Senior Jimmy Scholler’s 27 points weren’t enough for the boys basketball team on Tuesday when it dropped its third game of the season against Wyoming 61-56. Coming into this matchup, the boys knew Wyoming was going to be a tough team as the Wolves were 10-1 with a loss only to an undefeated Grand Rapids Christian team.

Along with his 27 points, Jimmy also recorded three assists, two steals, and a block. Senior Mitchell Wilkinson and junior Dallas Hopson both finished behind Jimmy with eight points. Mitchell had an additional four assists, a block, a steal, and 11 rebounds—three coming on offense and eight on defense. Junior George Hatchett tied Mitchell atop the assists column with his four assists. 

Wyoming jumped out to a quick lead in this game, going on an initial 14-7 run in the first quarter. As the first quarter ended in a 16-11 Ranger deficit, the boys closed the gap to only three points, though the Wolves went on another scoring streak to put them up 33-21 at the half. 

The second half was when the comeback started for the Rangers. A pivotal moment came in the game when a two-point shot made by George with just under four minutes left in the game brought the team within two points of Wyoming at a score of 53-51. Unfortunately, Wyoming struck back with a three-pointer, putting the game at 56-51 and out of the hands of the Rangers. In the remainder of the game, the Wolves would convert on three free throws and a two-point shot, but a free throw and a two-pointer from Jimmy and a two-pointer from Mitchell would bring the game back to 61-56 as the Rangers ultimately experienced defeat.

With this loss, the Rangers now hold a 9-3 overall record but stay undefeated at 6-0 in conference play. The boys’ next match will be at home this Friday, February 7th at 7:00 pm against Greenville, a team they have already beaten 63-23 on the road earlier in the season.