin will have to account for at all times.
• Thunder Basin: Gabe Sanchez (1.5 SPG) – Sanchez’s ability to disrupt the offense and make steals will be crucial for Thunder Basin. He will need to generate turnovers and create fast-break opportunities to counteract Laramie’s high-scoring offense.

Looking Ahead

The Laramie vs. Thunder Basin matchup today is just the beginning of what promises to be an intense season for both teams. Fans can also mark their calendars for the return game on February 8, when Thunder Basin travels to Laramie for another exciting clash.

As the season progresses, the outcome of these games could have major implications for conference standings, so both teams will be looking to build momentum for the stretch run. Will Laramie continue to dominate, or will Thunder Basin find a way to challenge the high-flying Laramie offense? The answer lies on the court tonight and in their next matchup in February.