Only two schools in the history of Wyoming high school basketball had ever swept boys and girls basketball state championships in consecutive years. Becoming the third chapter in the history books wasn’t this season’s goal for Wyoming Indian — it simply became the endgame.
Both Chiefs teams reloaded their rosters and began their journeys back in December. The glory of gold and the fame of billboards inescapable among the school. They liked it so much they wanted to do it again. And this past weekend they sweated through hundreds of minutes in the culminating March Madness of Casper only to stand on the podium together with Wyoming Indian fans chanting “Back to back.”
The Lady Chiefs set the tone. They won their first two games by a combined 60 points before needing a last-minute comeback to defeat Pine Bluffs 52-46 and capture the program’s first back-to-back state championship run since 2003-04. Nearly 4 hours later the Chiefs, who won their first two games by a combined 6 points, needed overtime to beat Sundance 54-49 and win that program’s first consecutive state championships since 2009-10. Together they joined Gillette (1994-97) and Star Valley (1988-89) as the only schools to have both boys and girls programs win consecutive state titles in the same years.
“That’s amazing,” boys head coach Craig Ferris said afterwards. “Aleta (Moss) does a great job with her girls. Both of our teams are close. We do a lot of stuff together, the kids get along with each other and it shows in our work ethic.”
Neither team panicked in last Saturday’s championship games despite facing adversity in the final moments. Moss called a timeout with her team trailing with less than 90 seconds remaining. Wyoming Indian then went on a 10-0 run to close the game. A day after withstanding scoring droughts to semifinal newcomer Moorcroft, the Lady Chiefs once again found their winning edge late. Then there were the Chiefs, who sweated through a pulse-pounding quarterfinal (72-68 over Pine Bluffs) and an exhilarating semifinal (63-61 over Big Horn).
To those in the program, those close contests didn’t come by accident.
“I’m going to commend 2A basketball for that,” Ferris said. “Everyone thinks that we’re just the small schools, but these coaches know how to play, know how to get 110 percent out of their teams and they battle. We know coming into the state tournament that we’re going to see the best teams in the state of Wyoming.”
Lady Chiefs
With seconds left in a 2-point game junior Jaden Ferris wanted the ball. As a point guard she’s used to controlling the game’s tempo. This time, however, she wanted the ball so she could go to the line and deliver key free throws for her team.
“I’ve been practicing my whole career for those free throws,” she stated. “Every shot counts but especially those free throws. Close games like this, I know they count the most.”
She shot 77 percent from the stripe all season and not a single teammate doubted her. She hit both to double Wyoming Indian’s lead to 4. Pine Bluffs couldn’t overcome that.
“She’s always practicing her foul shots and I told her, ‘C’mon J, just like in practice,’” classmate Angela Astorga said. “Having her on the line, letting her be the one that we rely on was awesome. That’s a lot of pressure but we knew that she could be the one to get it done.”
Jaden heard stories about being a ‘Forever Chief’ from her older brother, Latrell. So she wanted to get another championship to add to her own legacy. She wanted to deliver another for her teammates, who she’s played with for years. Then she wanted to deliver for head coach Aleta Moss.
Moss just completed her 32nd season as Wyoming Indian’s coach, winning her fourth state championship. That championship game was career victory 603. She mentioned how stressful the game was and how badly the seniors wanted to win. She couldn’t be more proud of them.
“She has over 600 wins and I want to give her more,” Jaden said.
Chiefs
Senior Derek Soundingsides nearly won the state championship in regulation. He drove the lane with 6 seconds remaining and scored through the heart of Sundance’s defense. One official came from the side at the whistle to call a blocking foul on the defense but ate his call when the base-line official, closest on the play, called Soundingsides for the charge. Not only did that negate the points — it was the senior’s fifth foul. He was forced to watch overtime from the sidelines.
“I was really scared since I fouled out,” he said. “My team came together very well without me and I’m pretty sure they can do that again next year.”
Soundingsides tallied game highs in points (19) and rebounds (10) in the championship game, obviously all coming in regulation. Head coach Craig Ferris knew the senior could find openings using his athleticism and size against Sundance.
Then the seasoning took over. Wyoming Indian finished 8-for-10 from the free-throw line in overtime. Sundance, which confidently delivered from the line to upset Rocky Mountain and then to dispatch Southeast, went 5-for-9 from the line and missed both shots from the field in the extra session.
“We could do anything and we came all this way,” Soundingsides said. “We had Brandon (Redman), War(-Lance Black Shawl), Austin (Hill). We had all the tools to go all the way.”
Fremont County teams — particularly Wyoming Indian and Wind River boys — have won five of the last seven Class 2A state championships.
All of Craig Ferris’ championship teams have been special. They all meant something different. This one, however, carved out a little piece of Wyoming history — as well as personal history. This is his sixth state championship, tying him with influential former Wyoming Indian head coach Alfred Redman.
“The guy that helped me out in high school, he has six state championships,” Ferris said while extending each digit. “I have six state championships.”
Photos: 1A/2A basketball championships
1a Girls BB Kaycee v Cokeville

Kaycee's Arlette Ortega (25) and Cokeville's Emmie Barnes position themselves under the basket for a rebound in the final game of the Wyoming State High School Class 1A Girls Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

The Wyoming Indian boys basketball team and coaches stand and cheer after the Chiefs beat Sundance 54-49 in overtime of the Wyoming State High School Class 2A Basketball Championships on March 7, 2020 at the Casper Events Center.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Wyoming Indian boys basketball team celebrates after beating Sundance in overtime 54-49 in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Wyoming Indian's Austin Hill grabs a rebound in the Chiefs' game against Sundance at the Wyoming State High School Class 2A Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

The Wyoming Indian boys basketball team celebrates after beating Sundance 54 -49 in overtime in the final game of the Wyoming State High School Class 2A Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Wyoming Indian's Austin Hill (11) tries to block a shot by Kye Taylor (3) of Sundance in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Brad Kruger (14) of Sundance and War-Lance Black Shawl (3) of Wyoming Indian bot fight for possession of the ball in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Michael Willow (32) of Wyoming Indian dribbles the ball down court in the 2a class championship game against Sundance at the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Kye Taylor (3) of Sundance looks for an open teammate to pass the ball to in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Sundance Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Lane Gill (23) of Sundance attempts a lay up against Wyoming Indian in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Wyoming Indian's War-Lance Black Shawl (3) dribbles past Sundance defense in the first half of the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Landon Martin (5) of Sundance tries to break through Wyoming Indian defense in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Sundance's Gunner Mclaughlin (24) rushes down the court with the ball in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Wyoming Indian Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Lane Gill (23) of Sundance attempts a shot against Wyoming Indian at the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Boys BB Wyoming Indian v Sundance

Sundance boys basketball team looks dejected from the sideline as Wyoming Indian sinks a free throw pulling ahead in the final seconds of overtime in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7. Wyoming Indian beat Sundance 54-49.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Saratoga fan Dan Jones cheers for the boys basketball team after they beat Farson 52-42 in the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Saratoga boys basketbal team all put their hands in for a huddle in the final minutes of the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Farson Saturday, March 7, at the Events Canter in Casper.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Saratoga's Gavin Bartlett makes a layup against Farson in the final game of the Wyoming State High School Class 1A Boys Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Gavin Bartlett (22) of Saratoga joins a team huddle in the final minutes of the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Farson Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Saratoga boys team celebrates after beating Farson 52-42 in the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Saratoga players celebrate after the Panthers defeated Farson in the final game of the Wyoming State High School Class 1A Boys Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Saratoga's Gavin Bartlett dribbles the ball past Farson's Cree Jones in the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Saratoga's Gavin Bartlett (22) rushes the ball down court pursed by a Farson player 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Farson's Trevor Jones (20) guards Saratoga's Gavin Bartlett (22) at the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Farson's Carson Jones (32) tries to block a shot by Saratoga's Gavin Bartlett (22) in the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Event Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Farson's Carson Jones (32) guards Logan Seahorn of Saratoga in the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Saratoga's Noah Rimmer (44) tries to grab a rebound in the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Farson Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
1a Boys BB Farson v Saratoga

Farson's Cree Jones (3) runs to regain control of the bal in the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Saratoga at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

The Wyoming Indian girls basketball team celebrates after defeating Pine Bluffs 52-46 in the Wyoming State High School Class 2A Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Wyoming Indian's Denaira Hiwalker hugs her mother Kelly Hiwalker after winning the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Pine Bluffs 52-46 Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Twinkle Astorga, mother of Wyoming Indian's player Angela Astorga, cheers as their team pulls ahead in the final minutes of the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships game against Pine Bluffs Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper. Final score Wyoming Indian won 52-46.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Wyoming Indian's Halle Robinson (5) looks for an open teammate to pass the ball in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Wyoming Indian's Sandie Friday dribbles the ball around Pine Bluffs defense in the final game of the Wyoming State High School Class 2A Girls Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Sandie Friday (3) of Wyoming Indian makes a shot against Pine Bluffs in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Wyoming Indian's Jaden Ferris passes the ball to a teammate in the Chiefs' game against Pine Bluffs at the Wyoming State High School Class 2A Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Jaden Shelit (14) of Pine Bluffs dribbles the ball around the court past Wyoming Indian defense during the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Keefer Fornstrom, 10, cheers on the girls Pine Bluffs basketball team as they take on Wyoming Indian in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Pine Bluff's Jaden Shelit (14) dives for the ball before it goes out of bounds in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Wyoming Indian Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Wyoming Indian's Jaden Ferris (2) looks for an open teammate to pass the ball in the 2a class championship game against Pine Bluffs at the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Pine Bluff's Dylan Sweeter (44) passes the ball to teammate Hyleigh Fornstrom (22) in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Pine Bluffs at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Angela Astorga (4) of Wyoming Indian dribbles the ball through Pine Bluffs defense in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Canter in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Wyoming Indian's Jaden Ferris shoots a 3-pointer against Pine Bluffs in the final game of the Wyoming State High School Class 2A Girls Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Pine Bluff's Hyleigh Fornstrom (22) throws the ball to an open teammate in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Wyoming Indian at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Hyleigh Fornstrom (22) of Pine Bluffs shoot a two-point shot against Wyoming Indian in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
2a Girls BB Wyoming Indian v Pine Bluffs

Wyoming Indian guards surround Pine Bluff's Sydnie Fornstrom (13) in the 2a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
1a Girls BB Kaycee v Cokeville

Cokeville's Emmie Barnes defends Kaycee's Sierra Kilts during the final game of the Wyoming State High School Class 1A Girls Basketball Championships on Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
State Basketball Pine Bluffs Fans

Pine Bluff fans from left, Justin Lerwick, 13, Hattie Lerwick, 12, Keefer Fornstrom, 10, and Kenny Lerwick, 9, show their pride for the Pine Bluffs girls basketball team by writing "Go Hornets" on their chests at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7. The Pine Bluff girls competed in the of the 2a class championship game against Wyoming Indian at the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships.
1a Girls BB Kaycee v Cokeville

Cokeville's Kamille Nate(10) tries to steal posession of the ball from Kaycee in the1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
1a Girls BB Kaycee v Cokeville

Lily Richardson(25) of Cokeville and Arlette Ortega (25) of Kaycee both jump for the tip off at the start of the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
1a Girls BB Kaycee v Cokeville

Cokeville's Emma Teichert defends Kaycee's Tinley Pierson in the final game of the Wyoming State High School Class 1A Girls Basketball Championships on March 7 at the Casper Events Center.
1a Girls BB Kaycee v Cokeville

Cokeville's Emmie Barnes (15) attempts a half court shot in the final second of the first quarter of the 1a class championship game of the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships against Kaycee Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
1a Girls BB Kaycee v Cokeville

Kamille Nate (10) of Cokeville attempts to sink a basket in the1a class championship game against Kaycee in the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships at the Events Center in Casper Saturday, March 7.
1a Girls BB Kaycee v Cokeville

Kallianne Toomer (21) of Cokeville catches a pass in the 1a class championship game against Kaycee for the Wyoming State High School Basketball Championships Saturday, March 7, at the Events Center in Casper.
Follow sports reporter Brady Oltmans on Twitter @BradyOltmans