Munoz named Conference Player of the Year

BIG PINEY – The Wyoming Coaches Association released its honors roster for the 2022-2023 boys’ basketball season in early March. Three Big Piney High School Punchers – senior Jovany Munoz, junior Reuben Stoutenburg and sophomore Bill Hibbert – garnered 2A West All-Conference honors.

Munoz received the 2A West Conference Player of the Year Award and All-State honors for his accomplishments.

Munoz finished the season ranked fourth in the state in scoring for all classifications, averaging 19.3 points per game. The senior netted 386 points over the season, with a shooting percentage of 56 percent from inside the perimeter, 31 percent from outside and 73 percent from the free-throw line.

Munoz was ranked sixth in the 2A classification statewide in steals at 2.6 per game, and eighth in assists, at 3.3 per game.

On Jan. 20, Munoz posted 35 points against St. Stephens, the third-highest scoring performance in the 2A West Conference for the season.

Defensively, Munoz made 10 blocks and grabbed 90 rebounds. He totaled 35 offensive rebounds.

“Jovany Munoz was a great leader for us with his actions on and off the court,” said Head Coach Nate Strong. “He loves the game and did a great job of maximizing his abilities with hard work, focus and determination. We will miss him greatly.”

Stoutenburg excelled on both ends of the court. He ranked seventh in the state in scoring for all classifications, averaging 18 points per game.

Totaling 360 points for the season, Stoutenburg shot at 72 percent from the charity stripe, 48 percent from inside the perimeter and 34 percent from outside. Stoutenburg went 7 for 7 from the free-throw line against St. Stephens on Jan. 20. He sunk four of five attempted 3-pointers when the Punchers took on Kemmerer on Feb. 17 – the fifth-highest performance in the 2A West Conference.

Stoutenburg scored 28 points against Kemmerer on Jan. 13 and netted 27 points during the Feb. 16 game against Pinedale.

On defense, Stoutenburg snagged 30 steals and posted 67 rebounds. Offensively, Stoutenburg made 30 assists and 23 rebounds.

“Reuben Stoutenburg leads through actions more than words,” said Coach Strong. “He has put in so much quality work in the gym and it’s easy to see that by the way he plays. We look for Reuben to continue to push himself and others to become better over the off season.”

Hibbert dominated the rebounding game for the Punchers. The sophomore tallied 132 rebounds throughout the season. Hibbert was ranked ninth in rebounds for the 2A West Conference, averaging 6.6 rebounds per game.

Rebounding highlights included the Jan. 7 game against Mountain View when Hibbert grabbed 12 rebounds.

Hibbert posted 219 points for the season, averaging 11 points per game. On offense, Hibbert delivered 34 assists and snatched 39 steals on defense.

“Bill Hibbert really stepped up and filled a void we had for a quality big man,” said Coach Strong. “He is super competitive and bright, and as his skills continue to grow, he has an opportunity to be an even more dominant player in 2A basketball.”