Lady Rebels season ends at regionals

The Riverside Rebels concluded the 2025-26 season at the Class 1A West Regional in Lander. Facing two highly competitive teams, the girls played with determination and never gave up, despite falling short in the final results.   

On Thursday, the first day of tournament play, the Rebels faced Farson-Eden, who they played against in the 24-25 basketball season to rank for 3rd going into the State tournament. It was a physical and competitive game and the Rebels fought hard but ultimately came up short. That put them in the loser’s bracket and they faced St. Stephens the following day. They easily defeated the Lady Eagles, putting them up against the Little Snake River Lady Rattlers on Saturday. On Saturday morning, in the play-in game to go to state, the Rebels matched up against Little Snake River. The Rebels were ahead at halftime 23-15. Their defense was especially strong, holding Little Snake’s standout post player scoreless in the first half and limiting her to just nine points for the game, well below her season average.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Rebels trailed by just two points.

“Unfortunately, Little Snake River connected on three long 3-pointers in the final quarter, making six total in the second half, more than we could overcome,” said Hamilton. “Before the game we discussed the importance of playing hard and leaving everything on the court so that, regardless of the outcome, we would have no regrets.  The team embraced this mindset, and I couldn’t be prouder of their effort and spirit.”

“When we started the year we didn’t know if we would be able to field a team but with our freshmen stepping up and making the commitment we were able to have a great season.  We finished 14-10 overall.”

 “Our three seniors, Brooklynn Paxton, Johnna Clifford, and Varissa Olsen, have made a significant mark on the Riverside program.  Their contributions and leadership have shaped the team, and it may be some time before we see young women leave such a lasting impact.”

Next season, the Rebels could potentially return eight players in Belle Starbuck, Hadley Hopkin, Addie Owen, Evalynn Olsen, Annabelle Brown, Cynthia Olsen, Mari Pratt and Cachelynn Forshee.  Starbuck and Forshee attend from Ten Sleep High School.

Hamilton said the team and coaches extend their thanks to everyone who supported them this season.

Riverside  11  4   8   11   34

Farson-Eden    16   9   11   10   46

Brooklynn Paxton: 10 pts, 5-13 free throws, 15 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 assists, Johnna Clifford: 10 pts, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, Varissa Olsen: 6 pts, 1-2 free throws, 2 rebounds, 4 steals, Cachelynn Forshee: 4 pts, 1-2 free throws, 4 rebounds, Mari Pratt: 3 pts, 3-4 free throws, Belle Starbuck: 1 pt, 1-4 free throws, 1 steal

Riverside   32   18   8   1   59

St Stephens   3   6   5   5   19   

Paxton: 20 pts, 2-3 ft’s, 15 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 assists, Clifford: 10 pts, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, V. Olsen: 10 pts, 2-4 ft’s, 10 rebounds, Forshee: 12 pts, 4-8 ft’s, 3 assists, Starbuck: 7 steals, Hadley Hopkin: 5 pts

Riverside   14   9   12   6 41

Little Snake River   5   10   22   16   53

Paxton: 13 pts, 2-5 ft’s, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 assists, Clifford: 13 pts, 2 rebounds, 5 steals, V. Olsen: 10 pts, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, Forshee: 2 pts, 2 steals, Starbuck: 3 pts, 1 steal, 2 assists, Hopkin: 1 rebound, 2 blocks