(with game recaps by Coach AlexAnna Salmon)
Our adventure started Wednesday as we all waited impatiently (or at least I was) to leave for Port Heiden for our first basketball games of the season. When we got to school that morning we were told we were leaving at 9:10 am, but the next thing we knew, we were not leaving until about 10:30 am. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as we waited. Finally we were off! Jeremy was hoping for a stopover and delay in King Salmon so he could get an “Eddie’s Burger” but that was not to happen. We flew straight to Port Heiden.
When we arrived at Port Heiden, the school principal, Jim LeClair, was there to meet us along with Coach Colby. We were shuttled off to the school. When we arrived at the school, we were shown where to put our things and thankfully got out of our snow gear. Once we got settled we were off to lunch. After lunch we wandered around waiting for the other teams to arrive.
Finally all the teams arrived and it was time for the first game, Chignik Lake vs. Igiugig. We were all really nervous but we stayed ahead for most of the game. By the end we were tied; the tension was high. The last minute of the last quarter, Dan Jr. fouled out and we lost by one basket! ONE BASKET… TWO POINTS! What an exciting game!
Chignik Lake v. Igiugig
During the fourth quarter, the score was 66 to 64 in favor of the Wolves, with 30 seconds on the clock. It was Wolves possession and their exuberant coach called a full time out. During this defeat-planning minute, I regrouped the No-see-ums to deliver one message: full-court press, steal the ball at all costs, and make a point, you have thirty seconds to tie and enter overtime. The whistle blew, we marched back on the court, but confusion and muttering at the time keepers/recorders table followed. It seemed there was a mistake with the scoreboard…it should read 66 tied. WOAH! Another timeout followed, as the Wolves planned their vicious attack. The No-see-ums mission stayed the same, but this time could bring instant victory. The Wolves brought the ball in, and began “sneaking” toward the basket, buying time for a calculated shot. The No-see-ums’ defense could not be overpowered, with Dan on the intercept. He lobbed the ball to Jeremy who made an attempt with six seconds remaining. The rebound bounced out of control until the Wolves wrestled it free…two seconds and Donna O’domin raced for the fast break. She caught it at the post…1 second remaining. A quick release, the buzzer deafened the crowd, as the basket…SWISHED. No-see-ums, of course, demonstrated great sportsmanship.
Thursday we played three games. Our first game was against Pedro Bay/Egegik which we won. Our second game was against Pilot Point/Nondalton and we won that one too. We were on fire!
The last game we played was against Kokhanok. Believe it or not, I scored most of the points in the first quarter. I feel like I have never played so good. We were on a streak. Unfortunately, we lost by one darn basket again! Even after losing the last game, it was still a very exciting day, full of highs and lows, and we were all exhausted.
Igiugig v. Kokhanok
The score was tied and the Warlords’ possession. Both teams stormed down the court and blocked three attempts on the goal; however, this ate a lot of time. Six seconds on the clock, Jeremy ran the ball down the court, and was swarmed—triple teamed. He took two looks at the basket, contemplated a shot, then passed the ball to teammate Molly who was open. In the frantic seconds remaining she made the same shot that carried the team in the earlier quarters. This time, unfortunately, it bounced off the rim into the hands of a Warlord who “put it away” and we lost by two. In hindsight, as the Coach, I realize I should have called a time out while Jeremy had possession of the ball and we could have set up a play for an open shot. I got caught up in the game!
Friday came and it was time to leave. Twice we thought we were finally on our way but back to the gym we went. The flights were for other teams. Eventually we were on our way home. The weather wasn’t too good. We had to fly way above the clouds to get above the weather. Our pilot told us, “Don’t worry if you see me put on oxygen because we are going to be flying really high and it wouldn't be good if I passed out. It’s ok if you guys pass out. I’ll just wake you up when we get there.” We made it home safe and sound. What a way to end our adventure, our tiny plane soaring above the clouds as high as it could take us!
by Molly Stoltman - 9th Grade
