ROCK SPRINGS – All the talk of three straight losses and troubles during the break were put to bed as the Rock Springs Tigers did its talking on the floor Friday night.

The Tigers returned to action and in new head coach Jason Buell’s first game, Rock Springs dominated Laramie, 73-52, to move to 4-4 on the season. Rock Springs had three players in double figures led by Trevor Hautala who finished with 27.

Rock Springs came out of the gates showing hustle, diving for loose balls and taking care of the boards. Behind Kelby Kramer and Trevor Hautala, the Tigers quickly jumped up 10, 16-6. Jesus Beltran hit a big three and Kael Mikkelsen had several baskets as the Tigers took a 22 point lead at the break, 40-22. Mikkelsen led the way in the first half with 12 points and Hautala put in 10. Eight of Mikkelsen’s 12 came in the second quarter.

Rock Springs kept its foot on the gas and the defense stepped on the Plainsmen ending any hope of a comeback. The Tigers only allowed eight in the third and Hautala finished the quarter scoring 10 straight for Rock Springs. Trevor had 16 in the quarter as Rock Springs extended its lead to 30 after three, 60-30.

It was academic from there as Beltran, Zach Rudelich, Coleman Welsh and Brady Arnoldi all added points late as the Tigers rolled in the 21 point win.

Along with Hautala’s team-high 27, Mikkelsen added 14 and Kramer finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Brady Arnoldi finished with six to round out the leaders offensively.

Rock Springs returns to the court on Saturday as the face Cheyenne South. The Bison beat Green River in a physical contest Friday night.

Rock Springs High School
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