Knights open the season with a win over the Warriors

WASILLA — On March 6, 2020, the Colony Knights scored a 59-43 boys basketball win over the Wasilla Warriors at Wasilla High School. Players on both squads thought it would be their final test before the region tourney. But it turned out to be their final game of 2020. Days later, the 2019-20 prep basketball season came to an abrupt end thanks to COVID-19.

On Wednesday, the Knights and the Warriors finally had the chance to hit the floor again. Colony scored a 76-43 win over the Warriors at Wasilla High.

“We’re talking almost 10 months since we got to be in a competitive situation,” Colony head coach Tom Berg said by phone. “I was happy for the kids.”

Berg said it is the perseverance of his players that really stands out. The Knights were expected to contend for a 4A state title last season and are listed among the top teams in the state again this year. The state of high school sports in Alaska has been in flux throughout the 2020-21 school year because of the ongoing pandemic. Local basketball programs are currently restricted to only intradistrict play, and the schedule has already changed a handful of times. Despite all, his players continue to work.

Berg said Colony and Wasilla was able to add Wednesday’s game to the schedule. The Knights were set to open the season at Palmer last week, but that contest was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The Knights and Warriors are also scheduled to play again Feb. 5.

“We hope to play Wasilla next Friday. All we know now is that we get to go practice today,” Berg said on Thursday.

While practice isn’t always someone’s favorite thing, Berg said the Knights know that might be the only thing they can guarantee right now.

“We’re thankful to be on the floor every day,” Berg said. “We’ve been embracing that idea, and hope to keep playing.”

Colony used a fast start to grab the win over its rival, opening with a 27-12 first-quarter run.

“We executed really well early,” Berg said.

Jeremiah Hersrud scored 11 points in the first quarter and Patrick McMahon, the reigning 4A state player of the year, added 10. Hersrud and McMahon scored 25 points each in the victory.

“I really feel we have two of the best three or four players in the state. I’m unbelievably blessed to get to coach those guys,” Berg said.

Newcomer Addison Dobbs added 10 points in his Knights debut.

Andrew Devine led Wasilla with 14 points in the loss. Dylan Jeffus added nine. He hit a trio of three-pointers in the first quarter.

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.