Cougars edge Moose boys in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS — The Palmer Moose may have suffered their second loss to state power Service in about two weeks, but head coach Brandon Blake saw remarkable improvement against the Cougars Thursday.

Palmer led late, but Service managed to grab a 50-45 win over the Moose during the first day of the Mt. McKinley Holiday Classic at Monroe Catholic in Fairbanks.

“Overall we played much better,” Blake said by cellphone Thursday evening.

Blake was comparing the game to a 58-34 loss to the Cougars during the Service Tip Off semifinals Dec. 20.

“It was a great effort (tonight),” Blake said.

Palmer led by two points with less than two minutes in the game. Blake said Service hit a big three-pointer late and was able to cement the game with free throws.

Adam Ramoth scored 16 in the loss. James Nisbett added a dozen. Jared Yanez pulled down a team-best 11 rebounds.

In girls action, Palmer opened the tournament with a 53-23 win over Lathrop. Kalie DePriest finished with 16 points and seven rebounds. Leya DePriest had 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Palmer outscored Lathrop 30-16 in the second half.

Service boys 50, Palmer 45

Mt. McKinley Bank Holiday Classic

Thursday, Fairbanks

Service 16-13-11-10—50

Palmer 14-13-10-8—45

Service (50) — Raguidin 4 5-6 13, Wacker 0 1-2 1, Upton 2 0-1 8, Robinson 8 1-6 17, Ferguson 1 0-0 2, Drammeh 3 3-4 9; Totals: 18 10-19 50.

Palmer (45) — Ramoth 6 2-2 16, Jones 2 0-0 4, Southwick 1 1-2 3, Wells 3 1-5 8, Nisbett 4 3-3 12, Christiansen 1 0-0 2; Totals: 17 7-12 45.