NEWCASTLE – The Torrington High School Blazers’ offense and defense clicked during the February 17 away game against Newcastle, resulting in the Blazers netting a decisive 39-21 victory over the Dogies.

Torrington’s win provided the Blazers with positive momentum as they prepare for the final weekend of the regular season with home games against Glenrock and Rawlins. 

Newcastle is a team Torrington is likely to see again in the postseason, and the Blazer’s victory bodes well for Torrington in the leadup to the regional tournament.

“I was extremely proud of how well the boys came together for the game against Newcastle,” head coach Logan Barker said. “They rallied around each other and crashed the boards very well with over 40 rebounds total. They played as a team, and it showed.”

On Friday, Torrington fell to a tough conference rival Wheatland, 54-23.

“Our kids battled, but we could not buy a bucket to save our lives against a solid Wheatland team,” Barker added. “Every possession matters against the Bulldogs.”

The team is looking forward to its upcoming games. 

“We are excited for our final two home games and are hoping to make some noise here soon at 3A Regionals in Rawlins next week,” Barker said.

Newcastle

Junior Weston Dyer kicked off the first quarter between the Blazers and Dogies with a deep outside shot.

Fellow junior Mac Hibben snatched a pair of steals. Junior Brayden Hime netted three points from the charity stripe, placing Torrington ahead, 8-0, midway into the first quarter.

Dyer responded to a close-range shot by Newcastle with a 3-pointer. Hime went 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. 

The Blazers dominated the scoreboard, 15-4, as the second quarter commenced.

Newcastle found its footing in the second quarter and topped Torrington in scoring by a single point, 7-6. 

Hime kept the Blazers on the scoreboard and Torrington led, 21-11, at halftime.

Torrington won a physical third quarter, 7-4. Junior Ethan Robbins found an opening in the Dogies’ perimeter to score. Defensive pressure by Hibben resulted in a turnover. Hime tossed in a close-range shot and a free throw. Dyer rounded out scoring in the third quarter with a jumper.

Maintaining its momentum into the final quarter, Torrington outmaneuvered Newcastle, 11-6. Dyer and Hime both contributed four points to the tally in the fourth.

Hime led Torrington in scoring against Newcastle with a season high of 18 points. Dyer netted 12 points, Robbins two with a free throw by senior Adam Bartlett.

Torrington dominated the boards with more than 40 rebounds. Hibben and Hime both posted seven rebounds with six apiece by Dyer and Bartlett.

Hibben delivered four assists and grabbed four steals.