Crimson Bears boys dominate Kings to force Saturday championship
- Klas Stolpe
- Mar 7
- 10 min read
JDHS topples Ketchikan 62-36 to even best-of-three game region title series
By Klas Stolpe
Juneau Independent
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears outscored Ketchikan 38-12 in the second half of a tight ball game and ran away with a 62-36 win over the Kings in the Alaska Airlines Region V 2A/3A/4A Basketball Tournament on Friday in the George Houston Gymnasium. The win forces a game three on Saturday for the region title. Kayhi had won 58-56 on Thursday.
“I liked how our defensive pressure was consistent all game,” JDHS coach Robert Casperson said. “We moved the ball very well in the second half and created some good shots for each other. Along with that, we finished with toughness in the paint.”
The game featured some chippy physical play. Juneau was called for a pair of technical calls.
Kayhi trailed 11-6 late in the first quarter, but the second technical, on which a shooting foul was also called, led to the Kings making four free throws. Zyrus Manabat followed shortly thereafter with a 3-pointer as the Kings surged into a 13-11 lead.
"We knew it was going to be a physical battle. We knew it would be intense," Ketchikan coach Eric Stockhausen said. "And, in the first half, defensively, I thought we rose to the challenge. But our offense just never got in sync, and that had a lot to do with Juneau's pressure. We just kind of reverted to standing. We'll have a night's sleep and a good breakfast to figure it out."
The game was tied 13-13 after the first quarter and Kayhi moved ahead 18-13 after a 3-pointer from Henry Vail, followed by a layin from Vail. Kayhi led 24-21 after a three-point play from Anthony Talauega.
JDHS senior Elias Dybdahl answered with a basket and a foul shot to tie the score at 24-24 as the first half ended.
The Crimson Bears opened the third quarter with a 14-2 run that included a shot past the arc by senior Joren Gasga, a free throw by Dybdahl and a put back on a second missed free throw, a steal and score by Gasga, and a three-point play by senior Tyler Frisby.
JDHS would lead 48-31 starting the final eight minutes and hold Kayhi to just five points in the stanza.
The Crimson Bears and Kings play again Saturday at 7 p.m. with the winner advancing to the state tournament.
Juneau-Douglas 62, Kayhi 36
Kayhi 13 11 7 5 — 36
JD 13 11 24 14 — 62
Kayhi — Edward Dela Cruz 4, Jozaiah Dela Cruz 4, Zyrus Manabat 8, Henry Vail 10, Anthony Talauega 10. JD — Kurt Kuppert 9, Christian Rielly 4, Joren Gasga 18, Elias Dybdahl 18, Tyler Frisby 5, Logan Carriker 8.
REGION V TOURNAMENT COVERAGE
3A BOYS
MT. EDGECUMBE 82, SITKA 67
The Mt. Edgecumbe Braves evened their best-of-three game series for the Region V 3A boys championship by taking a slim lead through the first half and holding off the Sitka Wolves down the stretch for an 82-67 win. Sitka had won on Thursday 72-53.
“It means a lot because the first game we came out and we didn’t play like we were supposed to,” MEHS junior Kaden Herrmann said. “Lost by, like, 25 so this means a lot. We are looking to go out tomorrow and execute and take the conference.”
Herrmann scored six points in the first stanza and Sitka senior Trey Johnson scored seven. Mt. Edgecumbe led 15-13 after eight minutes.
Mt. Edgecumbe junior Guy Goldsberry caught fire from the arc in the second quarter and the Braves held a 34-31 first-half lead.
“I was just shooting it,” MEHS’ Goldsberry said. “Just not thinking about it, just hooping. Just playing basketball. Knowing I have this team behind me means everything to me. We are a whole team together. All of us. It is not just one of us, everybody has to do something.”
The teams would play even through the second half and Mt. Edgecume held a 50-49 lead heading into the final eight minutes.
“The job is not done,” MEHS coach Marshall Vest said. “It was a great basketball game. We did a good job to respond and bounce back from yesterday’s game, which wasn’t a bad game in my opinion but it wasn’t our best game. And Sitka played a very good game yesterday, hats off to them. We made some adjustments today and it was nice to see some breakthrough with those adjustments. We will be back tomorrow, just like Sitka, trying to close this thing out.”
Mt. Edgecumbe 82, Sitka 67
Mt. Edgecumbe 15 19 16 31
Sitka 13 18 18 18
Mt. Edgecumbe - Guy Goldsberry 25, Kaden Herrmann 21, Xavier Gundersen 16, Royce Alstrom 8, Donald Olsen 4, Elden Andrew 3, Gordon Lie 3, Kaden Kulukhon.
Sitka - Trey Johnson 18, Kenny Helem 13, Shan Carlos 8, Josh Pardido 7, Koen Hirai 5, Brett Ross 4, Kai Hirai 4, Colton McGraw 4, Ashton Paterson 4.
2A BOYS
HAINES 42, PETERSBURG 40 championship game
The Haines Glacier Bears took an early lead and survived a huge comeback in a 42-40 win over the Petersburg Vikings for the 2A Region V championship at the Alaska Airlines Region V 2A/3A/4A Basketball Tournament on Friday in the George Houston Gymnasium.
“This is the first net I have ever cut down,” Haines coach Bryan Combs said. “First with the boys, first year head coaching… From the very start of the season it was a defensive-first mindset and learning how to play the game the right way. As well as we can… I don’t know. I’m just taking it all in right now, I’m speechless.”
Haines senior James Stickler would match the first two Petersburg scores, a rebound followed by Logan Tow and a pair of free throws from senior Noah Pawuk, and set the stage for a first quarter exchange of athleticism.
After Haines junior Brody Ferrin scored for a 7-6 lead Haines senior Colton Combs hit five baskets in a row for a 19-12 lead after eight minutes.
The Glacier Bears would extend their defensive intensity in the second stanza. The Vikings went scoreless in the period to trail 31-12 at the half and it appeared the game was over.
Petersburg opened the second half with a basket and a free throw by freshman Camden Johnson and two free throws by Pawuk to pull to 31-17 and have a glimmer of hope. Pawuk and Tow would rotate scores to pull to 36-22 and with under two minutes to play Pawuk hit a jump hook for 36-24 and sophomore Edgar Olsen hit a free throw to close to 36-25.
The Vikings opened the fourth quarter with a layup and a shot past the arc by C. Johnson to pull to within six points, 36-30.
C. Combs stopped the drought with a lone free throw for Haines and Petersburg answered with a Powuk rebound and putback to trail 37-32.
“My dad promised us a region championship when the season started,” C. Combs said. “Push every practice, push every game. It always starts on defense and we made it happen…”
Haines junior Kyran Sweet stole a ball for a 39-32 lead, but Petersburg’s Pawuk and C. Johnson scored back-to-back to pull within three points, 39-36 with four minutes left in the game.
Stickler scored inside on a rebound forcing Petersburg to call timeout.
With under three minutes to play Vikings junior Wade Lloyd hit a pair of free throws and Haines called a timeout. Haines came out of their bench meeting with two turnovers, but Petersburg could not capitalize.
“It’s crazy,” Haines’ Stickler said after the game. “Especially with me turning the ball over right at the end. I am just glad that I had a good team and good coach.”
Stickler, a state wrestling champion at 215 pounds, said he hopes to add a basketball title as well.
“Oh yeah,” he said. “Like tonight. We were strong with the ball at the end. That is all there is to it. We were up by three points and when we have it in the hands of some of our best ball handlers and free throw shooters hands it is a good feeling.”
With 28 seconds remaining in the game Haines’ Ferrin hit one free throw for a 42-38 lead.
Petersburg’s Tucker was fouled on a shot and hit both free throws to trail 42-40 with six seconds left. Haines called time out and when they resumed play lost the ball.
A last-second shot by Petersburg’s Pawuk hit the front of the rim and Haines escaped with the win and the Region V championship.
“I am glad I was able to help my son get something that I did not,” coach Combs said. “And it’s his senior year. I told the boys that we were going to cut nets down this year so this is the first step. We have a state tournament to go to now and we will just continue to play hard and see where the ball rolls.”
The Haines contingent filled half the gym.
“This is huge for the community,” C. Combs said. “Ever since my freshman year I have never made it to the championship. Haines hasn’t made it since 2019 so this it pretty exciting for everybody. Most everybody from the town came to watch, came and supported us throughout the whole season. Gyms were packed. It was great.”
As the Glacier Bears took their turns climbing a step ladder under the basket and cutting away the netting, coach Combs said, “Oh man! This is stressful, but relieving. Three seniors and some young kids… I hope they save me some snipping.”
Haines 42, Petersburg 40
Haines 19 12 5 6
Petersburg 12 0 13 15
Haines — Colton Combs 20, James Stickler 8, Brodie Ferrin 6, JC Davis 3, Wade Lloyd 3, Kyran Sweet 2. Petersburg — Noah Powuk 14, Camden Johnson 10, Logan Tow 9, Aiden Knudsen 3, Brayden Tucker 2, Mason Knudsen 2.
Petersburg will face Metlakatla at 2:30 p.m. Saturday for the second berth to the state tournament.
METLAKATLA 42, WRANGELL 39
It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but the Metlakatla boys basketball team found a way to survive and advance, keeping its state tournament hopes alive with a 42-39 victory over Wrangell in the consolation bracket of the Region V 2A Championships on Friday in Juneau.
A mixture of ‘And Ones’ by junior Rocco Lindsey throughout the game powered the Chiefs while Wrangell relied on a more patient offense.
Metlakatla led 10-7 after eight minutes and Wrangell held a 17-16 lead at the half, and kept that advantage into third and fourth quarters.
Metlakatla junior Cruz Lindsey fouled out with 2:45 remaining in the game with Wrangell senior Jackson Powers making a free throw to tie the game at 34-34.
A Metlakatla turnover allowed Wrangell senior Ben Houser to hit from the arc for a 37-34 Wolves lead.
R. Lindsey battled on a scoring drive and was fouled, sinking the extra point to tie the game at 37-37. He was fouled on a defensive rebound and made the first for a 38-37. The next free throw was off the mark, but Metlakatla senior Sebastian Martinez rebounded and was fouled, hitting both for a 40-37 lead.
Wrangell’s Everett Meissner scored on an inbounds play to trail 40-39.
A Metlakatla fan loudly voiced support for junior Gianni Scudero-Hayward by yelling, “You are number one for a reason…”
And Scudero-Hayward, who had been driving through traffic and racking up assists all game, and wears a jersey with that number, was fouled on a drive. He made both free throws for the 42-39 advantage.
Wrangell had a last shot with under 10 seconds to play, but the ball hit the front of the rim and fell short.
Metlakatla 42, Wrangell 39
Wrangell 7 10 10 12 — 39
Metlakatla 10 6 9 17 — 42
Metlakatla — Gianni Scudero Hayward 10, Bryce Olin 5, Cash Martinez 3, Sebashtin Martinez 1, Rocco Lindsey 19, Cruz Lindsey 4. Wrangell — Ben Houser 8, Lucas Stearns 2, Michael Cook 9, William Massin 2, Jackson Powers 6, Everett Meissner 4, Aadyn Gillen 8.
Region V 2A Boys
Wednesday
No. 4 Wrangell 61, No. 5 Craig 43
No. 2 Haines 42, No. 3 Metlakatla 31
Thursday
Elimination Game- Metlakatla 62, Craig 32
Winners Bracket- No. 1 Petersburg 48, Wrangell 12
Friday
Elimination Game- Metlakatla 42, Wrangell 39
Championship Game - Haines 42, Petersburg 40
SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
11 a.m. - Dance Adjudication
1 p.m. - 2A Girls second-place game, Wrangell vs. Metlakatla
2:30 p.m. - 2A Boys second-place game, Petersburg vs. Metlakatla
4 p.m. 3A Girls final, Mt. Edgecumbe vs. Sitka
5:30 p.m. - 3A Boys final, Mt. Edgecumbe vs. Sitka
7 p.m. - 4A Boys final, JDHS vs. Ketchikan.
• Contact Klas Stolpe at klas.stolpe@gmail.com.
Richard Larson / Ketchikan Daily News contributed to this report
