Lady Wolves wins first place at Talkeetna tournament

The Wrangell High School girls basketball team dominated their first three games of the season to win the Rally at Denali tournament last weekend.

In three games over two days in at Susitna Valley High School in Talkeetna, the Lady Wolves defeated Birchwood Christian from Chugiak, Susitna Valley and Petersburg.

At first it appeared Wrangell wouldn’t be able to make the tournament due to mechanical problems on the flight last Wednesday. The plane was grounded in Petersburg and the team was returned to Wrangell the same day. The players made it out the next day, and tournament organizers rearranged game times so that Wrangell could compete.

The first game on Friday morning appeared as though it would be a tight matchup, as Birchwood tied Wrangell 5-5 with 2:08 left in the first period. The Lady Wolves kept up the defense and led 16-8 at the buzzer.

Wrangell continued to apply pressure, presenting a wall of defense Birchwood had trouble getting around. The game moved rapidly, despite Wrangell players being fouled several times. By the end of the first half, Wrangell kept a solid 13-point lead at 24-11.

Birchwood added only two more points to the board during the third period, ending it at 45-13.

Freshman Addy Andrews drove the ball downcourt to make the first basket of the fourth period, charging through Birchwood players to reach her goal.

Birchwood could score on the Lady Wolves until 5:50 left in the final quarter. Junior Kiara Harrison took a shot from downtown, hitting nothing but net to give her team a 40-point lead. Birchwood step up the heat, answering with back-to-back buckets with 3:58 left to play.

It wasn’t enough. The game ended with Wrangell winning 54-19 against the much smaller school.

In the second game, Wrangell played tournament host Susitna Valley later in the afternoon. It took almost two minutes before either team scored, but not for lack of trying. Wrangell landed the first basket, as each side presented a tough defense.

About halfway into the first period, a Susitna player was injured. A brief timeout ended with the player being helped off the court. After that, the action intensified between the Wolves and Rams. With mere seconds left, Harrison scored, ending the period 8-2, Wrangell.

The Wolves sustained about as many fouls as they handed out, with seniors Jamie Early and Liana Carney each landing one of two free throws during the second period. By the end of the first half, Wrangell held onto its lead, 25-8.

Wrangell continued to widen the gap, taking a 34-14 lead at the end of the third period.

Susitna’s defensive game put pressure on their opponents, but Wrangell stayed strong, winning the game 49-21.

Head coach Christina Good credited the guidance of the more seasoned players for the team’s cohesive defensive and offensive playing.

“Our upperclassmen have stepped up their leadership roles for the team, providing a solid foundation for the younger athletes,” she said. “Jamie Early brings stability to the game with her athleticism. Liana Carney exudes mental toughness and can score from anywhere on the court. Senior Kendra Meissner is our clutch three-point shooter and another dynamic defender. Kiara Harrison is a dominant presence in the paint.”

Good added that sophomore Kayla Meissner and freshmen Aubrey Wynne, Della Churchill and Andrews were all great defensive players.

The tournament heated up on Saturday, with the Lady Wolves squaring off against their cross-channel rivals Petersburg.

Wrangell landed the first two points at just over a minute into the game. Petersburg put points on the board after one of its players was fouled and sunk a free throw.

Early was fouled shortly after, making one out of two free throw attempts each time. The first period was slowed down by several fouls on each side. It ended with Wrangell leading 15-3.

Each team showed a strong defense throughout the second period, but Petersburg’s pressure wasn’t enough to keep Wrangell from scoring, which included a three-pointer.

Petersburg started to come out of its slump toward the end of the half, but Wrangell stayed on top, ending it 27-11.

The Lady Wolves played strong on offense and defense in the third, sinking bucket after bucket, while denying its foes. Petersburg did not score until 3:28 left in the quarter, with Wrangell far ahead at the end of three quarters, 41-15.

Competition was on display in the fourth period. However, Petersburg couldn’t catch up with the Wrangell pack, and the game ended 56-24, giving Wrangell the tournament trophy.

The team is scheduled to play against Metlakatla this Saturday.

 

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