Metlakatla's Danny Marsden shoots the ball under pressure from Wrangell's Riley Blatchley (12) on Saturday, during the Region V 2A second-place game in Juneau.
Wrangell High School's boys finished up in third place during last week's Region V tournament, after losing in the final round to second-place Metlakatla.
Heading to hosts Juneau-Douglas High School, on March 8 the team started their week against next-door rivals and eventual champs Petersburg.
"The kids gave a good showing," said coach Ray Stokes. His boys had played a close game against the Vikings just the
previous weekend during Petersburg's homecoming, and the tournament rematch was similarly tight.
Petersburg started off with a 12-4 lead in the first quarter, and Wrangell pushed back in the next to trail 15-18 at the half. Vikings coach Rick Brock said the two teams had had trouble moving the ball, with both employing an effective half-court defense.
Into the second half the score remained within a few points' difference. "We kind of had 'em right where we wanted them. It came down right to the last second," said Stokes. By the final buzzer the Vikings maintained its lead, 38-35.
"We came awfully close," Stokes said. Petersburg would go on to take first place in Region V, and the close game against such competition was heartening. "It was nice to be in a position to actually have a chance at it."
Relegated to the secondary bracket, the next morning Wrangell eliminated Haines in a 51-33 win.
"The kids did a decent job of withstanding the pressure they put on," Stokes commented. Wrangell benefitted early on from a 12-point lead in the first quarter, and the Glacier Bears kept about apace from there.
"We got to live another day," the coach said.
Playing Craig on Friday turned into another victory for Wrangell. The Wolves set the pace throughout, and the Panthers were able to make up some of the distance in the closing minutes. Wrangell won 58-50.
"I thought they gave a good effort," said Stokes. "Everybody got a chance to play in that ballgame."
Trent Stokes put in 21 points during the game, and the coach pointed out senior Sam Prysunka likewise had a good second quarter with eight points.
Teammate Trevor Miller had a good showing the following game, playing Metlakatla for second place.
"I thought he was going to get some opportunities, and sure enough he did," said Stokes.
Metlakatla's offense opened up with a lead Wrangell was unable to surmount. The Chiefs also had a good game for free throws,
tucking away 16 of 21 attempts. They ended up with a 45-33 win and second place.
Overall, Stokes said the week went well. "We fell a little short of what we were hoping for," he said, season over. "I was pleased with the boys. They tried hard."
The tournament is the last for the team's coach, who will be hanging up his whistle and clipboard after 30 years. "I'd like to thank all the people over the years who have helped us out," he said afterward. "It's been fun."
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