Prep Athlete of the Week: Garet Schlabs, East

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - The East boys basketball team went up to Casper last weekend, and came back state champions.

Garet Schlabs was as reliable as they come for them all season, and in his final high school game he led the team in scoring to help win the title. Despite his stellar performance, Schlabs said he faced some adversity during the game-- but his teammates helped out in a big way.

“You know, I made a three right off the bat so I was getting right into the feel, and then I picked up two quick fouls and then I had to sit out. Luckily guys filled some roles off the bench, and towards the end of the third and fourth quarter [Laramie] had to be a little more aggressive being down. That allowed driving lanes, and I was able to kick and so I was able to put the ball in the hoop. So it ended up well,” Schlabs said.

He finished the contest with 18 points-- the majority of which came in the fourth quarter in a game that was still very close before his spurt. That helped the T-Birds secure their first state championship victory since 2006, and complete their redemption tour after losing in the title game last season.

On Monday the week got even better for him, as he was named the 4A East Player and Defensive Player of the Year.

Schlabs has been around this school since he was little, and being able to bring a championship back in his senior year was particularly special.

”It’s surreal. You know, that’s a surreal feeling. Our coaches got little kids running around and all that, and I just picture myself-- that used to be me running around the state. So being able to watch that and just grow up and cap it off my senior year, it’s a surreal feeling for me. But more importantly, just putting a mark on my school,” Schlabs said.

Congratulations to Garet and the entire East basketball team on their title run.

Copyright 2023 KGWN. All rights reserved.