Wrangell seniors named to all-state teams

While basketball season is at an end, a bit abruptly thanks to the COVID-19 virus, the Association of Alaska Basketball Coaches released the names of players who made their all-state teams. The all-state teams represent Alaskan high school players who excelled through the season and really stood out. This year, two Wrangellites received this recognition: Kaylyn Easterly and Trevor Miller.

Kaylyn Easterly (No. 44) has been playing varsity basketball since she was a freshman, she said, and is now in her senior year. The Wrangell Lady Wolves had a strong season. They went into regionals with a second place seed. They were lined up to face off against the Metlakatla Miss Chiefs for a second place seed in the state championship, but the season was brought to a premature end because of the COVID-19 virus.

"It was a big bummer that we didn't get to finish our season," Easterly said. "But safety over everything."

Easterly was named to the first team of the 2A girls' all-state teams. She said that there was not any real particular moment during the season that she felt made her stand out, but it was just being a team player in general that helped her out. Being an overall player helped her this season, she said.

Easterly said she wanted to thank her father, Wayne Easterly, for pushing her to become a better basketball player.

"I really appreciate the community for all their support," she said.

Coach Laurie Brown said she was proud of her entire team's accomplishments this season. She also said that it is no surprise to her that Easterly made the all-state team. Easterly has been one of the top scorers for the Lady Wolves, and she can play in almost any position. Brown added that she is good at hyping up the team and getting them focused on the game.

"She's been real fun to coach," she said. "She's an outstanding player and she deserves the recognition.

Trevor Miller (No. 34) has played for the Wrangell Wolves for all of his high school career. He was named to the third team of 2A boys' all-state teams. It was a rough season for the Wolves, he said, with a lot of younger players and the fact that it ended suddenly, but he added they ended on a good note and were able to compete with every team they went up against. Miller also said that he felt that this season he tried to take on more of a leadership role, as a senior, and help other players get the ball and set up for baskets. He really focused on teamwork this year, and he said he believed he received all-state recognition for this focus on taking the lead and working with the whole team.

"It's nice to get the recognition for sure, and just to know that people notice out there," Miller said. "All the players, and the dedication you got to put in to get to that point."

Cody Angerman, the Wolves coach, agreed that Trevor's leadership on the team was a big part of his performance this year. Of course, he added, his skills as a player also helped a lot. He pointed out one point in particular, during Regionals. The Wolves were playing against the Metlakatla Chiefs, and Miller was a key part in keeping the lead for the Wolves. However, Miller caught an elbow to the head that temporarily took him out of the game. Angerman said that Miller showed a lot of leadership and dedication by wanting to just get patched up as quickly as possible and get back in the game. All in all, Angerman said, he is really going to miss Miller next season.

"Trevor has been a leader all year," Angerman said. "Obviously his play had a big part to do with that. Trevor's one of the best shooters I've ever seen."