Knights bounce Bears

PALMER — The Kodiak Bears seem to always make things difficult for Colony, even when the Knights post a double-digit victory.

Colony needed a second-half run to provide some separation against a scrappy and stingy Kodiak squad during a 46-28 Northern Lights Conference win over the Bears Friday night at Colony High School.

Colony head coach Tom Berg was quick to praise Kodiak head coach Dave Andersen.

“I think he really does a good job of making the most out of the players he has, putting guys in the right spot to be successful,” Berg said. “Sometimes it’s shooters. Last couple of years he’s had a bunch of shooters. For a while he had some big guys.”

Kodiak has become a nemesis for Colony in recent seasons, particularly in the Northern Lights Conference Championships. Last season, Kodiak upset second-seeded Colony in the NLC semifinals. Berg said it’s the similarities that can make playing Kodiak tough.

“I think it’s a better matchup with us,” Berg said. “Similar style. Most of the time they want to play quick, so do we. I think that’s part of it.”

Defense, and rebounding in the second half proved to be key for the Knights. Colony held Kodiak to only nine field goals in the game. Berg said he saw improved play, particularly on the glass, in the second half. Colony opened the game on a 7-0 run, but managed only 16 points during the final 12 minutes of the first half.

“They were tough in the first half,” Berg said. “The difference between the first and second half for us, they were able to get offensive rebounds in the first half. The second half we were able to guard a little better.”

Colony captain Sullivan Menard hit a pair of deep threes in the second quarter as Colony tried to stretch its advantage. But the true separation didn’t come until the second half. Menard and Will Freeman combined for 14 of Colony’s 23 points during the final two quarters.

Colony also held Kodiak to only five field goals in the second half. One of those shots, a three-pointer, came with the Knights head by more than 15.

The Bears and Knights meet again Saturday at 1 p.m.

Colony girls beat Kodiak on road

While the Colony boys hosted Kodiak, the Colony girls faced the Bears in Kodiak Friday night.

Senior Alex Carlton and freshman Tori Schwantes scored 11 points each for the Knights. The NLC rivals meet against Saturday.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

Colony boys 46, Kodiak 28

Friday, Colony High School

Kodiak 6-9-6-7—28

Colony 10-13-10-13—46

Kodiak (28) — Giron 2 2-2 6, Rocheleau 2 1-2 6, Penemora 2 0-0 6, Darnell 1 0-0 2, Walker 1 3-4 5, No. 44 1 0-0 3; Totals: 9 6-8 28.

Colony (46) — Pomrenke 1 0-0 2, McMahon 1 0-0 2, Freeman 4 0-0 10, Menard 5 3-4 15, Spencer 3 0-0 7, Kizer 1 0-0 2, Villastrigo 1 1-2 3, Hersrud 1 0-0 2, Wright 1 0-0 2, Baker 0 1-2 1; Totals: 18 5-8 46.

Colony girls 55, Kodiak 20

Friday, Kodiak

Colony 12-4-23-16—55

Kodiak 4-6-3-7—20

Colony (55) — Hay. Duguid 2 0-0 4, Han. Duguid 2 0-0 6, A. Smith 3 0-0 6, Dunlop 0 2-2 2, Kenley 3 0-2 8, Bull 2 0-0 4, Novelli 0 0-1 0, Schwantes 3 5-5 11, Carlton 4 2-4 11, Simpson 1 0-0 3: Totals: 20 9-16.

Kodiak (20) — Marcelo 1 4-6 7, Pascua 1 0-0 3, Kernan 0 2-2 2, Nocon 2 0-1 4, Spear 2 0-0 4; Totals: 6 6-11 20.