by Thurman Jack
Unalakleet, Alaska – The 13th annual Smash Classic Mix-Six Volleyball Tournament concluded Saturday with White Mountain defeating Tanalian (Port Alsworth) in straight sets to claim the championship. The tournament, held from October 10-12 in Unalakleet, featured some of Alaska’s top teams, including current state champion Golovin (1997, 1999, 2004, 2023), White Mountain (1998, 2000), Tanalian (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), Shaktoolik, and Unalakleet (2012, 2013).
The Smash Classic has become one of the state’s premier Mix-Six tournaments, a volleyball format where teams must field three male and three female players at all times.
White Mountain, which finished as state runner-up last year, lost just one senior from its roster and demonstrated steady improvement throughout the tournament. Led by Keane Barr’s powerful kills and key blocks, the Wolves won the championship match, defeating Tanalian in straight sets. Barr, along with Jayden Barr, Lana Ashenfelter, and Lori Nassuk, played pivotal roles in White Mountain’s success. They also earned them the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award.
The championship match could be a preview of December’s state championship, as both White Mountain and Tanalian are expected to be contenders.
Standout Performers:
● Eric McGee from Tanalian delivered a series of unstoppable spikes and was a key force throughout the tournament.
● Anne Lockwood from Golovin showcased exceptional setting, with teammates Levi Moses and Jeremiah Aukongak excelling in serving and attacking off her assists.
● Autumn Curtis from Shaktoolik was a defensive standout, leading the tournament in digs. Her teammates, Seth Paniptchuk and Chase Katchatag, contributed with kills and blocks in close matches against White Mountain and Golovin, as well as an upset victory over Tanalian.
Unalakleet, a youthful team led by head coach Dorothy Ivanoff, who returns to the position after a 12-year hiatus—during which she guided the Wolfpack to a state championship in 2012—struggled to gain momentum in their early matches.
Junior Isaac Smith showcased
impressive defensive skills at the net, while freshmen Joshie Smith and Oliver Ivanoff demonstrated their potential through solid defensive play and effective serving, respectively.
Unalakleet will look to build on their experience as they continue their season next weekend with matches in Shishmaref.
Final Standings:
1. White Mountain (4-1)
2. Tanalian (3-2)
3. Golovin (3-2)
4. Shaktoolik (2-3)
5. Unalakleet (0-4)
Tournament Results:
Game 1: White Mountain def. Shaktoolik 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-9)
Game 2: Tanalian def. Golovin 3-1 (28-26, 25-19, 17-25, 25-23)
Game 3: Tanalian def. Unalakleet 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-16)
Game 4: Golovin def. Shaktoolik 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-20)
Game 5: Tanalian def. White Mountain 3-2 (20-25, 25-20, 27-25, 16-25, 15-10)
Game 6: Shaktoolik def. Unalakleet 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-15)
Game 7: White Mountain def. Unalakleet 3-0 (25-11, 25-8, 25-23)
Game 8: White Mountain def. Golovin 3-1 (17-25, 25-22, 25-22, 26-24)
Game 9: Shaktoolik def. Tanalian 3-2 (18-25, 25-23, 25-21, 22-25, 15-10)
Game 10: Golovin def. Unalakleet 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-20)
Third Place Match: Golovin def. Shaktoolik 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-20, 26-24)
Championship Match: White Mountain def. Tanalian 3-0 (23-25, 25-17, 25-16)
2024 SMASH CLASSIC – ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Boys
● The Hammer: Eric McGee (Tanalian)
● Serve Specialist: Levi Moses (Golovin)
● Net Protector: Chase Katchatag (Shaktoolik)
● Defensive Dynamo: Noah Opeland (Tanalian)
● Game Changer: Keanan Barr (White Mountain)
Girls
● The Hammer: Annie Lockwood (Golovin)
● Serve Specialist: Lana Ashenfelter (White Mountain)
● Net Protector: Jordan Alsworth (Tanalian)
● Defensive Dynamo: Autumn Curtis (Shaktoolik)
● Game Changer: Lori Nassuk (White Mountain)
