KayDee Howell and Kyla Teat crowd Petersburg player Courtney Fredricksen for the ball during Friday's homecoming weekend game between the Lady Wolves and Petersburg Vikings.
Wrangell Wolves player Blake Stokes stretches out to block a shot by Daniel Holmburg of the Petersburg Vikings during Friday's high school junior varsity match-up. A close match, Petersburg won in overtime play, 39 to 37.
There were plenty of good plays, a few falls and even some last-second shots sunk during Wrangell High School's homecoming weekend basketball tournament, but no victories as it hosted both the boys and girls teams from Petersburg High School.
"There were a couple of really close games," said Wrangell Public Schools activities director Jack Carney. "Some of the kids really stood out."
Friday's boys junior varsity game went into overtime, with both teams locked at 30 points. Petersburg edged ahead in the extra time, just beating Wrangell 39 to 37.
"We're pretty good defensively," said assistant coach Jason Clark. "They
really hustled and showed a strong effort."
The girls varsity team also played a close game on Friday, with the score nearly tied up at 35 to Petersburg's 38 by the end of the third quarter. Petersburg kept its edge however, finishing the game 53 to Wrangell's 44.
"Girls varsity was pretty close," said Carney. In the game, Teresa Flores picked up 17 points and Taylor Bean scored 12.
Wrangell's boys varsity players lost both of their games over the weekend, 68 to 48, though the team came back to score 19 points in the fourth quarter of Friday's game. It lost to the Vikings 48 to 68 by the final buzzer.
On Saturday, the team finished with 37 points to Petersburg's 61. During the game Bryce Gerald scored 7 points and had 12 rebounds. Blake Stokes scored 20 points over the whole weekend.
"They always work really hard," said Clark.
On Saturday the Lady Wolves had a tougher time, losing 22 to Petersburg's 64. The girls junior varsity squad lost both of its games as well, 15 to 42 on Friday and 21 to 58 on Saturday.
"It was a lot better than I'd expected it would be," Edna Abella-Howe said. In basketball, Petersburg is a 3A-division team, while Wrangell's is at the 2A level.
Petersburg's players put up a good defense, she explained. Her team will have to work on its offense, going forward.
"Everything's been pretty good, a lot of people showing up," Carney said during the tournament.
A number of parents from both schools came out to support their teams, and the Petersburg and Wrangell cheer squads were able to whip up the crowd's excitement. Carney noted that both
parents and players displayed
good sportsmanship over the weekend, which is good for the schools' friendly rivalry.
A number of volunteers also helped make the weekend a successful one, putting up players and setting up for the tournament. 2016 class advisor Matt Gerald reported concessions sales brought in a net of more than $2,000, which will benefit next year's graduating class.
"I appreciate everybody who helped out," Carney said.
Both Wrangell teams will next play at Metlakatla for that school's homecoming this weekend. Metlakatla will return the following weekend on Jan. 23 and 24 to play in Wrangell.
The Wolves will have the opportunity for a rematch against the Petersburg team Jan. 30 and 31 when they play in there for the Vikings' homecoming weekend.
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