Wasilla girls stay on top, Palmer boys move up

With just one week left until the state tournament, the Wasilla Warriors' grasp on the top seed in the 4A girls' bracket is becoming stronger as each day passes. Wasilla earned 48 total points and eight first-place votes to remain at the top of the latest 4A girls basketball poll.

The 20-2 Warriors are eight points ahead of second-place Lathrop (21-2).

The Palmer boys are now alone in fourth place of the 4A boys poll. The 17-5 Moose received 17 total points, two more than fifth-place East. The Moose and Thunderbirds were tied at fourth place last week.

The Palmer boys and Wasilla girls each take their undefeated Region III record into the Region III championship tournament this weekend. The tournament continues today at Wasilla High School with semifinal action starting at 4 p.m.

Alaska Sportswriters Basketball Poll

CLASS 4A BOYS

1. Bartlett 19-3 (10) 50

2. Lathrop 19-3 39

3. West 18-4 29

4. Palmer 17-5 17

5. East 17-5 15

Others receiving votes: None.

CLASS 4A GIRLS

1. Wasilla 20-2 (8) 48

2. Lathrop 21-2 (2) 40

3. East 15-8 22

4. Juneau-Douglas 17-5 17

5. Chugiak 17-5 14

Others receiving votes: Juneau-Douglas (15-5) 9, Colony (14-6) 4, Homer (13-6) 1.

CLASS 3A BOYS

1. Valdez 22-0 (10) 50

2. Barrow 21-2 35

3. Metlakatla 20-2 25

4. Heritage Christian 19-2 25

5. Mt. Edgecumbe 18-4 8

Others receiving votes: Bethel (15-5) 2.

CLASS 3A GIRLS

1. Petersburg 19-1 (7) 44

2. Seward 19-3 (1) 36

3. Barrow 18-2 (1) 30

4. Monroe Catholic 18-3 (1) 25

5. Valdez 18-5 14

Others receiving votes: Nikiski (13-7) 1.