By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Sitka High Lady Wolves notched two early-season victories in back-to-back games against the Redington Lady Huskies this weekend. Sitka won 55-33 Friday and 48-35 Saturday. The games marked Sitka’s first taste of their new, expanded conference, which now includes Redington and Houston high schools.
Lady Wolves junior Kaleena Tucker was eager for expanded competition opportunities.
“I’m actually excited because this was our first game against one of those bigger schools. I feel like it will give us more pressure to go against the other teams that we’re going to play up there,” Tucker said after Friday’s win. Redington High is located west of Wasilla.
For sophomore Nai’a Nelson, the focus remained on winning, regardless of where the team traveled from.
“We didn’t take it for granted no matter what, even though they’re upstate. They’ve got a lot of selection, but they’re going to matter a lot. But mainly we just worry about taking a win,” Nelson said.
Like her athletes, Sitka coach Mindy Bartolaba was happy for the chance to test her team against newcomers.
“The competition is exciting – Redington is a tough team defensively. That was a fun game to play for sure… These games are fun and exciting for the kids and getting to know new teams is good for us, too,” Bartolaba said.
Varsity, junior varsity and C teams played.
On Friday, Sitka’s boys C team beat Mt. Edgecumbe’s squad 47-25. The next day, Sitka’s girls C team beat MEHS 36-29 and Sitka’s girls JV toppled Redington 42-36.
Sitka’s girls varsity team held the upper hand through both of their games, boosted by an aggressive offense and accurate shooting.
Nelson stressed the importance of good passing.
“We worked the ball around, which is very helpful. This game (Friday) we hit the posts a lot more and fouled them, which is always better. Instead of looking for a maybe pass we made sure it was… a safe pass. We’re always told never to give a maybe pass,” the sophomore said.
Looking forward into the season, Nelson hopes the team’s defense improves.
“We’re definitely going to start working on the defense a lot more. Start sitting down on defense, boxing out is our number one priority… and that’s what we’ve been practicing a lot more,” she said.
Tucker noted this as well: “More defense, boxing out for sure, knowing where the ball is at.”
While Redington’s offense often had a tough time overcoming the Lady Wolves, the Lady Huskies’ Lexi Seymour was an exception to that rule. On Saturday, Seymour scored 23 of her team’s 35 points.
On Sitka’s side, scoring was more evenly distributed. Chloe Morrison netted 15 points Saturday, followed by Nelson and Ava Brady with nine points each.
Lady Wolves senior Chloe Morrison drives on the basket against the Redington High Lady Huskies during the fourth quarter, Saturday at Sitka High. Sitka won both games against Redington this weekend. (Sentinel photo by James Poulson)
Nelson hopes that her team makes it to the state competition.
“I still want a state championship with my team. Everyone wants it and we are willing to work hard enough to do it, and we have a lot of potential,” Nelson said.
Bartolaba was excited for upcoming games against Mt. Edgecumbe and Houston high schools.
“I’m just looking forward to games, and the kids put a lot of time and effort into practice and the games are super fun to play and we’re excited to have opportunities to do that,” the coach said.
The Lady Wolves and Lady Braves face off Tuesday evening. The schedule is below.
