Wasilla girls perfect during road trip

JUNEAU — The Wasilla Warriors girls’ basketball team dismantled the Juneau-Douglas Crimson Bears 54-24 Friday night in Juneau.

The Warriors were able to extend their lead at the start of the second quarter from two points to 13 by halftime, and kicked it into high gear for the second half.

Wasilla’s defense was tenacious, keeping the Crimson Bears from getting open shots, closing passing lanes and at times preventing the JDHS guards from advancing the ball past half court.

Wasilla head coach Jeannie Hebert-Truax was happy with the way her team played, but sees room for improvement.

“The girls hustled,” Hebert-Truax said after the victory. “We did a good job of executing our offense. We are working on a lot of mistakes.”

The Wasilla offense struck quickly, often hurrying the ball up court on the fast break following a forced turnover to find an easy two points at the other end. Wasilla point guard Kaylyn Kelly was able to drive to the basket seemingly at will, where she could pass the ball to open teammates.

Junior forward Leya DePriest scored six, and was able to rebound effectively against the mismatched Juneau-Douglas frontcourt.

Catherine Baham took advantage of open shot opportunities. Baham tied for a game high with 10 points, and hit two of Wasilla’s trio of 3-pointers.

Juneau-Douglas was led by Kallen Hoover, who added eight points. The Crimson Bears did a good job of getting to the free throw line, but hit only one third of their free throws.

Kelly and Machia Toews led the way for the Warriors defensively, creating havoc for JDHS ball handlers, and quickly stealing passes. Wasilla’s speed and aggressive defensive play was one of Hebert-Truax’s keys to winning the game, and something she wants her team to work on every game.

DePriest and McKenna Dinkel were able to block or alter most of the Crimson Bears’ shot attempts inside the paint.

Rachelle Roldan and Cassie Dzinich added five points each for JDHS.

Thursday, Wasilla buried Thunder Mountain with a 17-1 third-quarter run, and scored a 58-34 victory over the Falcons in Juneau.

DePriest supplied a game-high 19 points for the Warriors. Seven of her points came during Wasilla’s big third quarter. Azlynn Brandenburg added nine.

Ashley Young led the Falcons with nine points.

Wasilla capped a three-game road trip with a 43-30 win over Ketchikan Saturday afternoon.

DePriest led the Warriors with 14 points. Baham added 11.

The Wasilla defense allowed only two points during the third quarter.

Wasilla improved to 6-2 win the wins. The Warriors return home to host Palmer Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Wasilla Girls 54,

Juneau-Douglas 24.

Friday, Juneau-Douglas High School.

Wasilla 5-16-15-18—54

Juneau-Douglas 3-5-8-8—24

Wasilla (54) – Kelly 0 2-4 2, Baham 4 0-0 10, Lindeman 2 0-0 4, Brandenburg 2 2-2 6, Toews 3 1-2 7, Anderson 1 0-0 3, Dinkel 4 2-4 10, Edwards 2 2-2 6, DePriest 3 0-0 6.

Juneau (24) – Dzinich 2 1-4 5, Hoover 3 2-6 8, Hultberg 1 0-0 2, Watts 1 0-0 2, Roldan 1 3-8 5, Noreen 0 2-6 2.

3-point field goals: Wasilla 3 (Baham 2, Anderson 1), Total Fouls: Wasilla 16, Juneau-Douglas 14.

Wasilla 43, Ketchikan 30

Saturday, Ketchikan

Wasilla 10-15-10-8--43

Ketchikan 11-8-2-9--30

Wasilla (43) — Kelly 2 0-1 4, Heath 1 0-0 2, Baham 5 0-0 11, Brandenburg 2 2-2 6, Edwards 3 0-4 6, DePriest 7 0-0 14; Totals: 20 2-7 43.

Ketchikan (30) — Delacruz 2 2-2 7, Ruaro 3 0-1 6, Edwardson 3 0-1 6, Monson 1 3-6 5, Kemlle 3 0-1 6; Totals: 12 5-11 30

3-point field goals: Wasilla 1 (Baham 1), Ketchikan 1 (Delacruz 1); Total fouls: Wasilla 18, Ketchikan 13.

Wasilla girls 58,

Thunder Mountain 34

Thursday, Juneau

Wasilla 18-12-17-11--58

Th. Mtn 12-9-1-12--34

Wasilla (58) — Kelly 0 2-2 2, Drorbaugh 1 0-0 2, C. Baham 2 1-2 7, Brandenburg 2 5-6 9, Toews 2 1-2 5, Dinkel 3 2-4 8, Edwards 3 0-1 6, DePriest 8 3-4 19; Totals: 21 14-21 58

Th. Mtn (34) — Tompkins 4 4-10 12, Schiverrs 0 1-2 1, DiCallo 1 0-0 2, Ekis 1 1-3 3, Maka 1 0-0 2, Tupou 0 1-2 1, Martin 2 0-0 4, Young 3 3-4 9; Totals: 12 10-21 34.

3-point field goals: Wasilla 2 (Baham 2), Th. Mtn. 0; Total fouls: Wasilla 15, Th. Mtn 14.