by Greg Lincoln
The Nelson Islander Mixed 6 volleyball team was awarded the Sportsmanship award at the 2024 Mixed 6 State Volleyball championship. The Islanders also placed 4th overall for the team standings. The team along with other varsity Mixed 6 squads from across the state competed for the state title in Palmer, AK – December 5-7th.
The state championship is sponsored by the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA), the statewide nonprofit organization established to direct, develop and support Alaska’s high school interscholastic sports, academic and fine arts activities since 1956.
Teams from Anaktuvuk Pass (Nunamiut), Aniak, Buckland, Emmonak, Gustavus, Kake, Kodiak, Port Alsworth (Tanalian), Shaktoolik, Tikigaq (Point Hope), and White Mountain joined the Islanders at the state finals after winning their tough as nails conference regionals.
Winning the tournament overall was Tanalian. They dropped down to the consolation bracket after suffering a defeat from White Mountain, the eventual runners-up, in the opening round. Undefeated White Mountain and Tanalian would play again for the championship with Tanalian reversing their earlier loss to a win over White Mountain.
During the opening round of games, Aniak defeated Anaktuvuk Pass, Shaktoolik won over Buckland, and Gustavus won by forfeit over Kodiak who couldn’t make it due to travel issues. Tanalian defeated Emmonak and Aniak won over the Islanders.
Shaktoolik sent Kake to the consolation bracket as did Gustavus who was defeated by Tikigaq. White Mountain defeated Tanalian.
On Friday, matches continued. White Mountain was still undefeated, winning over Tikigaq and Shaktoolik. The Islanders won three games besting Emmonak, Kake, and Tikigaq. Tanalian also won thrice beating Nunamiut, Buckland, and Aniak.
By Saturday, four teams were left in the double-elimination tournament: Tanalian, Nelson Island, Shaktoolik, and White Mountain.
Nelson Island fell to Tanalian as did Shaktoolik. Tanalian and White Mountain were in the championship round with Tanalian beating the undefeated Wolves. Another game took place for winner takes all which Tanalian won 30-21 to seal the win.
“We are excited to gather for this pinnacle event, where Alaska’s finest high school teams compete for the state titles,” write ASAA Executive Director Billy Strickland, formerly of Bethel. “Today is the culmination of months of dedication, teamwork, and determination, and we are honored to celebrate the achievements of these student-athletes.”
Mixed 6 State Volleyball Results
December 5 – 7, 2024
1st Tanalian Lynx
2nd White Mountain Wolves
3rd Shaktoolik Wolverines
4th Nelson Islanders
Sportsmanship: Nelson Islanders
Academic Award: White Mountain Wolves
Best Defensive Specialist: Seth Paniptchuk, Shaktoolik
Best Setter: Jordan Alsworth, Tanalian
Best Server: Jennifer Nash, Tikigaq
Best Hitter: Erik McGee, Tanalian
Aniak Halfbreeds
Shawn Levi, Emry Ward, William Morgan, Sierra Lang, Marshall Dallmann, Violet Anania, Ellora Morgan, Maxium Morris, Gavin Smith, Cassandra Robinett, Karson Peterson, Head Coach Jessica Anvil.
Emmonak Huskies
Kaylynn Borkowski, Lyndsey Long, Khia Teganlakla, Malachi Damian-Westlock, Connor Hootch, Elisha Stanislaus, Pierce Borkowski, Carla Redfox, Darla Redfox, Derrell Andrews, John Johnson-Edwards, Kylen Westlock, Head Coach Paula Westlock, Assistant Coach Mar Chan Manguera
Nelson Islanders
Zachary Angaiak, Acelyn Moses, Audrey Lincoln, Kelsey Angaiak, Johnny Nicholai, Gillian Alirkar, Jayden Carl, Rosie Carl, Gordon Pitka, Mary Pitka, Taegan Atti, Trista Atti, Head Coach Cassidy Trussoni
ASAA Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
The Alaska School Activities Association is honored to be guests on the traditional homelands of the Dena’ina Peoples for this championship event. We are committed to recognizing, celebrating and honoring the continued culture, language and heritage of the Dena’ina Peoples. Chin’an!
