Warriors host annual Doc Larson Roundball Classic

A pair of seniors helped the Wasilla Warriors score a win over a Lower 48 team with a Division I recruit.

Meilee Merchant and Savannah Kroon hit key shots to help the Warriors beat the Ridgeline Falcons 54-53 in overtime during the Doc Larson Roundball Classic Friday at Wasilla High School.

With just more than a minute left in the extra period and the score tied at 50, Merchant grabbed a steal near midcourt and knocked down a three-pointer to give the Warriors the lead. Kroon hit a free throw with less than a minute left to push it to 54-50. Ridgeline hit a late three, but ran out of time.

Kroon moved the Warriors into overtime. With her team down by a point, Kroon was fouled on the final shot of regulation. The senior hit a free throw to tie the score and extend the game.

Kroon led Wasilla with 17 points in the win. Kinley Lynch added 11 and Merchant chipped in 10.

Ridgeline’s Madilyn Crowley, who signed with Michigan State, scored 11 points for the team from Liberty Lake, Washington.

Wasilla finished 2-1 in the tournament.

The Warriors opened with a 74-34 win over Juneau-Douglas on Thursday. Kroon scored a game-high 21 points, and was one of four Warriors to hit a pair of threes.

Bartlett edged Wasilla 43-39 on Saturday. The Bears jumped to an early 15-10 lead in the first quarter. Merchant led Wasilla with 15 and Kroon added 10.

The Wasilla boys finished 1-2 during the three-day tourney. The Warriors opened the tournament and their season with a 73-37 victory over Bartlett. Barak Wagle and Aiden Pharr scored 18 points each.

West Anchorage edged the Warriors 76-72. Pharr scored 19 and Braydan Sparrs added 13.

South Anchorage beat Wasilla 76-60. Wagle scored 20. Tillerman Engebretsen chipped in 13.

Contact the Frontiersman at sports@frontiersman.com.