Warriors teams move to consolation bracket after first round losses

by K.J. Lincoln

The Bethel Warrior boys and girls teams both suffered losses in the 3A State Basketball Finals on opening round Thursday, March 22nd, 2018.

The Warrior ladies, coached by Eric Jung, were matched up against the Valdez Buccaneers on the bracket which features the 8 top 3A teams from around the state. They girls played first at the Alaska Airlines Center. Bethel fans filled the stands and the Warrior Cheer Team was there to support their players.

In the first quarter Valdez cashed in first with a 2 point bucket approximately 2 minutes into the game. The first quarter score ended 14 Valdez, Bethel 6.

Second quarter, Lady Warrior Deja Jackson made a steal and ended it with a 2 point layup. The only three pointer from Bethel came from Courtney Williams in the 3rd Q. At halftime the score was 26 Valdez, Bethel 16.

Courtney Williams and Katie Crow both scored 8. Jackson, Arianna Smith, and Marissa Crow all had 4.

The final score was in favor of Valdez, 40-30.

Valdez’s Bobbi Mott had a high score of 20 in the game. She also came away with 13 rebounds and 4 steals.

The Good Sports Players for the Lady Warriors were Arianna Smith and Fiola Dema. For the Lady Buccaneers it was Jillian Fleming and Ally Seiber. The Player of the Game awards went to Courtney Williams for Bethel and Bobbi Mott for Valdez.

For the boys, the Monroe Catholic Rams came away with the win against Bethel, 60-28. Bethel shot 35 field goals attempts with 7 finding the mark. They had one block, the Rams had none according to the game stats.

In the contest, the Rams committed 13 fouls to Bethel’s 7. The Warriors had 7 steals, the Rams had 9.

Avery Hoffman made two 3-point shots for the Warriors from off the bench, the other two came from John Fredericks and Jamin Crow. The Warriors were 2 for 6 at the free throw line.

Monroe made 10 of their 27 three-point attempts and went 4 for 7 at the free throw line. The Rams outrebounded the Warriors 36-28.

The score at halftime was 24 Monroe, 12 Bethel.

At the end of the game awards, Avery Hoffman and Jaimin Crow received the Good Sports Team award. The Player of the Game awards went to John Fredericks. Bethel is coached by Dave Cronk.

For Valdez, Gabe Silas and Tanner Clark were awarded the Good Sports Team award. Player of the Game for the Rams was Isaac Garcia.

The cheerleaders were also recognized for their team spirit. Bethel cheer star Cyrsten Lapore was awarded the Cheerleader of the Game award.

The Lady Warriors will be playing the team from Galena on the bracket, Friday. The Warrior boys will be matched up against the Valdez Buccaneers.