Tyler Gillen, Blake Stokes, Chester Armstrong and Bryce Gerald get recognized with other seniors during the All-State Tournament in Anchorage last weekend. After taking second at Region V the Wolves went on to place fourth at the state level.
The Wrangell Wolves took fourth during Alaska's 2016 March Madness tournament last weekend.
The boys had a tough pairing to start with, squaring off against the eventual 2A champs Unalaska on March 17.
Wrangell played a close couple of quarters, keeping scores on both sides in the single-digits in the fourth. Unalaska won with 40 points to Wrangell's 25.
"We had one of those shooting games," coach Ray Stokes recalled, with only 16 percent made during the second half.
Bryce Gerald led his team for points with 11 during the game, also collecting eight rebounds.
Playing in the leftward bracket, Wrangell was paired against Point Hope. The Wolves dominated in the first half, leading 43 to 13. Point Hope matched and actually surpassed Wrangell for points through the third and fourth quarters, but was unable to catch up. The Wolves moved on with a 73-47 win.
"We pretty much demolished them," Stokes said. "I thought the boys played a good game there."
Trent Stokes racked up 21 points during the game, and Gerald and Tymon Teat each picked up 11. Gerald again led for rebounds with 15, and as a whole the team was able to grab more than twice what Point Hope did.
The team's final stop for the tournament was against Glennallen on March 19. The Wolves were able to pull ahead toward the end of the first half, then outpaced the Panthers well through the second.
"It may be one of the better shooting games we had all season," Stokes said.
Overall the team shot 57 percent through the game, including 12 three-pointers. In other categories – blocking, stealing, rebounds – Wrangell led over Glennallen.
"Overall it was a good tournament, a great showing," Stokes said.
"We had quite a few of our boys that were recognized for various awards," said Lisa Nikodym, Wrangell High School's activities director.
Gerald was nominated to the All-State Team for 2A. Gerald, Trent Stokes and Tyler Gillen were each named player of the game during the tournament.
The boys finished their regular season third in their division with nine wins and eight losses. In an upset victory over the Southeast leaders Metlakatla at Region V Wrangell placed second, accompanying Petersburg to Anchorage.
"The boys had a phenomenal season and they just came out strong," said Nikodym.
Six seniors are outgoing this year, including three starters.
"It'll be really hard to fill those shoes," Stokes said. "It'll be a challenge, that's for sure. But we have great kids."
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