Class 1A: Kiana girls state champs, Buckland boys repeat

TAMAR BEN-YOSEF
tbenyosef@alaskanewspapers.com

March 22, 2008 at 2:09PM AKST

Strong defense and teamwork made Kiana Lady Lynx the new 1A state girls basketball champions.

“The girls had a very good year. We set a goal to put a banner on the wall and it came true,” said Coach Tommy Wells, moments after the team’s 60-50 victory over the Togiak Huskies.

“My girls wanted to win. I am proud of them,” he said.

This is the second title for Kiana (12-8) in three years. They won the state championship in 2006.

“It feels just as good this time around,” said Marissa Atoruk, named player of the game.

And win they did. Atoruk scored 18 points and Lexi Staheli came close behind with 15 points. Julie Reed also had points in the double digits and showed exemplary skills in guarding, according to her team mate Atoruk.

Moments before being named player of the game, as the team quietly waited to hear which name would be called, Atoruk pointed at Reed, indicating her opinion that she deserved the title.

“Number 22, Julie Reed, she did a really good job guarding,” Atoruk said.

Every one of the Lynx’ seven players pulled through, successfully penetrating the Huskies' defense, and keeping their guard up the whole game through.

There were no lazy moments for the Lynx.

The Lynx did a good job executing their plays. Connecting on seven out of 14 three-pointers didn’t hurt either. Julie Reed shot four of the seven.  

The Huskies pulled together in the second half of the game, appearing more relaxed and focused than in the first two quarters.

The Lynx had 41 rebounds and eight steals. The Huskies had 32 rebounds and 15 steals.

Kiana also received the award for the team with a 3.5 Grade Point Average. Marissa Atoruk, Jacklynn Richards and Lexi Staheli made all-tourney team.

Sissauni state champs again

The Buckland Sissauni repeated last year’s success as 1A boys state champions in their game against the Kalskag Grizzlies Thursday at the Sullivan Arena.

The 2008 Kobuk Valley Conference champions demonstrated discipline and confidence throughout, and had 39 rebounds, 17 of which were by Rodney Hadley. His numerous layups led the Sissauni to a 70-63 win.

Lawrence Jones and Hadley had 19 points each. Jones had scoring two three-pointers.

Both teams kept the game moving. The Grizzlies had several layup shots.

Kalskag freshman Wayne Holmberg scored 28 points, the most in the game.

With only 49 seconds left for the game, Buckland lost the ball to Holmberg, who closed the point gap to within three points, but Hadley sank a layup, taking Buckland to victory.

Lawrence Jones and Oscar Walker of Buckland made all- tourney team.