CWC (194th) d NORTHWEST (84th)
Amidst a bevy of distractions with one player lost to a serious injury and three players departing the program for a variety of reasons, Central Wyoming came into today's game needing a win.  At 1-3 after dropping two road games they should've won, a loss to the conference's #1 ranked team Northwest would see them at 1-4 and in a spot of bother.  You wouldn't have known it early though as the Trappers took it to the Rustlers, leading 36-26 at half-time amidst too many turnovers and a general lethargy offset by Northwest's energy.  And then half-time happened, the Rustlers shooting the lights out and Thunder forward Daniel Smith owning the paint at both ends.  When Jultopia guard Jordan Peel fell with a hip injury, you wondered if the Rustlers comeback was too much, too little, too late but no as the dunks kept coming and the triples kept falling.  Coach Rafferty talked afterwards of needing to play inside out and as they found Smith inside, the points piled up and the stops came and whammo, the Rustlers ran it out for a 53-33 second half and a much-needed win that keeps them in the hunt.  Smith had his first 20-10-5 game of the season, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and a block at an efficient 83% from the field to maintain his conference-leading field goal %.  Final score CWC 79 (Daniel Smith 21, Camrin Gulley 14, Jordan Peel 13) d Northwest 69 (Trey Rinn 17, Mateo Trujillo 15, Logan Woolstenhulme 13).

And so it begins, the WCB 2026 First Season set to tip off tonight and the Thunder are in disarray, datarray and every other array as they go about defending the title.  We admit we don't know how many other teams are in the competition as our attention has been on the Central Wyoming Rustlers, this off-season not really an off-season as we follow our two favourite collegiate student-athletes, Jultopia champion Jordan Peel, and Thunder and Jultopia champion Daniel Smith.  Oh yeah, back to the WCB.  We're totally not ready for this season.  Where did the time go?  Has anyone seen the Smiths?  Two teams enter, one team leave.  With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway v CFC Stars.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD TO HEAD
8/12/2025 (grand final):  Gateway 75 (Jon.Smith 24, Penn 20, T.Sleep 9) d CFC Stars 57
22/9/2025:  Gateway 67 (Jon.Smith 32, Penn 12, T.Sleep 8) d CFC Stars 49
11/8/2025:  Gateway 71 (Jon.Smith 25, D.Smith 18, Jos.Smith 8) d CFC Stars 49
30/6/2025 (grand final):  Gateway 72 (Jon.Smith 23, D.Smith 17, T.Sleep 11) d CFC Stars 51
16/6/2025:  Gateway 79 (Jon.Smith 34, Vucetic 17, Jos.Smith 11) d CFC Stars 61

OUR PREDICTION
Who did this?  Who would be so sadistic as to schedule the grand final rematch in week one and particularly when - let's call a spade a spade - the Smiths are nowhere to be seen.  We asked our bothan spies for an update and they replied with "Has anyone seen the Smiths?"  When five players have the surname Smith, the supposed absence of the Smiths means the Thunder will be without at least five players tonight and that is not a great place to start the season.  If anyone else is missing, this is going to get ugly fast.  The Thunder began a new journey last season as they added two youngsters to the team in an effort to get the average age - yes, we said average age - below 40 and it worked but we have no idea if they're back this season or have decided to hang out with people closer to their own age.  Living in two generations is a complex tightrope to walk across and when you come up against the team hungry to go one better, this is gonna be tough.  We don't know who's suiting up for the blue and black, let alone the blue, orange and white so this comes down to a vibe.  The Smithless olds and youngs v a team ready and determined to win this thing.  Our tip?  It hurts but CFC by 12 points.  We hope not but this comes down to a vibe and we're nervous.  We hope we're wrong.  Nervous times, nervous times.

Wow, what a start to the season.  Gateway burst out of the blocks early, up 16-5 early with a balanced attack doing the damage as nearly everyone hit the scoreboard.  Then it happened.  McKinnon 2, McKinnon 2, McKinnon 2, McKinnon 2, McKinnon 3 - 11 straight points from the veteran guard - and we all wondered if it was 2008 again, back when McKinnon ruled the roost at the Cal McKinnon Court.  But we digress and CFC fought back into the contest as the game see-sawed through the middle third, a narrow margin to the navy blues most of the way until a late triple from CFC made it interesting, Gateway hanging on for a much-needed Smithless 2-point win to open the season.  Final score Gateway 55 (McKinnon 22, Penn 11, Vucetic 9, Brook 8, T.Sleep 5) d CFC Stars 53 as Gateway move to 1-0 on the season and desperately hoping for reinforcements next week.  Interesting times, interesting times.

With 15 weeks down and only 2 weeks to go, the battle for finals spots continues with some big results this past week.  Your Hoxley Tigers survived for a win over D Major 1872-1771, Fli on Zion had a costly loss to Poole Party 1016-952, Ctrl+Alt+Defeat continued Mr 66's miserable few weeks 1647-1527, and Blaming Injuries dominant run at the top continued with a 1922-1486 over a Jokic-less Hoxley Cubs.  We're sticking with the Cubs as the team to beat but after a flurry of NBA trades this week, the balance can tip quickly as teams settle into new lineups.  Only time will tell.  Meanwhile, here's the ladder after Round 15.  Go the Hoxley Tigers.

LADDER (points are current at time of printing)
1 (1). Blaming Injuries 15-0, 26935pts
2 (2). Hoxley Cubs 13-2, 23907pts
3 (3). Mr 66 12-3, 25929pts
4 (4). Hoxley Tigers 11-4, 23963pts
5 (5). Sam Bowie's Left Leg 11-4, 21618pts
6 (6). Ctrl+Alt+Defeat 10-5, 24964pts
7 (7). D Major 9-6, 23562pts
8 (8). South Tower 9-6, 22031pts
9 (9). Tanking for Wembanyama 8-7, 22571pts
10 (10). Wacko Jacko Elite 8-7, 22372pts
11 (11). Fli on Zion 7-8, 21542pts
12 (12). North Tower 6-9, 20277pts
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
13 (13). Bart Simpson 5-10, 17842pts
14 (14). Highbury PIP 4-11, 18081pts
15 (15). Poole Party 3-12, 16330pts
16 (16). My Team is a Jokic 2-13, 15972pts
17 (17). Giddey Party 1-14, 14511pts
18 (18). Irritable Bol Syndrome 1-14, 11419pts

GILLETTE (135th) d CWC (183rd)
Before we begin this game review, we want to say that we don't know the good folk of Gillette College.  They seem like reasonable people and in all fairness to them, if we were in their colours, this game review would be a moment of joy, of rapture, of extreme celebration and happiness.  But we're not and it isn't.  In fact, we'd be quite happy if we never saw Gillette again after the two clashes between CWC and Gillette over the past 3 weeks.  Life isn't fair sometimes but again, we stress that if we were Gillette, we'd be smiling so much it hurts.  But we digress and back to the game.  We could replay the tape of the previous game - CWC get on top, the margin jumps out, Gillette get hot from the perimeter and the game goes to overtime except this time, to double overtime and Gillette win on a last second shot.  Again.  For posterity's sake, we'll elaborate a bit further to say that CWC were at times brilliant, albeit they let Gillette get off the leash from the land of plenty, and missed free throws again hurt the Rustlers.  In the end, it came down to a late foul call with 0.4 seconds remaining that sent the Pronghorns to the line, where they calmly iced the contest.  Congrats to the Pronghorns on two outstanding comeback wins but let us sit in our misery for just a moment, please.  Hello darkness, my old friend.  Final score Gillette 74 (Rashad McCormick 29, Jaden Smith 16, Sayed Sayed 10) d CWC 73 (Daniel Smith 19, Isaac Patik 19, Christian Kranz 9).

Ready:  "Take delight in the LORD and he will give you your heart’s desires.” - Psalm 37:4 

Set:  What drives your ambition? A gold medal? A championship ring? The thrill of standing on the podium while the crowd cheers? I’ve been there—I wanted those things, too. But here’s the question: Are those ambitions good or bad? Ambition itself isn’t the problem; the motivation behind it is. We all chase something. The challenge is knowing whether our drive is fueled by pride or by purpose.  Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD and he will give you your heart’s desires.” When our hearts align with God's plan, our ambitions will too. Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3 that selfish ambition divides, but humble ambition glorifies God and lifts others up. In Greek, eritheia (“self-interest”) describes ambition that claws for advantage, while kenodoxia (“vain conceit”) pictures swollen pride that inflates the ego. Both are destructive—breeding rivalry, division and false glory.  Bad ambition spotlights me; good ambition reflects Christ. And Christ Himself showed us good ambition —setting aside His rights and taking the form of a servant. He lifted-up His followers according to God’s purpose and plan.  Basketball legend Magic Johnson once said of his basketball rival Larry Bird, “He made me better, and I made him better.” Their competition didn’t tear each other down; it elevated their teams and the game itself. That’s what godly ambition looks like—it pushes you to bring your best, not to outshine others, but to build them up. True greatness inspires excellence in others.  So, what drives your ambition? God doesn’t ask you to throw the game to prove humility. He calls you to bring your “A-Game” every time, fueled by His Spirit. Winning matters—but how you win matters more. When ambition is surrendered to God, victories become stepping stones for service and encouragement. On the field, this might mean running the hardest route—not for personal glory, but to decoy space for a teammate. Godly ambition balances drive with humility, and competition with compassion. 

Go:   What’s your ambition right now—Is it fueled by pride or by purpose?  How does Jesus’ selfless example reset what ambition should look like for us?  What practical way can your ambition build-up teammates? 

Workout:  

Overtime:  

We continue our new and exciting weekly update where we list the Central Wyoming national Massey Rating, Region 9 conference standings, and our two favourite players' conference rankings.  With no further adieu, here's this week's update.  Enjoy.

MASSEY RATING
183rd (last week 187th)

REGION 9 CONFERENCE STANDINGS
1 (2). Laramie 4-2
2 (3). Western Wyoming 3-2
3 (1). Northwest 4-3
4 (4). Gillette 3-3
5 (6). Casper 3-3
6 (5). Central Wyoming 2-4
7 (7). Eastern Wyoming 2-4

REGION 9 CONFERENCE PLAYER RANKINGS

CASPER (119th) d CWC (183rd)
This is becoming too regular for our liking.  The Rustlers in it early, someone from the opposition gets hot from the perimeter, Thunder forward Daniel Smith takes over in the second half and the good guys fall short.  Rinse and repeat.  We blame forward Julian Ormond for getting hurt.  C'mon Julian, come back soon.  You've got nine other fingers so surely you can play with a broken one?  Look, we're not doctors but you can't argue with our logic.  You have as many fingers left as cats have lives.  Back to the game and CWC shot well early but when Casper forward Nasir Washington got hot and the Thunderbirds went on a 10-0 run early in the second half, it was over.  The Rustlers came back and never gave up but the damage had been done.  Again.  Come back soon, Julian.  Final score Casper 75 (Nasir Washington 33, Aaron Sievert 16, Colton Rogers 11) d CWC 66 (Daniel Smith 19, Christian Kranz 14, Isaac Patik 9) as the Rustlers move on to Thursday's game v Western Wyoming.

One game in and the first shock of the season has arrived, our bothan spies tell us "he's back".  We don't know who they're referring to but we've narrowed it down to one of Brad Smith, Daniel Smith, James Smith, Jonty Smith or Joshua Smith.  Then again, it could be Steve Smith, Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Sam Smith, Anna Nicole Smith, Stephen A Smith, Emmitt Smith, JR Smith, Bubba Smith, Ish Smith, Dennis Smith Jr, Jalen Smith, Jeremy Smith, Barry Smith, Greg Smith or even Michael W Smith.  We're just saying that maybe, one of the Smiths is back though it could be someone else too.  The Tsunami meanwhile are no doubt doing their own thing but strike us pink, we want to know who's back.  Two Gateway teams enter, one Gateway team leave.  With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway Thunder v Gateway Tsunami.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
29/9/2025:  Thunder 53 (Penn 25, Vucetic 12, Sleep 10) d Gateway Tsunami 45
1/9/2025:  Thunder 96 (Jon.Smith 35, Brook 18, Penn 16) d Gateway Tsunami 44
21/7/2025:  Thunder 85 (Vucetic 22, Brook 15, McKinnon 15) d Gateway Tsunami 62
23/6/2025 (semi-final):  Thunder 83 (Jon.Smith 32, D.Smith 17, Vucetic 11) d Gateway Tsunami 67
19/5/2025:  Thunder 50 (Penn 16, Vucetic 14, Sleep 9) d Gateway Tsunami 43

LADDER
2 (2). Gateway Thunder 1-0, 3pts, +2
5 (5). Gateway Tsunami 0-1, 3pts, -9

OUR PREDICTION
If one of the Smiths is back, then there's only four to go but it's anyone's guess when that will ever happen.  We miss the Smiths.  They've been around forever - or at least Brad and James have - and the other three are pretty handy so we like them too.  Maybe they're off scheming about making their own team called the Gateway Smiths.  But we digress and with ex-Jultopia and Thunder SACBA player Joel Horskins suiting up for the Tsunami last week, this could get interesting fast.  It's only week two but we're already excited about the season because anything could happen making the game well and truly worth the price of free admission.  Our tip?  Tsunami by 11 points.  Let's hope not.  Nervous times, nervous times.

In the immortal words of Ron Burgundy, "Boy, that escalated quickly."  What was a highly competitive game between the two Gateways began with an absolute arm wrestle, both teams exchanging baskets as the game headed into the half with the Tsunami leading 34-30, the game awaiting an ending to what was fast becoming one heckuva story.  Then it happened, Thunder veteran centre Terry Sleep driving to the basket early into the second half only to find himself nearly decpitated by his opponent, the resulting kerfuffle finishing with an opponent ejected.  The game turned from that point on, the blues jumping out to a 10-point lead they held most of the way but this game will be remembered for one thing and it's not that.  Yes folks, Thunder forward Brad Smith made his return to the game after nearly 8 months on the sidelines due to an undisclosed injury that saw him stretchered off into a waiting ambulance after the 2025 First Season grand final.  Sure, he was a tad rusty like Paris McCurdy back in the day but the captain is back and life is good again.  Final score Gateway 61 (Penn 16, McKinnon 14, Sleep 12, Brook 11, B.Sleep 6, B.Smith 2) d Gateway Tsunami 52.

With 16 weeks down and only 1 week to go to the finals, the battle for finals spots continues with some big results this past week.  Your Hoxley Tigers crashed on the final day to lose to Mr 66 1546-1578, but the biggest result was undoubtedly South Tower giving Blaming Injuries their first loss of the season 1449-1331.  The South Tower has arrived and the finals are looking like anyone could win.  We're sticking with the Cubs.  Only time will tell.  Meanwhile, here's the ladder after Round 16.  Go the Hoxley Tigers.

LADDER (points are current at time of printing)
1 (1). Blaming Injuries 15-1, 28190pts
2 (2). Hoxley Cubs 14-2, 25258pts
3 (3). Mr 66 13-3, 27679pts
4 (6). Ctrl+Alt+Defeat 11-5, 26300pts
5 (4). Hoxley Tigers 11-5, 25297pts
6 (5). Sam Bowie's Left Leg 11-5, 22770pts
7 (7). D Major 10-6, 25337pts
8 (8). South Tower 10-6, 23266pts
9 (9). Tanking for Wembanyama 9-7, 23906pts
10 (10). Wacko Jacko Elite 9-7, 23636pts
11 (11). Fli on Zion 7-9, 22218pts
12 (12). North Tower 6-10, 21565pts
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
13 (14). Highbury PIP 5-11, 19052pts
14 (13). Bart Simpson 5-11, 18770pts
15 (15). Poole Party 4-12, 16970pts
16 (16). My Team is a Jokic 2-14, 16918pts
17 (17). Giddey Party 1-15, 15407pts
18 (18). Irritable Bol Syndrome 1-15, 12388pts

WESTERN WYOMING (159th) d CWC (183rd)
Insert sad face.  The St Kilda Football Club have merchandise available at the minute with the phrase "Just once before I die", paying homage to the fact the Saints haven't won a premiership since Noah was a boy (1966 for those keeping score).  We're starting to feel the same about Central Wyoming because damn it, they were in this game as they have been against practically every opponent they've played.  There were some critical moments in the game - 0/2 free throws, a Daniel Smith dunk where he was near decapitated but no foul and some untimely turnovers - but regardless of the reason, they fell short again after a last second turnover.  The absence of Coach Rafferty no doubt didn't help but from where we sit, maybe the team is jinxed.  No-one does the voodoo like you do and we'd like you to stop.  Please.  Final score Western Wyoming 71 (Caelum Harris 26, Jacovey Campbell 13, Gvidas Laurinaitis 8) d CWC 68 (Daniel Smith 20, Jordan Peel 19, Isaac Patik 13).  Just once.  Please.

Ready:   You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.” – Galatians 5:7-8

Set:   While watching a women’s high school basketball game, I noticed something that I’d never seen before. Before and after some of the opposing girls would play in the game, they’d run up to a mat that was on the ground, and they’d scuff their shoes on it. I didn’t understand what they were doing at first, but as I watched them, I saw that this kept their shoes from slipping while they were running on the court. It did this by removing excess dirt from the soles of their shoes. Those who used the mat had more traction in their running. The girls who didn’t use the mat ended up slipping and falling on the court. A few players were even sidelined with sprained ankles.  Is that not the same thing that happens to us as we grow older in this sinful world? The more we walk out our life, the dirtier our shoes become and the harder our flesh fights against our spirit. The sticky mat comes in the form of the Word of God. The only way we can stand firm as we go up against our opponent is through establishing our feet in God’s Word. As we spend time in His Word each day, He washes our feet, making them clean to stand firm on the slippery courts of life. Life without God’s Word leads to much frustration and injuries that could’ve been avoided. Thankfully with the sticky mat, there are enough sheets on it to have a fresh sheet for each game. Similarly, God’s Word is sufficient for every single day that we walk this earth. His Word can keep us firm through the most intense moments of life on and off the court.  Many mistakenly see God’s Word as a killjoy, but it’s actually what helps us to truly enjoy life to the fullest. In a basketball game, nobody enjoys falling down, sliding past their opponent, spraining ankles and getting sidelined. But an athlete THRIVES when their shoes are sticky and they’re keeping up with their opponent, playing the game of their life. Scripture is literally the sticky mat that gives you the ability to play the game of your life and keep your footing. John 8:32 tells us that when we know the truth, it will set us free. It sets us free from sin, but it also sets us free to truly experience life the way God intends us to.

Go:   Which areas of your life are slippery and need to be cleaned by God’s Word to help you firm your footing?  Is there something or someone in your life that is preventing you from obeying the truth?  

Workout:

Overtime:

We continue our new and exciting weekly update where we list the Central Wyoming national Massey Rating, Region 9 conference standings, and our two favourite players' conference rankings.  With no further adieu, here's this week's update.  Enjoy.

MASSEY RATING
182nd (last week 183rd)

REGION 9 CONFERENCE STANDINGS
1 (6). Casper 5-3
2 (2). Laramie 5-3
3 (3). Western Wyoming 4-3
4 (1). Northwest 4-4
5 (4). Gillette 4-4
6 (7). Eastern Wyoming 3-4
7 (5). Central Wyoming 2-6

REGION 9 CONFERENCE PLAYER RANKINGS

CWC (182nd) d EASTERN WYOMING (238th)
We asked that just once, we'd like to see the Rustlers lead a game and hold on to the finish rather than lose narrowingly by some basic skill error, umpiring decision or opposition miracle.  Central Wyoming started well behind hot shooting from Peel and Smith Inc, the Jultopia teammates combining for 27 first half points to see Eastern Wyoming finish the half up two, the Lancers playing well.  The second half began with forwards Isaac Patik and Daniel Smith in foul trouble early, releasing Lachlan O'Brien on to the Lancers and boy oh boy, did he step up.  Giving the starters valuable minutes to rest and prepare for the stretch run, he scored, rebounded and played general disruptor and then when forward Tyler Jette joined the party, it was on.  Guard Camrin Gulley left early again to another injury (thumb) but it was forward Luke Danielson and guard Christian Kranz that stepped up and as the starters returned, the damage had been done with a 17-2 run.  The Rustlers held on for a much needed win, keeping the ladder interesting ahead of the next two Thursday games (no Sunday game next weekend).  Final score CWC 91 (Jordan Peel 17, Tyler Jette, Luke Danielson 14) d Eastern Wyoming 77 (Isiah Ayala 19, Scott Noel 16, LaThario Miller Jr. 13).

Game three and with teams settling into a rhythm, this one will be interesting.? Two seasoned combatants who have started the season strong, undefeated after two games and looking to get a jump on the opposition.? Two teams enter, one team leave.? With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway v Futures Pioneers.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
24/11/2025: Gateway 20 d Futures Pioneers 0
15/9/2025: Gateway 20 d Futures Pioneers 0
4/8/2025: Gateway 114 (Jon.Smith 40, Penn 22, Brook 17) d Futures Pioneers 77
12/5/2025: Gateway 78 (Jon.Smith 33, D.Smith 15, Sleep 10) d Futures Pioneers 59
7/4/2025: Gateway 69 (Jon.Smith 27, Penn 16, J.Smith 13) d Futures Pioneers 48

LADDER
1 (1). Gateway Thunder 2-0, 6pts, +11
2 (2). Futures Pioneers 2-0, 6pts, +10

OUR PREDICTION
With just a fortnight's action to go on, or in the Pioneers' case just a week, we really don't know how this will play out.? The Thunder were buoyed by the return of Captain Brad Smith last week and will look to settle things as the season kicks on whilst the Pioneers are anyone's guess.? No really, anyone's guess.? We could ask a random dude on the street in Bulgaria and he'd probably have more idea than we do.? Doesn't help that we haven't been to a game this season and are relying on Basketball Connect for our info.? Yes folks, it's like that.? Our tip?? Get to a game soon.? Gateway by 1 point just because that's what the numbers say.? We don't know.? We really don't.? Guessing times, guessing times.

The Thunder found themselves up against long-time rival and fellow undefeated side Futures Pioneers in a game that would decide top spot after the first three weeks of the competition.  With 4 Smiths still sidelined, it was up to Thunder captain Brad Smith to lead the team to the promised land as they began slow, the game never really reaching great heights as both sides engaged in a defensive masterclass.  But for a late kerfuffle, the game itself meandered to a result, the Thunder holding on for the win and maintaining their early season momentum.  Final score Gateway 51 (Brook 10, Penn 10, Vucetic 9, T.Sleep 8, B.Smith 7, B.Sleep 5, McKinnon 2) d Futures Pioneers 37.  Good times, good times.

NORTHWEST (96th) d CWC (183rd)
A week ago, we asked that just once, this script of winning the first half, the opponent catching up in the second half, followed by a heartbreaking loss be stopped.  Just put the script aside for a minute and they did, CWC defeating Eastern Wyoming at home.  Well, the script is back but this time at least Jultopia champion Jordan Peel stepped up but he played an almost lone hand as a bevy of fouls were called, putting the away Rustlers in a spot of bother early and throughout the game.  The foul trouble was littered amongst the bigs who were called for some interesting situations but having numerous umpires of the year in our Thunder ranks, we don't criticise refs as it gets you nowhere and you didn't see what they saw.  The Rustlers actually got close and after leading early, fought back to be within a basket but yet again, they ran out of legs.  It happens when you play with just 8 players and no coach but more on that another day.  Final score Northwest 61 (Mateo Trujillo 13, Nayel Girard 11, R'Zha Zha'Quire Whittle 11) d CWC 53 (Peel 18, Gulley 9, Jette 8, Patik 8).

Ready:  "Pray constantly." — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Set:  Many teams have a team prayer before competition. The prayer often recited by teams is "The Lord’s Prayer” from Matthew 6:9-13. It’s a good prayer. Most know it from memory. At a deeper level most players say silent prayers asking God for victory and safety. It seems the only way we measure effective praying is if we win and we don’t get hurt. In some places prayer might be discouraged, and yet others believe prayer has no impact on the game. But many find prayer to be valuable and beneficial. Be encouraged that praying about competition is a good thing.  Prayer is vital and beneficial for every competitor. The Bible verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is straightforward and clear, “pray constantly.” But that doesn’t mean you need to constantly be praying during your competition. You’ve got competition in front of you. You need to be fully alert and engaged in the game.  What it does mean is to have a mindset that in everything and for everything, be prayerful. It’s a predetermined choice believers make that for them everything will be Christ-centered. Being prayerful is coming before Him and living from His presence and His perspective. In other words, as you play, you are playing for Him and His honor. He made you and He gave you your skills and abilities. How you play directly impacts His honor and glory. Keep putting a smile on His face by how you have determined to participate and play.  Are your attitudes and actions good, correct, sportsman-like, of high character, with a competitive spirit, with an “all in” effort in the game and even in practices? An attitude of prayer helps you be mindful of these aspects. It’s a heart and mind perspective. It’s going through the day, through practices, through games, without interruption, that your mindset is for God, with God, from God. So, we say, “pray to play”. It’s God’s way for athletes.   

Go:  What do you silently pray before competition? What are you really focusing on?  Are you mindful of Jesus Christ by your attitudes and actions?  How can you incorporate more prayer into your play and day? 

Workout: 

Overtime: 

We continue our new and exciting weekly update where we list the Central Wyoming national Massey Rating, Region 9 conference standings, and our two favourite players' conference rankings.  With no further adieu, here's this week's update.  Enjoy.

MASSEY RATING
183rd (last week 182nd)

REGION 9 CONFERENCE STANDINGS
1 (2). Laramie 7-3
2 (4). Northwest 7-4
3 (1). Casper 7-4
4 (5). Gillette 4-6
5 (3). Western Wyoming 4-6
6 (6). Eastern Wyoming 4-6
7 (7). Central Wyoming 3-7

REGION 9 CONFERENCE PLAYER RANKINGS