FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The 1A Bering Sea Conference Tournament is underway in Unalakleet with many talented teams from around the district leaving it all on the court for a chance to compete in the upcoming state championships. The top two boys and girls teams will qualify.
Tonight's championship games will feature the Shaktoolik Wolverines and the Shishmaref Northern Lights in both the boys' and girls' divisions.
Esther Iyatungak, a basketball fan, is here to cheer on both teams—her hometown of Shishmaref and their opponents from Shaktoolik. She’s especially looking forward to cheering on #30, Corbin Nayokpuk of Shishmaref, and #2, Colton Hadley of Shaktoolik, who is originally from Shishmaref. Who does she hope will win? She says, “A good outcome would be first and second place” for either team. She wishes Shishmaref could have brought their whole team but likes their teamwork and cooperation.
Junior #12, Jinsu Kim of the second-seeded Northern Lights, is hopeful that his team will live up to the challenge of qualifying for the state tournament. He says, “Our team has a great coach [Edward Kokeok], and all of our players are determined.” According to him, their ability to play well against man defense should help.
Another boys’ team in the mix is the Gambell Qughsatkut, whose coach is Wallace Ungwiluk, a Gambell alum who played college basketball in Portland, OR, and coached at the college level in Idaho before returning home. Like Shaktoolik and Shishmaref, his team played on the road in multiple tournaments, and throughout the season his players have gained the “ability to share the ball to score,” although “protecting the ball” remains a challenge.
Playing in the championship game is familiar territory for the Lady Wolverines’ #21, senior Madison Katchatag, who has played in the last two state championships. While her team struggles with “slow feet,” especially during morning games, they are known for their defense and shooting, according to Madison. Like a true leader, she’s not only hoping to capture the title, but she also wants her team to display good sportsmanship.
They will face off against the Lady Northern Lights in primetime tonight. Shishmaref’s team, coached by Curtis Nayokpuk, holds a 17-2 record this season. Their most recent win came against Shaktoolik—in Shaktoolik—just last weekend.
Athletes, coaches, and fans alike are all looking forward to tonight’s showdown between Bering Strait’s top teams. Go BSSD!
By: Clinton Katchatag, Alexandrea Ivanoff, Turi Busk, and Kianna Ivanoff
Photo By: Michael Katchatag