Wasilla boys even score on Juneau

The Wasilla Warriors boys' basketball team met the second-ranked Juneau-Douglas Crimson Bears Saturday at Wasilla High School to support the Alaska Endowment for Youth Activities.

In a low-scoring game dominated by the defense of both teams, Wasilla held on to win a thrilling finish 50-47 to avenge an earlier loss to the Bears during the T-Bird Classic at East Anchorage High School Jan. 24.

"We played tremendous defense and had quality possessions on offense," said Wasilla coach Chuck Martin. "We played good basketball tonight defending a good team."

Martin attributed the low score directly to the outstanding defense of both teams.

"Neither team would allow a fast game," Martin said. "A good man-to-man defense won't give up many good shots."

Both teams were held to single digits in the first quarter, with Juneau attaining a slight 9-7 advantage at the end of the quarter.

Scoring opened up slightly in the second quarter with Travis Webb, Adam Fitt-Chappell and Ray Schafer contributing 14 points for the Warriors as to bring the halftime score to a 21-21 deadlock at halftime.

The Warriors played a solid third quarter with strong post play from Schafer under the basket. Schafer scored 10 of the Warriors' 17 points in the quarter to give Wasilla the 38-31 lead at the end of the quarter.

The Warriors held its seven-point advantage until the Crimson Bears increased the intensity of its pressure defense with three minutes remaining in the game.

The pressure defense swarmed Wasilla ballhandlers at every point to force turnovers and convert them into points. A three-pointer by Juneau's Curtis Lane drew the Bears to 45-43 with 2:20 remaining.

Wasilla responded with aggressive ballhandling to draw fouls against Juneau defenders.

Fitt-Chappell hit four-straight free throws to advance Wasilla to 49-43, but Juneau quickly struck back to make the score 49-47.

A foul shot by Schafer gave the Warriors a 50-47 advantage with 13 seconds left.

Juneau had two opportunities to score in the closing seconds but couldn't convert as the Warriors held on and celebrated the 50-47 victory.

"It was a fun game to be involved in," Martin said. "We need to be more consistent on offense, but we are still learning."

Schafer scored 20 points in the game, with Fitt-Chappell contributing 14 and Webb 12.

Because Saturday's contest was an Endowment game, it does not count in season standings or rankings for each school.

The game was added to benefit the Alaska Endowment for Youth Activities with goals to provide at least partial reimbursement to schools for state tournament travel and ensure financial stability of the Alaska School Activities Association.

The win was still a big victory for the Wasilla program and rebounded the Warriors from a 55-48 loss at Chugiak Friday.

"We played much better tonight," Martin said. "Last night (Friday) was a real downer for us, we played so poorly."