Craig edges out Lady Wolves in weekend home games

Wrangell High School's girls basketball team hosted the second of two back-to-back weekend bouts against Craig last weekend, losing both games by slim margins.

"They were both very close games," said the Lady Wolves' coach, Edna Abella-Nore.

The varsity girls played a close game on Friday, taking the lead at one point but tying up with Craig by the fourth buzzer. In a close overtime matchup, Wrangell finished just behind with 35 to Craig's 38.

Darian Meissner led the team with 12 points, while Taylor Bean netted eight.

The Lady Wolves played another nail biter on Saturday, holding a lead throughout the game, but were edged out by the Lady Panthers in the final quarter, finishing 28 to 31. Amy Jensen and Teresa Flores led the team in points that evening, with eight and seven points, respectively.

"The team is looking really good," said Abella-Nore. "There are just a couple of things to work on."

She said the team plays a strong defense, focusing more on its man coverage the past couple of weekends.

"We just really need to attack on offense, and make those shots count," she said.

Wrangell's junior varsity team lost its Friday game, 36 to 51, followed by another 25-40 loss the following evening.

JV suffered from fouls during play – Craig had the opportunity to shoot 25 free throws on Saturday – though nothing serious. "We've just gotta watch for those," the coach said.

The team heads to its last regular-season games next weekend, hosting Haines. Otherwise, in terms of players' health and grades, things are going well.

"So far, so good," Abella-Nore said. She explained her players' academics come first, and they will have to be caught up before heading to regionals next month.

"It seems we'll be on the Craig side of the bracket," activities director Jack Carney explained, likely having to square off against the Lady Panthers again when Region V tournament kicks off in Ketchikan March 4.