Lady Wolves finish season in third at regional

Wrangell's Lady Wolves ended their season last weekend, taking third in the 2A division at the Region V Tournament in Ketchikan.

"It went well," said the girls' second-year coach, Edna Abella-Nore. "It's been a long time since the Wrangell girls have made it this far."

The team lost its first game to Craig last Thursday, 23 to 27.

"They played really tough," said Wrangell High School's activities director, Jack Carney. During the game Amy Jenson led the team for points with 13.

"She was on the ball all the time," said Carney.

The Lady Wolves won their next game the following evening, finishing 43 to 37 over Haines. Wrangell took a large lead in the third quarter, holding onto it despite an 18-point pickup by Haines in the last quarter.

Back in the running for runner-up, Wrangell was up against the Lady Panthers again Saturday after that team's loss to Metlakatla. Craig maintained its lead throughout, winning 35 to 23.

"They did really well," said Carney. Darien Meissner and Taylor Bean were both selected for All-Conference awards. Athletes chosen for this honor have to meet criteria in the areas of work ethic, character, citizenship and skill level to qualify.

While tough on its defense, Abella-Nore said her team still needs to work on its offense, and "really attack the basket and convert those baskets into points."

"It's a work in progress," she said. Abella-Nore also felt her team played much more strongly as the season progressed and is pleased a number of girls on the team this year will return for the next season. "That's exciting to hear as a coach."

The Ketchikan tourney marked the end for Wrangell's pep and cheer squads as well.

"Pep Band sounded awesome," Carney said.

Wrangell's band teamed up with other schools', adding to the overall fun of the tournament.

"Three of our kids got recognized as playing with the All-Star Band," Carney added. Malachi Cole, Casey Galla and Charlie Collier were so recognized.

The Wolves Cheer Squad also ranked second for their division, after Metlakatla.

"We're really proud of how well they did," said Carney.

As Haines' squad did not actively compete this year, Wrangell's team placed second of three teams. Had there been four or more in competition, the squad's travel funding to compete at State would have been covered.

"It was really unfortunate," Carney said, pointing out this happened last year as well. While last year the squad quickly raised funds to pay its own way to Anchorage, this year it has opted not to proceed.

Overall, Carney was pleased with the showing of the school's teams and squads at Region V.

"It was a lot of fun watching all the teams play," he said. "I'm really happy with how all our teams represented Wrangell. Everybody knew their part and they looked good."

With a strong junior class and talented pool of underclassmen, he is excited to see how these programs change and improve for next year.