Upton Lady Bobcats Dominate Lusk to Claim Consolation Bracket Victory

(This story was prepared by NLJ Publisher Bob Bonnar with the assistance of artificial intelligence.)

The Upton Lady Bobcats secured a commanding 51-37 victory over the Niobrara County Tigers in the consolation bracket of the Wyoming State 1A Girls Basketball Tournament on Friday morning at Casper College. Fueled by strong early play and a relentless defensive effort, the Bobcats ensured a spot in Saturday's Consolation Final and kept alive hopes of ending their season on a positive note.

From the opening tip, Upton took control, surging to a 17-7 lead in the first quarter. Their efficient shooting and aggressive rebounding helped them maintain momentum, entering halftime with a comfortable 28-13 advantage. While Niobrara County fought hard to close the gap in the second half, the Bobcats' resilience kept the Tigers at bay.

Maddie Mills led Upton with an impressive 15-point performance, showcasing her ability to score inside and from beyond the arc. She also contributed six rebounds and one steal while providing a steady presence on both ends of the floor. Breeley Materi provided a well-rounded effort with 13 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two assists, making key plays to keep the offense flowing.

Paige Mills made a significant impact off the bench, adding seven points, four steals, and three rebounds in just 12 minutes of play. Lilly Jackson proved to be a force in the paint, finishing with seven points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Her ability to crash the boards and secure second-chance opportunities was vital for the Bobcats.

Bella Keller anchored the defense, recording a team-high six blocks to go along with five points and eight rebounds. Addison Gustaf also provided solid contributions with four rebounds, two points, and an assist, helping the team maintain control of the game’s tempo.

Defensively, Upton forced 19 turnovers, six of which came on blocks from Keller, disrupting Niobrara County’s offensive rhythm. Though the Tigers found some offensive success in the second half, particularly through Gracie Zumbrunnen, who tallied nine points and nine rebounds, their shooting struggles—hitting just 23.1% from the field—proved too much to overcome.

A key factor in Upton’s victory was their efficiency at the free-throw line. The Bobcats capitalized on their opportunities, sinking 18 of 24 free throws (75%), while the Tigers managed just 8 of 25 (32%).

The Lady Cats will wrap up their state tournament when they try to secure the Consolation Championship trophy on Saturday against the winner of today’s Lingle-Ft. Laramie vs. Farson-Eden game. For the third consecutive day, the Upton girls will tip off tournament action at 9:00 a.m., but they will play in their third different gym in as many days with the consolation championship slated for Natrona County High School in Casper.