Palmer girls, boys sweep Kodiak

PALMER — For nearly two decades, the Palmer Moose have entered each season knowing they share a conference with two of the top programs in the state.

The Wasilla Warriors and the Colony Knights.

Regardless of what happens in those four combined regular season games against their two biggest rivals, Palmer head coach Elgin Hollins said the Moose put a priority on sweeping the other three teams in the Northern Lights.

The Soldotna Stars, Kenai Kardinals and Kodiak Bears.

Friday, with a 52-32 victory over Kodiak on Friday and a 46-37 victory Saturday afternoon, Palmer improved to a combined 6-0 against the Stars, Kards and Bears.

“You have to get those six wins,” Hollins said after the 20-point victory Friday night at Palmer High School.

Hollins said, by no means does Palmer simply concede those games against Warriors and the Knights, who have combined to win 10 state titles in the last 23 seasons.

“It always puts a little added pressure,” Hollins said of playing the rivals.

But the Moose put an emphasis on finishing with a perfect record against the non-Valley schools in the conference.

Palmer is now 6-2 in conference play, with the NLC losses coming at Wasilla and against Colony. The Moose host Wasilla Tuesday night and are at Colony Friday.

“I think this year there’s a chance to come away next week, winning at least one of those games,” Hollins said. “That’s our goal.”

Hollins said the Moose have worked to build momentum as they enter the final two games of the regular season. Hollins said he hopes his team can score a win over a rival to provide even more fuel for the region tournament.

“I think the kids are excited,” Hollins said.

Friday, Palmer needed a spark from a freshman to get past upset-minded Kodiak. The Bears started the game on a 7-0 run, and Palmer didn’t get its first basket until freshman Catherine Uschmann scored with 2:08 left in the first quarter. Uschmann scored six points in the final stretch of the first.

“She started our scoring run. It was really awesome,” Hollins said. “It’s great to see a freshman come in at the end of a season. She’s had a great second half.”

Senior Kassidy Bowman hit a three-pointer and added five points during the final two minutes of the first, as Palmer capped the quarter on an 11-2 run. Junior Abriana Busbey scored all eight of her points during Palmer’s 17-point second quarter. Hollins said Palmer increased the pressure on defense in the second quarter to help get the offense going.

“The way the game was going, we had to figure out a way to wake us up,” Hollins said.

Uschmann led Palmer with a game-high 12 points. Busbey and Avery Pettingill added eight points each.

Saturday, the Moose used a 25-point second quarter to grab a second win over the Bears. Uschmann scored all 11 of he points in the first half. Benshetler added 10.

Palmer boys earn sweep in Kodiak

Senior Clayton Southwick scored a game-high 21 points to lead Palmer to a 45-38 win over Kodiak Friday night at Kodiak High School.

Southwick hit 5 of 6 free throws during the fourth quarter to help Palmer improve to 5-2 in NLC play. Southwick and Jacob Titus hit a pair of three-pointers each for the Moose, and Isaac Atkins added 12 points in the win.

Saturday, Palmer used a well-rounded effort to beat Koidak 55-27 and complete the sweep. Atkins led the Moose with 11. Jared Oviok and Joe Rankin added nine each.