Palmer boys knock off Kodiak

PALMER -- It wasn't the prettiest of games, but fortunately for Palmer, it was a win for the Moose.

The scrappy Moose held on to defeat the second-ranked Kodiak Bears 47-41 at Palmer High 47-41.

"It was ugly, but anytime the second-ranked team in the state comes to your home court and you get a win, that is a good thing," Palmer head coach Brandon Blake said.

After trailing for a good portion of the second period, Palmer's Branden Gines hit a jumper with just seconds remaining in the first half to tie the score at 17-17.

The Moose came out in the second half and went on an immediate eight-point run to take the lead. Palmer held Kodiak scoreless through nearly the first four minutes of the third quarter. The Moose outscored Kodiak 17-6 in the third period.

Palmer built somewhat of a cushion in the third period, but the pesky Bears stuck right on the heels of the Moose.

Kodiak's lightning quick point guard Alfie Agmata snatched a steal and took the ball the length the court for the bucket with just under five minutes remaining in regulation to cut the Palmer lead to five points.

Palmer's lead was cut to three on a Chad Mortenson layup with 1:12 left in the contest.

Seconds later, Palmer guard Robbie Jacobson came off the bench and hit a pivotal free throw to make it a two possession ball game and give the Moose a 43-39 lead.

Jacabson added a layup with just 45 seconds left to help seal the win for Palmer.

Stanley Ratcliff led a well balanced Moose scoring attack with 11 points. Eight different players factored into the scoring for the Moose.

Only one player for Palmer saw action but failed to get on the scoreboard.

Kodiak entered the game with a 9-1 record and remain among the region's toughest squads.

"They are always in ball games," Blake said of Kodiak. "They do a great job on the offensive and defensive ends. They hounded are guards and are tough inside with Mortonson."