Warriors split with Stars

PALMER — The Colony Knights ran away with a victory over the Soldotna Stars Friday — literally.

After escaping with a three-point victory over the Stars earlier in the season, the Knights dominated Soldotna 45-24 Friday night at Colony High School.

Mary Klapperich led the Knights with 23 points. She ignited the Colony offense in the first quarter with a pair of three-pointers. Klapperich found herself at the top of the key with the ball and a wide-open looks at the basket. She drove through the paint and put up high percentage shots from around the rim with ease.

Klapperich’s counterpart, Soldotna’s Kailee Skjold, would not enjoy the kind of offensive freedom as Klapperich. Skjold was held scoreless by a tireless Colony defense.

The Knights started a taller lineup, but hustled around the court for steals leading to a tiring fast-break offense led by their guards.

“I thought Audrey (Michaelson) played really good as far as getting us extra possessions. Sarah Brumbaugh as well, they did a fantastic job,” said Colony head coach Jeff Bowker.

Colony’s guard play was the key. Whether it was Faith Farris scoring off the dribble or Izzy Tweed and Brumbaugh trapping defenders in a corner, Colony was all over the court.

The Knights got contributions from their whole lineup. Only three players failed to score, including Brumbaugh, who could be considered the most important player to the Knights victory with her defense.

Michaelson finished with three points, but was the benefactor of team defense.

“We made a lot of shots early, so that gave us a little space. We wanted to run some tempo,” Bowker said.

Colony’s speed and hustle forced turnovers, snagged offensive rebounds and pushed the offense. Klapperich and Tweed started the fast break and often found a slashing teammate for the easy basket.

Klapperich would seal the game in the fourth quarter, scoring five of her game-high 23. Late in the fourth, Klapperich led the Knights not only with her scoring, but with her effort. A Soldotna defender deflected a Colony pass back across half court. Klapperich outran the Soldotna defender, jumped out of bounds and threw the ball back in bounds to Tweed, who had hustled all the way across the court to do the same thing.

Julie Litchfield led the Stars in scoring with eight points. Heidi Westerman chipped in five.

Colony 45, Soldotna 24

Friday, Colony High School

Soldotna 11-2-7-4—24

Colony 19-11-8-7—45

Soldotna (24) — Miller 1 0-0 2, Westerman 2 1-4 5, Kirkviet 1 0-0 2, Hendrick 0 1-2 1, Wong 2 0-0 4, Litchfield 3 0-2 8, Benson 1 0-0 2.

Colony (45) — Klapperich 8 4-5 23, Farris 3 1-2 7, Tweed 1 0-0 2, Turcotte 1 0-0 2, Willardson 1 0-0-2, Michaelson 1 1-2 3, Solano 2 2-2 6.