Grace Christian sinks Barrow to repeat as 3A state champs
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A season after seizing the state crown for the first time in school history, the Grace Christian girls are once again on top.
The Grizzlies handled the Barrow Whalers, 35-27, in the ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A championship game this weekend, putting a bow on a season that saw the school sweep both the boys and girls Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year awards in the sport.
“We knew going into the game that it would be a super big atmosphere,” player of the game Ella Boerger said. “We were just focused on playing our game, not letting the crowd or the noise affect us, and just playing for God and for each other.”
Despite playing 700 miles from home, the Whalers were buoyed by a fanbase who proved to be a factor in this game. On two separate occasions, the Whalers rallied, getting within three points of the Grizzlies. Yet, in each instance, the eventual victors found a way to maintain focus — and the lead.
“It was definitely nerve-wracking, but we just tried to calm down, slow down, and make sure we kept it under control,” said Boerger, who finished with 17 points.
Gatorade Player of the Year Sophie Lentfer was also a factor, snagging 13 points of her own as well as 10 rebounds.
With just one senior on its roster, Grace Christian could return to the court next season with many of the same players, including Boerger and Lentfer.
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