Discover the remarkable journey of Cordell Spoonhunter, a standout player in Wyoming Indian basketball, as he shares his experiences growing up on the Wind River Indian Reservation. In this episode, Cordell discusses how basketball became a vital part of his life, the community's passion for the sport, and the journey that led him to Eastern Wyoming College.From his earliest memories of playing in local tournaments at just five years old to leading his high school team to a state championship, Cordell’s story is one of dedication and passion. He reveals the challenges and triumphs faced by young athletes in his community, emphasizing how basketball serves as a pathway to greater opportunities. You'll discover:* The significance of basketball on the reservation and how it unites the community.* Cordell’s insights on growing up with a large family and a rich cultural heritage that includes both Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone roots.* His unique last name, Spoonhunter, and the story behind it, adding a personal touch to his narrative.As Cordell reflects on his path, he highlights the importance of perseverance and the impact of sports on his life and those around him. Not only does he share his aspirations, but he also emphasizes how basketball is a common thread that connects generations in his community.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of culture and sports, as well as those who want to understand the dynamics of life on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Whether you’re a basketball fan or simply seeking inspiration, Cordell’s story is sure to resonate and motivate.Tune in to hear Cordell’s authentic voice and experience the passion that drives him on and off the court!

In the latest episode of the Wyoming Rising podcast, high school basketball star Ari Fowler opens up about her journey on and off the court, revealing the passion and dedication that drives her game. If you're a fan of basketball or just looking for inspiration from young athletes, this episode is a must-listen.

Join host Sam Shumway and returning guest Karlee Shumway as they dive deep into Ari's experiences, from her impressive shooting stats to the challenges of balancing academics and athletics.

Ari shares her insights on navigating high school life while pursuing basketball, addressing everything from basketball to sushi to harmonica playing. The trio also discusses the realities of being part of a less dominant team and how that shapes an athlete's character and determination.

This episode is not just for sports enthusiasts; it's a reminder of the resilience and passion that young people bring to their pursuits. Don’t miss the chance to hear Ari’s inspiring story and the lessons she's learned along the way.

This conversation showcases her dedication and gives listeners a peek into the life of a young athlete striving for excellence.

In this episode of the Wyoming Rising podcast, we dive deep into the journey of Julian "Ju" Stromski, a rising basketball star from Torrington, Wyoming. From initially favoring football to becoming a standout basketball player, Ju shares the pivotal moments that transformed his passion for the game. Listeners will discover how a simple love for sports can evolve into a lifelong commitment as Ju recounts his experiences from childhood to becoming an all-conference, all-state guard for the Torrington Trailblazers.

Ju opens up about his early memories, revealing how watching his father play basketball sparked his initial interest. "I never liked basketball at first; I was all about football," he admits, but the excitement of middle school teams and out-of-town games ignited his passion. You'll discover the significance of mentorship as Ju discusses the impact of his coach, Malik Frederick, who has guided him through training and development, highlighting the importance of having the right support system in sports.

We break down Ju's transition from football to basketball, the challenges he faced, and how hard work and determination allowed him to excel. Ju shares insights on his training regimen, the influence of lifting and conditioning, and how he honed his skills to become a versatile player in the sport. This conversation is a treasure trove of motivation for young athletes and anyone looking to chase their dreams.

The stakes are high in competitive sports, and Ju’s story is a testament to resilience and passion. Ignoring your true calling can lead to missed opportunities, but Ju’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to transform your path. With a bright future ahead, Ju is not just a talented player; he’s a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.

Perfect for young athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, this episode is essential listening if you want to understand the dedication required to succeed in any sport. Join us to hear Ju's inspiring story and get ready to be motivated!

Lawson Lovering talks through the full arc of his basketball journey, from growing up in Cheyenne to playing high-level AAU basketball, competing at CU and Utah, and making his NBA debut with Memphis.

In this episode:

Growing up in Cheyenne and starting basketball at age three

How football and soccer helped shape his basketball game

Getting discovered by the Utah Prospects

Playing against future pros in elite AAU tournaments

Cheyenne Central’s championship-level teams

Learning to handle double- and triple-teams

Committing to CU before becoming a top-100 prospect

Recovering from a torn MCL

Transferring from CU to Utah

Winning memorable rivalry games against BYU

Training in Arkansas after college

Earning a spot with Memphis through summer league

The 40-minute free-throw story with Ja Morant watching

Getting called up to the NBA on one hour’s notice

Guarding Nikola Jokić in his NBA debut

Scoring his first NBA points

What makes Jokić so difficult to defend

Recovering from a serious pit bull attack

How his role changed from high school to college to professional basketball

His goals for earning a two-way contract

Timestamps

00:00 - Opening the conversation

02:05 - Introducing Lawson and his Wyoming basketball background

04:11 - Growing up in Cheyenne

06:21 - Lawson’s first basketball memories at age three

07:53 - Playing football, soccer, and becoming more physical

10:36 - How the Utah Prospects found him

12:34 - Weekend travel and elite AAU competition

15:36 - Going from unranked to a top-100 prospect

18:00 - The underdog advantage of coming from Wyoming

19:19 - Cheyenne Central’s championship-level team

20:53 - The junior-year loss and COVID cancellation

23:30 - What it is like being a big man in Wyoming basketball

25:32 - Becoming a better passer against double-teams

26:44 - Why Lawson committed to CU early

28:20 - The torn MCL that ended his freshman season

29:46 - A close CU team and learning from the injury

30:46 - Lawson’s role during his sophomore season

32:32 - Entering the transfer portal

33:03 - Why Utah was the right fit

34:22 - The NIL money Lawson believes he missed out on

36:48 - His favorite memories from Utah

37:56 - When he started believing he could play rofessionally

38:26 - Training two or three times a day in Arkansas

40:37 - The unexpected Memphis pre-draft opportunity

41:52 - Earning a summer league roster spot

43:01 - The 40-minute free-throw session with Ja Morant

45:36 - Training camp, preseason, and joining the Memphis Hustle

47:06 - The stretch that led to his NBA call-up

48:07 - Getting one hour to pack for San Francisco

49:35 - Finding out he would play against Denver

50:02 - Lawson’s first minutes against Nikola Jokić

52:24 - Scoring his first NBA points

53:13 - What makes Jokić so difficult to guard

54:30 - His sister’s wedding after his NBA debut

55:31 - Recording a double-double against Utah

57:14 - Recovering from the pit bull attack

61:44 - How his game changed from high school to the pros

62:45 - Getting stronger, more athletic, and more flexible

67:15 - Why overseas basketball remains an option

68:52 - Lawson’s favorite pregame meal

69:31 - What he would do if he did not play basketball

69:58 - The hardest parts of being seven feet tall

70:27 - Snowstorms, road trips, and Wyoming basketball

71:32 - The best trash talker he has played with

72:04 - The story of his cat, Lucy

73:13 - His best and worst sports memories

74:30 - The mentors who shaped his career

75:10 - Whether he felt ready to play varsity basketball as a freshman

77:23 - Final reflections on his career so far

78:03 - Jokić’s postgame compliment

80:32 - The free-throw story Lawson will never forget

81:33 - Why Lawson believes he belongs in the NBA

This episode is a conversation about persistence, timing, and staying ready when an opportunity arrives unexpectedly.

Join us for an episode of the Wyoming Rising podcast featuring Boston James, a standout athlete from Rock Springs! 🏀🏈 In this episode, we dive into Boston's journey in basketball and football, his experiences growing up in Wyoming, and his aspirations for the future.Key takeaways:* Boston's early memories of playing basketball and football* Insights into the Rock Springs basketball community* The challenges and triumphs of high school sports* His experience playing for the Utah Valley Prime AAU team* Thoughts on the upcoming basketball season and his goalsTimestamps:00:00 Introduction00:30 Boston's background and early sports experiences05:00 The Rock Springs basketball community10:00 Challenges faced in high school sports15:00 Playing for Utah Valley Prime AAU20:00 Upcoming basketball season expectations25:00 Final thoughts and advice for young athletesWhat's your biggest challenge in sports? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories from Wyoming athletes!#WyomingRising #BostonJames #HighSchoolSports

Join us for an great conversation with Lou Roney, a standout athlete and coach from Wyoming! 🏀In this episode of the Wyoming Rising Podcast, Lou shares his journey from growing up in Laramie to becoming a successful coach at Cheyenne Central. Discover his experiences playing at Yale, winning state championships, and the lessons he's learned along the way.Key takeaways:* Lou's early life and athletic journey in Wyoming* Transitioning from player to coach* Insights on coaching philosophy and leadership* The evolution of basketball and its impact on young athletesTimestamps:00:00 Introduction02:00 Growing up in Laramie10:00 Playing at Yale20:00 Coaching at Cheyenne Central30:00 Winning state championships40:00 The evolution of basketball50:00 Advice for young athletesWhat's your biggest challenge with balancing sports and academics? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories from Wyoming's sports community!#WyomingRising #Basketball #Coaching

Join us for our conversation with Lily Anderson, a standout basketball player from Wheatland, Wyoming! 🏀In this episode of the Wyoming Rising podcast, we dive into Lily's journey as she prepares for her senior season, her impressive stats, and her aspirations for college basketball. Discover how she balances academics and athletics while aiming for the all-time Wyoming scoring record!Key takeaways:* Lily's journey from a young athlete to a top scorer* The importance of hard work and dedication in sports* Insights into her training routine and game strategies* The impact of family and mentors on her careerTimestamps:00:00 Introduction02:00 Meet Lily Anderson04:30 Basketball journey and achievements10:00 Training and preparation15:00 Balancing academics and sports20:00 Future aspirations and college recruitment25:00 Final thoughts and advice for young athletesWhat's your biggest challenge with balancing sports and academics? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories from Wyoming athletes!#WyomingRising #BasketballJourney #WheatlandWonder

Join us for an exciting episode of the Wyoming Rising podcast as we dive into the world of Wyoming high school basketball with Logan Atnip! 🏀In this episode, we discuss Logan's journey as a three-sport athlete, his experiences on the court, and what it takes to balance football, basketball, and baseball. We also touch on the intense rivalries in Wyoming high school sports and Logan's aspirations for the future.Key takeaways:* Logan's journey as a three-sport athlete* Insights into the Kelly Walsh vs. Natrona rivalry* Balancing sports and academics* Logan's thoughts on playing at the next levelTimestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 Logan's background and sports journey05:00 The Kelly Walsh vs. Natrona rivalry10:00 Balancing multiple sports15:00 Future aspirations in basketball20:00 Final thoughts and adviceWhat's your biggest challenge with balancing sports and academics? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more insights into Wyoming high school sports!#WyomingRising #HighSchoolBasketball #AthleteJourney