Wind River Cougars 2022-23 Basketball Season Previews [VIDEOS]

Pavillion, WY, was the fourth stop on our WyoPreps Preseason Basketball Tour last week.

The Wind River Cougars’ programs are in two different spots.

The boys were one of the Class 2A contenders in the 2021-22 season, and with four starters returning, including all-state senior Wylie Shearer, expectations for the new season are pretty high.

Wind River lost in the third-place game last March, and they’d love nothing more than to improve upon that finish at this season’s state tournament. After 19 wins, a conference, and a regional title, the Cougars look to take the next step.

WyoPreps had a chance to visit with head coach Justin Walker, plus seniors Jaycee Herbert, Brayden Leonhardt, and Wylie Shearer.

Coach Walker is in his 13th season as head coach. He touched on how practice is going, what they’re focusing on early, and areas they can improve on to make this year a better one.

The seniors spoke about their preseason preparations, some keys for the upcoming season, how they feel this season will go, and some fun topics.

Get our free mobile app

The Wind River girls struggled last season and finished with a 2-21 overall record, which included just one conference win.

A coaching change was made in the offseason, so it’s a fresh start for a new year.

WyoPreps discussed the upcoming season with new head coach Cody Kline, senior Martina Large, and junior Allison Tidzump.

Coach Kline spoke about taking over the program, adjustments they’re making as they go along, what they’re working on in practice, and more.

Large and Tidzump touched on how things are going in practice, adapting to a new coach and new style, their outlook for the season, and a few fun topics off the court.

Both Wind River teams open the 2022-23 season at the Bridger Valley Classic in Lyman and Mountain View on Friday and Saturday.