Wyoming Rising: The Story of Wyoming High School Basketball

Wyoming Rising Academy
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A behind-the-scenes look at Wyoming’s next generation of leaders—on the court and beyond. Wyoming Rising: The Story of Wyoming Basketball tells the stories of elite high school athletes and leaders as they compete, grow, and represent their communities. Through conversations with players, coaches, and leaders across the state, the podcast tells the deeper story of ambition, identity, and opportunity in Wyoming.

  1. 2d ago

    Aaraon Chavez

    What happens when a high school senior in Wyoming juggles sports, social media, and entrepreneurship? Meet Aaraon Chavez, the mastermind behind the wildly popular Wyoming Varsity Sports Instagram account, which has captivated thousands and become a go-to source for high school sports highlights. In this episode, Aaraon shares his inspiring journey from a rivalry to a thriving online community, revealing the secrets to his rapid growth and unique collaboration with local photographers.You'll discover how Aaraon transformed a simple idea into a platform that not only showcases student-athletes but also builds camaraderie among schools across Wyoming. He shares insights on managing content creation, the importance of collaboration, and how he keeps the passion alive without monetization. Aaraon also opens up about his plans for the future, balancing sports with aspirations in communications, and the lessons he's learned along the way.We dive deep into the mechanics of running a successful social media account, including tips on engagement, reaching out to photographers, and navigating the challenges of maintaining authenticity while growing an audience. Aaraon's story is a testament to what high school students can achieve when they combine passion with perseverance.This episode matters because it highlights the power of youth entrepreneurship and the impact of social media on local sports culture. As Aaraon continues to inspire his peers, he proves that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference in your community.Perfect for aspiring young entrepreneurs, sports enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of social media and community building, this episode is packed with valuable insights and sparks of inspiration. Tune in and be ready to rethink what’s possible!

    Aaraon Chavez

  2. Oct 24

    Hayden Geis

    Join us for an exciting episode of the Wyoming Rising podcast as we dive into the world of Buffalo High School basketball and football standout athlete Hayden Geis! 🏀In this episode, we discuss Hayden's journey as a dual-sport athlete, his experiences on the football field and basketball court, and the challenges he faces as a student-athlete. From his impressive performances to his aspirations for the future, Hayden shares valuable insights and stories that every sports fan will appreciate.Key takeaways:* Hayden's journey from a struggling sophomore to a standout junior athlete* The importance of mentorship and support from coaches and family* Insights into the competitive landscape of Wyoming high school sports* The impact of injuries on an athlete's career and mindset* Hayden's passion for leathercraft and ranchingTimestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 Hayden's background and dual-sport journey10:00 The role of mentorship in Hayden's development20:00 Insights into Wyoming high school basketball30:00 Overcoming injuries and challenges40:00 Hayden's future aspirationsWhat's your biggest challenge as a student-athlete? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of sports!#WyomingRising #HighSchoolBasketball #StudentAthlete

    Hayden Geis

  3. Oct 18

    Jaycee Carroll

    Jaycee has been someone we have wanted to talk to for while. In this episode, he talks about his days playing professionally to his early days in Wyoming and playing for Utah State - and everything in between. Sam Shumway, the host, engages Jaycee in a candid conversation about his incredible basketball journey and career, building confidence, Jaycee's love for the state of Wyoming and basketball memories, and everything in between. He also shares specific insights into balancing family life with the demands of being an athlete.This episode is not just for sports enthusiasts; it's essential listening for anyone trying to be the best version of themselves, dealing with adversity, seeking inspiration, or looking to understand the human side of professional athletes.Join us for a heartfelt conversation that dives deep into the intersection of sports and life, and leave with a renewed sense of resilience and perspective.

    Jaycee Carroll

  4. Oct 11

    Cordell Spoonhunter

    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!

    Cordell Spoonhunter

  5. Oct 2

    Ari Fowler

    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.

    Ari Fowler

  6. Sep 25

    Julian "Ju" Stromski

    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!

  7. Sep 18

    Lawson Lovering

    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.

    Lawson Lovering

  8. Sep 11

    Boston James

    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

    Boston James
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A behind-the-scenes look at Wyoming’s next generation of leaders—on the court and beyond. Wyoming Rising: The Story of Wyoming Basketball tells the stories of elite high school athletes and leaders as they compete, grow, and represent their communities. Through conversations with players, coaches, and leaders across the state, the podcast tells the deeper story of ambition, identity, and opportunity in Wyoming.

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