Second option helps Wasilla sink Mariners

WASILLA -- A team always likes to have a second scoring option. The Wasilla Warriors seem to have a second, third and fourth. It seems as if in every contest the Warriors find another player that can kill their opponent with the three-pointer. Early in the season it was Aaron Roth, later it was Buddy Bailey. On Friday, it was Greg Gray's chance to shine.

Gray hit seven of eight three-point attempts to lead the Warriors past the Homer Mariners 83-42 at Wasilla High School.

Gray scored a game-high 23 points.

"We always seem to have someone who can step up and Greg did that tonight," Wasilla head coach Jason Marvel said. "We can't ask for much more.

"Greg does what he needs to do and does what we ask of him. Catch the ball and shoot," Marvel added.

In addition to Gray's long-range efforts, Wasilla got the typical dominating performance from center Ray Schafer inside. Schafer, who stands a mere 7-feet tall in the post, towered over Homer's forwards. The tallest Mariner stood just 6-5.

Schafer owned the glass on both sides of the court, grabbing countless rebounds and hitting 10 inside shots. Schafer dazzled the crowd with a handful of dunks. Schafer's theatrics included driving dunks, reverse dunks and power jams. Schafer even connected with Buddy Bailey on an alley oop late in the contest.

Schafer scored 22 points in the contest.

The Warriors also got quality minutes from their reserves.

Sophomore Ricky Cunningham came off the bench to score 11 points.

"Our younger guys did very well," Marvel said. "Everyone says that Wasilla will be down next year. It will be a definite rebuilding year, we will have a lot to work on. If these younger guys can go in and have good performances it shows that we will be alright."

Wasilla 65 Skyview 32

The Warriors continued to roll through their region schedule with a 65-32 win over Skyview at Wasilla High Saturday.

Schafer scored a game-high 20 points in the contest. The senior center scored 12 points in the first half.

Adrian Furman came off the bench to add 11 points for Wasilla.