Wyoming Premier Hoops Builds Momentum After Opening Weekend in Casper

Wyoming Premier Hoops did not have the opening weekend it hoped for, but both teams left Casper with something valuable: experience, game film, improved chemistry, and a clearer understanding of what must happen next.

The 19U Select and 16U Gold teams both finished the weekend with 2–3 records. It was not the result the program wanted, but it was the kind of weekend that can help shape a team when the right lessons are taken from it.

For the 19U Select team, the weekend was less about concern and more about progress. It was the first time the group had competed together this summer, and the roster was still taking shape.

Since that tournament, Wyoming Premier has continued strengthening the older team with several important additions.

The frontcourt has gained size and versatility with Cody Bomengen of Hot Springs County High School and 6-foot-7 Joshua Sauers of Cody High School. Those additions provide more rebounding, interior defense, physicality, and scoring potential.

The backcourt has also become deeper with the additions of Cooper Cannon of Worland High School and Kenyonn Snell of Tongue River High School.

Cannon gives the team another experienced ball handler who can attack the basket, organize the offense, defend opposing guards, and remain composed in important moments. Snell adds athleticism, scoring, defensive activity, and the ability to make an impact in transition.

Together, the additions give Wyoming Premier more depth, balance, and lineup flexibility as the summer continues.

The coaching staff saw enough from the older group in Casper to believe it can develop into one of the strongest teams in Wyoming.

“Our 19U team showed signs of becoming a team that can be one of the best in the state,” Coach said. “I feel like our older guys can compete with any team in the region. This was the first time this group really came together as a team this summer. Once we get everyone together and get a couple of practices in, I expect the results to be much better.”

The 19U Select team showed flashes throughout the weekend when its potential was obvious. When the ball moved, the defense tightened, and the players worked together, Wyoming Premier looked like a group capable of giving any opponent problems.

The next step is turning those stretches of strong basketball into complete games.

With more size in the frontcourt, additional scoring and athleticism on the perimeter, and greater depth throughout the roster, the older team should be better prepared for the competition ahead.

For the 16U Gold team, the weekend may have produced the program’s biggest surprise.

With several incoming freshmen on the roster, the young group was immediately placed in a physical and competitive environment against players who may earn varsity minutes during the upcoming high school season.

The coaching staff was not sure what to expect from such a young team, but the group’s effort and competitiveness left a strong impression.

“I was very happy with what I saw from the 16U group,” Coach said. “We have a lot of incoming freshmen on this team, and they are playing against kids who may get varsity minutes this year. That is important for them. They need to get used to playing against bigger, stronger, and more physical teams.”

The 16U Gold team showed toughness, energy, and a willingness to learn during games. Despite entering the weekend without practice time together, the players communicated, organized the offense, set up plays, and found success when they remained patient.

That was one of the most encouraging takeaways from the weekend.

“I have always said 16U is one of the toughest and most competitive age groups,” Coach said. “That is where kids are still hungry and ready to get after it. They were a joy to watch. With no practice time together, I watched them set up plays and run them successfully when they stayed patient. I think we may have found some gems throughout that entire group.”

The younger roster has also continued to grow since the tournament with the addition of Zavian Coletti of Rock Springs.

Coletti joins the 16U Gold team with experience competing on successful teams. He brings toughness, confidence, and a winning background to a young roster that is still developing its identity.

His addition gives Wyoming Premier another young player who can grow through playing against older, stronger, and more experienced competition.

The weekend did not end with the records Wyoming Premier wanted, but it gave the program a legitimate starting point.

Both teams showed fight. Both teams identified areas that need improvement. Most importantly, both teams showed that there is something meaningful to build on.

The 19U Select team will now work to improve its chemistry, strengthen its defensive consistency, and take advantage of the additional size, athleticism, and backcourt depth added to the roster.

The 16U Gold team will continue developing, competing, and proving that its young players can hold their own against older and more physical competition.

The rosters are stronger than they were when the teams left Casper, but adding talent alone will not be enough. The next step is getting the players together, building chemistry, defining roles, and learning how to compete as complete teams.

Wyoming Premier Hoops will now prepare for its next tournament as both groups return to work.

The results were not perfect, but the foundation is there.

The rosters are growing. The expectations are rising.

Now it is time to respond.