Boys doubly defeated in Metlakatla matchup

On the road at Metlakatla High School, the Wrangell Wolves basketball team took a pair of losses in its third weekend of the season.

During the varsity game on Jan. 21 the hosting Chiefs led things off with a 15-6 lead in the first, building from there. The team gave away plenty of fouls in the fourth quarter, but Wrangell was unable to close in by the final buzzer, losing 41-68.

During the game Trent Stokes led his team for points, scoring 14 and sinking five of seven free-throws. Caleb Groshong made 10 points, Sam Armstrong scored nine, Blake Stokes three, Tyler Gillen and Dawson Miller two apiece, and Tarron Privett one.

The next evening, the Wolves brought the heat on, keeping the scores close through the first half to 29-33. Metlakatla held on to its lead through the second, with a couple of extra three-pointers and three free throws to finish with a 55-47 win over Wrangell.

T. Stokes led his team again for points with 14, followed by Bryce Gerald with 10. Garrett Miller logged eight points, B. Stokes and Gillen six, Miller two and Tyman Teat one for a free throw.

Wrangell’s junior varsity players played a close match on Thursday evening. The Chiefs JV built a large lead early on, which the Wolves whittled down through the rest of the game. By the final buzzer, Metlakatla stood ahead 57-51.

The next evening a low-scoring second quarter put the Wolves JV at a disadvantage, which they ultimately were unable to overcome by the final. The junior Chiefs won its second game of the weekend 48-38.

Wrangell’s boys will be hosting the Craig Panthers this weekend as the season reaches its halfway point. The weekend after next on Feb. 12 and 13, Wrangell will be hosting Petersburg for a rematch during its homecoming games.