Get ready for an exciting basketball showdown as the Wyoming Cowboys gear up for their upcoming Mountain West race! But first, let's dive into a story that will take us back in time and set the stage for this highly anticipated match.
Sundance Wicks: A Coach's Journey and a Homecoming
Laramie, Wyoming, is buzzing with excitement as Sundance Wicks, the Cowboys' second-year head coach, prepares his team for a challenging season. However, before we delve into the strategy and tactics, let's explore Wicks' personal connection to this upcoming game.
Wicks, a former assistant coach at Northern State, his alma mater, experienced a heart-wrenching loss in the 2017-18 season. The Wolves fell just short of the NCAA Division II national championship, losing 71-69 to Ferris State in a thrilling game at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This venue holds a special place in Wicks' heart, and he's eager to share its unique atmosphere with his players.
"The Sanford Pentagon is an electric environment when it's packed," Wicks shared. "The fans are right up close, creating an intense and fun atmosphere that reminds me of the legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse. I can't wait for our guys to experience it!"
But here's where it gets interesting: this upcoming game against South Dakota State is technically a neutral site match, yet the Cowboys will be facing a sea of 3,500 Jackrabbit supporters. Talk about an away game atmosphere!
The Cowboys, with an impressive 8-2 record, are determined to close out their non-conference play with a win away from Laramie. And they've got the talent to make it happen. UW improved to 8-0 at home with a dominant win over South Dakota, but they're hungry for more. They've come close, narrowly losing to Sam Houston State and giving No. 20 Texas Tech a run for their money on the road.
"This game is a big deal," Wicks emphasized. "We need to win away from home. It's as simple as that. We can't manipulate our mindset; we have to embrace the challenge and start winning on the road. As a program, we must take that next step, and that means securing victories away from our friendly confines."
Last season, the Pokes struggled on the road, finishing with a 3-10 record and a 1-3 mark in neutral sites. But this year's squad, featuring 12 new players, is a force to be reckoned with. They plan to make some serious noise in the MW and silence hostile crowds.
Leading the charge is senior point guard Leland Walker, who averages an impressive 14.1 points per game and dishes out 4.0 assists. He's joined by true freshman Nasir (Naz) Meyer, who dropped a career-high 26 points against South Dakota and is averaging 12.3 points and 4.6 rebounds. The backcourt rotation also includes Khaden Bennett (10.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Damarion Dennis (9.4 ppg), and Uriyah Rojas (8.7 ppg), creating a dynamic and talented lineup.
South Dakota State, however, won't go down without a fight. They'll counter with forward Matthew Mors (7.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Alec Squires (4.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg), and Damon Wilkinson (11.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg), all standing at 6'10" or taller. Wicks is ready for a tactical battle, describing it as a "Mountain West type look."
"I'm excited for a chess match," Wicks said. "This game will give us a taste of what the Mountain West has to offer, which is exactly why we scheduled it before league play. Regardless of the outcome, I want our guys to experience the challenge of playing in tough environments against quality opponents with big, physical players, just like South Dakota State."
Wicks' personal connection to South Dakota adds an extra layer of emotion to this game. Having played against the Jackrabbits four times during his playing career at Northern State, he averaged nearly 13 rebounds and nine points per game. Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, Wicks will have a section of family and friends cheering him on amidst the sea of blue and yellow.
"The Jackrabbit fans travel well in South Dakota, and I expect nothing less for this game," Wicks noted. "It's a cool matchup for us, playing a really good opponent in a neutral site. South Dakota State is always in the hunt to win the Summit League, and we're ready for the challenge."
The Cowboys will begin their Mountain West journey against Grand Canyon at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Arena-Auditorium. Will they continue their winning streak and silence the Jackrabbit crowd? Only time will tell.
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