by Greg Lincoln
Laney Green #14 of the Chevak Lady Comets and Destiny Panruk #24 of the Chefornak Lady Shamans reach for the rebound during their game at the 2025 Chevak Comets Hoopfest last weekend. photo by Greg Lincoln
The community of Chevak came together to host and support their school during the 2025 Hoopfest, January 29 – February 1st, which featured teams from the region and beyond. The welcome and hospitality were incredible, everyone was so gracious and kind, and everyone was well-cared for, quyana cakneq.
Chevak Comets Coach Patrick Tuluk encourages his players during a timeout at the Chevak Hoopfest. photo by Greg Lincoln
Schools joining the host team in the double-elimination tournament included boys teams from Alakanuk, Dillingham, Chefornak, Newtok, Tuluksak, Toksook Bay, Emmonak and Scammon Bay. And girls teams from St. Mary’s, Chefornak, Alakanuk, Newtok, Scammon Bay, Dillingham, Toksook Bay, and Tuluksak.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Chevak School to participate in our Hoopfest 2025,” wrote Chevak Principal Lillian Olson. “I hope your stay in the school and community of Chevak is comfortable and something that you will enjoy. This is a time to refresh your friendship with members of the other school teams and also a time to make new friends as well.”
Winning the championship games were the host teams, the Chevak Comets and the Lady Comets. Coming in second for the girls were the Scammon Bay Lady Eagles. In third place were the Dillingham Lady Wolverines. For the boys, in second place were the Dillingham Wolverines. In third were the Toksook Bay Islanders.
Elders, health aides, and VPOs on duty were granted free entry. Referees including from Anchorage and Fairbanks officiated the games.
On Day 1, on the girls bracket St. Mary’s defeated Newtok, Chefornak defeated Tuluksak, Chevak won over Alakanuk, Dillingham defeated St. Mary’s, and Scammon Bay defeated Toksook Bay.
On the boys side, Emmonak won over Newtok, Chefornak defeated Tuluksak, Toksook Bay won over Scammon Bay, Dillingham defeated Emmonak, and Chevak defeated Alakanuk.
On Day 2 the bracket continued advancing to the right as more games were played. Listeners could hear the games via KCUK Radio and online viewers watched the livestreams.
On the consolation bracket for the girls, Tuluksak defeated Newtok and also Alakanuk. In their game with Alakanuk, Tuluksak finished the game with only four players in the fourth quarter. Toksook Bay defeated St. Mary’s. In the quarterfinals Chevak beat Chefornak, and Scammon Bay defeated Dillingham. Chevak and Scammon advanced to the semifinal round.
For the boys consolation bracket, Newtok won over Tuluksak, Alakanuk defeated Newtok, and Emmonak defeated Scammon Bay. Chevak advanced to the semifinals with their win over Chefornak. Dillingham defeated Toksook Bay. Chevak and Dillingham advanced to the semifinals.
Day 3: Friday’s games for the girls had Dillingham defeat Tuluksak, and Chefornak beat Toksook Bay on the consolation side. Chevak defeated Scammon Bay in the semifinals.
On the boys’ side, Toksook Bay won over Alakanuk. Emmonak beat Chefornak in the consolation bracket. Chevak defeated Dillingham sending them into the consolation bracket. Chevak advanced to the championship round.
Friday night featured a special Senior Night tribute to all the seniors participating in the event followed by Eskimo Dancing.
On Saturday, the final day of the tournament on the girls side, Dillingham defeated Chefornak to advance to their next game vs. Scammon Bay. Scammon Bay beat Dillingham by one point to make it to the championship round with Chevak.
For the boys, Toksook Bay beat Emmonak to play against Dillingham. Dillingham beat Toksook for the second time. They advanced to the championship round against Chevak, winner-take-all.
That evening were the championship games. The Chevak Lady Comets coached by Liana Pingayak beat the Scammon Bay Lady Eagles coached by John Uttereyuk 60-52. The Chevak Comets coached by Patrick Tuluk defeated the Dillingham Wolverines coached by Kenneth Savo 48-39. Congratulations to the all the participants!
Photos and reels from this event can be viewed on our Delta Discovery socials.
Chevak Hoopfest
Jan. 29 – Feb. 1
Girls Results
1st Chevak Comets
2nd Scammon Bay
3rd Dillingham
Boys Results
1st Chevak Comets
2nd Dillingham
3rd Toksook Bay
