The Bristol Bay Lady Angels look to improve upon their 2nd place showing in last year's state tournament.
Bristol Bay Lady Angels head coach Heath Lyon is optimistic about his team's chances, but says there will be good competition throughout the tournament.
"I haven't seen Nenana or Point Hope play yet," Lyon says. "I am assuming they were solid last year. I think they played in the third place game (last year), so they are going to be good teams."
The Southwest Regional tournament happened over the weekend. The Dillingham Lady Wolverines took 2nd place on the girl's bracket. On the boy's side, the Unalaska Raiders claimed the region title, and Bristol Bay took second. The Angels topped Dillingham 56-41, ending the Wolverines' season earlier than expected.
The Lady Angels have had a strong season since their early showing at Rally the Regions. Last year, they finished a close second to Petersburg. Given a choice, Lyon says he would prefer not to be the favorite going into state.
"I'd rather be the underdog, you don't get the pressure you might say. Whenever you're the one seed you get everybody's best game."
The 2A action gets underway at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage Thursday at 8:00 a.m. with the Bristol Bay boys taking on Unalaska. The Bristol Bay Lady Angels tip off against Chevak in their opener at 11:00 a.m., and the Dillingham Lady Wolverines take on Nenana at 8:00 p.m. Championship matches are scheduled for Saturday.
Contact the author at lawrence@kdlg.org or 907-842-5281