The Star Valley Braves shot the lights out at The Swede gymnasium at Casper College in the final game at that venue in the 4A State Tournament to capture the third-place trophy over the Thunder Basin Bolts in an 81-35 final. 

Star Valley made a season-high 16 three-point baskets in the rout, ultimately shooting 55% from behind the arc. Dylan Shumway had his best shooting night of the season as he hit five of his first six three-point baskets in the first quarter on his way to the game-high of 26 points. He finished with eight long-distance baskets. 

Cooper Lancaster also reached 21 points and dished out seven assists in the one-sided walkover as the Braves put the running clock on the Bolts in the final moments of the third quarter. All seven senior boys got into the scoring column as Will Linford scored three and hauled in eight rebounds. Lincoln Liddiard scored three and finished with nine rebounds. Zach Thompson went three-for-three from behind the arc and had nine points. Tayt Lawson scored three and had five rebounds. Mason Kleeman scored four points and finished with three rebounds. 

Shumway managed to score eight of his total after breaking his nose taking a charge just before halftime, a collision that resulted in a pool of his blood stopping play for several minutes. He made two more three point baskets and a layup despite the injury. 

The Bolts, who won 15 games this season in the 4A East, were never able to recover from the early Braves assault. 

The win gives the Braves their first trophy from the 4A classification. 

Look for more details in the March 18, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.