The Cordova boys won two out of three games at the challenging Metlakatla Tournament on Feb. 20-22. It was the first time Cordova High School (CHS) had ever played at the 2A school, which is a short ferry ride from Ketchikan.
In the first game on Feb. 20, Cordova defeated Unalakleet 53-52 in what was a rematch between two strong 2A squads. CHS lost to Unalakleet 37-43 in the Lumen tournament on Feb. 1.
Once again, it was a tight battle. The score was tied 37-37 after three quarters, and the lead changed hands several times in the final stanza. Cordova’s Chiko Jacob scored to tie it again at 51-51 with 1:04 remaining, and Wolverine John Itliong hit one of two from the free throw line to give Cordova a 52-51 edge with 0:56 left.
Noah Pearson made one of two free throws for Cordova to give CHS a 53-51 lead, and Unalakleet missed the second of two free throws to give Cordova a dramatic 53-52 win.
Individual scoring, Cordova: Itliong 10, Bailey 13,Gasmen 6, Pearson 9, Nothstine 2, Jacob 10.
On Friday, February 21,Cordova faced Metlakatla. Both teams played a similar style game, drive and dish while trying to get the ball inside.The Chieftans clogged up the middle on defense, and the Wolverines struggled from long range. At 4:50 in the third quarter. Metlakatla hit a pair of three’s to gain a 30-21 lead, and Cordova never couldn’t regain the lead.The Chieftains won 53-40.
Individual scoring: Itliong, 15; Jacob, 10; Pearson, 5; Bailey, 4; Nothstine, 3.
On Saturday, the Wolverines cruised past Unalaska 53-27, to finish in second place with two wins and one loss.
Bailey, Itliong, and Pearson each had 11 points. Jacob added 10, Nothstine had 6, Quemado scored 3, and Gasmen put up 2.
Jacob and Itliong were named to the All-Tournament team. Jacob won the Hot Spot competition, and Itliong won the Free Throw Competition.
Cordova’s teams will leave on Thursday for another long road trip to face Effie Kokrine in Fairbanks, and Nenana on Friday and Saturday.
Then it’s Regionals here in Cordova on March 6-8.
