The Wyoming high school girls' basketball season is entering a new and decisive phase. After weeks of tournament action, teams across all classifications will now shift their focus almost exclusively to conference matchups. This sixth week of the 2026 season marks a significant turning point, as league standings begin to take shape and the path to regional tournaments becomes clearer.
For several divisions, including the 4A Northwest and Southwest, this week will feature their first official conference games of the year. The results from these head-to-head contests are crucial, directly impacting seeding for postseason play. Fans can expect heightened intensity on the court as local rivalries heat up and every possession carries more weight.
Key Takeaways
- Week 6 of the Wyoming girls' basketball season transitions from tournaments to primarily conference games.
- The 4A Northwest, 4A Southwest, 2A Northwest, and 2A Southwest conferences will begin their official league schedules.
- Several matchups feature ranked teams facing off, including a major 4A clash between #1 Cheyenne East and #4 Thunder Basin.
- The schedule is spread across five days, from Tuesday, January 20, to Saturday, January 24, with the bulk of games on Friday and Saturday.
The Shift to Conference Dominance
The early part of the high school basketball season is often defined by multi-team tournaments, giving squads a chance to test their mettle against a variety of opponents from different regions and classes. While valuable for development, those games often don't count toward the all-important conference record. That changes now.
Beginning this week, the schedule simplifies. There are no tournaments on the docket for the first time this season. Instead, the calendar is filled with direct, head-to-head league battles. These games are the primary factor in determining qualification and seeding for the regional tournaments that lead to the state championships.
This shift introduces a new level of pressure. Teams are no longer just playing for experience; they are fighting for their postseason lives. Every conference win is a step toward a favorable playoff position, while every loss can make the road ahead more difficult.
Marquee Matchups Across All Classes
The week is highlighted by several games that could have significant implications for the rankings and conference titles. The action is spread out, giving fans multiple opportunities to see top-tier competition.
Class 4A: Top Teams Collide
The largest schools in the state will see some of the most anticipated games. On Wednesday, a classic Cheyenne rivalry takes center stage as Cheyenne Central visits #1 Cheyenne East. This game at Storey Gym is an early test for the top-ranked Thunderbirds.
The week culminates in a massive showdown on Saturday when #1 Cheyenne East travels to face #4 Thunder Basin. This matchup between two of the state's premier programs could be an early preview of a late-season playoff battle.
Other key 4A games include:
- #5 Laramie at #3 Sheridan on Friday
- #2 Green River at Natrona County on Friday
- Cheyenne South at #3 Sheridan on Saturday
Understanding Conference Play
In Wyoming high school sports, conference games are the most important part of the regular season. The win-loss record within a team's conference determines its seeding for the regional tournament. A higher seed typically means a more favorable matchup in the first round of the playoffs. While non-conference and cross-quadrant games are useful for building a record and gaining experience, they do not count toward the official league standings that decide postseason placement.
Spotlight on 3A, 2A, and 1A Action
The intensity isn't limited to the 4A classification. Critical conference games are scheduled across the board, with ranked teams looking to assert their dominance.
Class 3A
In Class 3A, a major conference game is set for Thursday when Powell travels to #1 Cody. This Big Horn Basin rivalry is always a highlight. On the same day, Worland visits #4 Lovell, and Torrington takes on #5 Douglas.
On Friday, the action continues as #2 Lander faces Lyman and Mountain View plays at #3 Pinedale in important conference contests.
Class 2A
The 2A classification sees its Northwest and Southwest quadrants begin league play. A significant non-conference game is scheduled for Saturday when #2 Sundance travels to face #1 Big Horn. This battle between the top two teams in the class will be a major measuring stick for both programs.
Key 2A conference openers on Friday include #3 Wyoming Indian at Big Piney and Shoshoni at #5 Thermopolis.
Did You Know?
The schedule for Week 6 includes not only conference and interclass games but also a few out-of-state contests. On Thursday, Meeker, CO, will play at 1A #3 Little Snake River. Little Snake River will then host Manila, UT, on Friday. On Saturday, 1A #2 Cokeville will travel to play Rich County, UT. These games provide unique challenges against unfamiliar opponents.
Class 1A
The state's smallest schools are also diving deep into conference play. On Thursday, #1 Burlington faces a tough road test at Farson-Eden. The week is packed with league games that will begin to sort out the standings in a competitive class.
Some notable 1A conference games include:
- Encampment at #2 Cokeville on Friday
- Arvada-Clearmont at #5 Upton on Friday
- Lusk at #4 Southeast on Saturday
- #5 Upton at Kaycee on Saturday
As the week progresses, the standings will begin to reflect the realities of conference strength. For players, coaches, and fans, this is where the 2026 season truly begins to take shape. The journey to the state tournament in Casper starts now, one league game at a time.
