Knights hit ups, downs during Fairbanks tourney

WASILLA — The Colony Knights girls and boys basketball programs each experienced a few ups and downs during the Mt. McKinley Holiday Classic at Monroe Catholic School in Fairbanks.

The Colony girls finished 2-1 in the event, posting wins over Bethel and host Monroe, but suffered a loss to Lathrop.

The Knights opened their tournament Jan. 5 with a 51-26 victory over Monroe. Alex Carlton led the Knights with a game-best 22 points. Colony followed with a 59-37 win over Bethel the following day. Carlton again led Colony in scoring, finishing with 18 against Bethel. Paige Clary and Ella Smith scored eight points each. Colony led 21-2 early.

Lathrop handed Colony its first loss of the tournament, beating the Knights 51-47.

The Colony boys finished 1-2 in the tournament. The Knights did cap their weekend with a 61-41 win over Lathrop.

Sullivan Menard led Colony with 14 points. Parker Kizer added a dozen and Nick Pead chipped in 10.

Earlier in the tournament, Colony suffered a pair of losses to 3A programs. Bethel beat the Knights 67-52. Menard led Colony with 21 points. Nolan Martin scored 16.

On the first day of the tourney, 3A power and host Monroe beat Colony 66-44. Menard and Jarrett Villastrigo scored eight points each.