2021 Big Piney Boys Basketball Wrap [VIDEO]

It's not too often that you see a basketball team that had three all-state players but that's what the Big Piney boys had on their roster. That trio along with an all-conference selection propelled the Punchers right into the 2A state championship game. Big Piney was tested in all 3 games at the state tourney and in the quarterfinal round, they managed to get by Big Horn 37-34. The Punchers outscored the Rams 21-12 in the 2nd half and were led in scoring by Carlos Munoz with 9 points and Kaden Raza added 7.

Moving to the semi-final round, Big Piney drew the 2020 runner-up in Sundance. In wildly entertaining 4th quarter that featured a combined 43 points, the Punchers found a way to win in overtime 64-61. Kaden Raza was sharp with 18 points along with 13 rebounds. Edwin Gonzoles was more than solid for Big PIney with 16 points. and Carlos Munoz contributed 11 as the Punchers shot a remarkable 59% from the field in the 2nd half.

So the Punchers punched their ticket to the 2A title game to take on Rocky Mountain. Big Piney put on a furious 4th quarter rally to tie the game and force overtime but Rocky Mountain ran off 11 straight points in overtime to win 53-42. Gonzoles was the Punchers leading scorer with 11 and Raza threw in 8. Big Piney finished the season with a record of 17-5.

Edwin Gonzoles was an all-state pick, thanks to averaging 15 points per game. Kaden Raza made all-state throwing in 11 per contest and Carlos Munoz was an all-state selection, averaging 10 points per game. Ethan Whiterock was a double-digit scorer at a 10 points per game clip and that earned him all-conference status.

This program did not qualify for state from 2002 to 2012 but since then, they have made 6 appearances in the last 9 years. The Puncher's 2nd place finish was their best performance at the state tournament since 1982. Munoz, Raza, and Gonzoles were seniors this past season, so that's a lot of firepower to replace. Whiterock will return as one of 6 seniors on the 2021-22 squad. Be sure and check out our short video of this team. Enjoy!