The learning curve continues for this year’s young Lady Wolverine squad, which features no seniors, two juniors, four sophomores and four freshmen.
Cordova fans at this year’s Tipoff were impressed with their hustle, spunk and game long efforts. It was no surprise their performance earned them the Girls Sportsmanship Award.
Cordova had no answer for Unalaska’s Hailey Wilson in the opening round on Jan. 16. The 5-9 post player, who was later named to the All-Tournament team, poured in 24 points in three quarters, leading the Raiders to a 54-35 win.
The Lady Wolverines did display improving scoring balance, getting 9 points from both Cali Sjostedt and Andrea Vargas, and 8 from Inga Arvidson.
In the second round on Jan. 17. a deep and talented Wasilla JV squad, which went on to win the tournament, overpowered CHS 70-28. This time seven Lady Wolverines scored, led by Sjostedt with 8.
On Saturday, Jan. 18’s final game, the Lady Wolverines stayed close to Scammon Bay for a half, trailing 18-15 at intermission. But the Lady Eagles outscored CHS 28-17 in the second half to win by a 50-35 final.
Sjostedt, plus Amee Hamberger and Gwethalyn Jacob, each had 7 points for Cordova.
An unusual play by the Lady Wolverines drew one of the biggest cheers of the tournament. Cordova’s Arvidson tried to throw a long in-bound pass from the sidelines to Sjostedt, and instead it went through the basket for what have been a very long three-pointer, had not the rules stated such a pass could not be considered a shot.
Cordova’s Sjostedt was selected for all-tournament honors, and Kallie Mears of Wasilla was named Tournament MVP.
The Lady Wolverines travel to Pt. Hope on Jan. 23-25, for the Rex Rock Tip-Off, which will feature Titkigaq, Cordova, Metlakatla and Barrow.
Individual scoring
Game 1: Cordova: Hamberger 4, Sjostedt 9, Arvidson 8, Vargas 9, Pallas 1, Jacob 4. Unalaska: Hyunh 4, Villamor 14, Esnardo 4, Magalong 2, Burcaneg 2, Hiceta 4, Wilson 24. Game 2: Collins 2, Burton 4, Hamberger 3, Sjostedt 8, Arvidson 2, Vargas 7, Pallas 2. Wasilla JV: Mears 4, Cox 7, Pettijohn 9, Randall 15, Anderson 13, Savannah 8. Game 3: Cordova: Hamberger 7, Sjostedt 7, Arvidson 1, Vargas 4, Pallas 9, Jacob 7. Scammon Bay: Amukon 4, Simon 6, Hootch 4, Rivers 2, Uttereyuk 18, Tunutmoak 5, Kaganak 11.
