PhotoFest: Powell Finally Breaks Through and Wins 3A Hoops Crown

It wasn't too long ago that the Powell boys basketball program was going through some lean years. The Panthers won just 12 games over a 3-year period from 2016-18 but came to life last season with 19 wins. This season, Powell made that next big step forward by securing a 3A State Championship with a 49-34 win over Wheatland in Casper on Saturday. Not only did they win the championship trophy but they also ran the table at 26-0. That's not easy to do.

Powell has a gifted group of athletes who excel in football, basketball, and baseball. Brock Johnson who will play college baseball in the fall, had 11 points for the Panthers in that title game on 5-7 from the floor. Powell was led by Gunnar Erickson with 14 points and the Panthers were not drawn into a deliberate game that Wheatland prefers.

The Bulldogs were tough customers in the 3A State Tournament as they beat Lovell in the 1st round at the buzzer and then beat the #1 seed from the East, Douglas in the 2nd round. Wheatland got 10 points apiece from Brock Peasley and Tate Nichols in that championship game to finish the campaign at 18-10. That's 7 more wins than last season and 10 more from 2 years ago.

Be sure and take a look at our video from Saturday's contest as well as some pics in our gallery below. Enjoy!