The Thunder Mountain girls basketball team’s defense derailed Ketchikan’s offense temporarily Tuesday night. However, the Falcons were unable to slow the King’s fastbreak in the second half, recording over 20 turnovers in that time, eventually losing 49-31 in the first round of the 4A Girls Region V basketball tournament.
The Kings outscored the Falcons 31-20 over the final two quarters.
Nina Fenumiai scored 16 points for TMHS, but made errant passes bringing the ball up the court under Kayhi’s full-court press.
AJ Dela Cruz finished with 14 points for Ketchikan, almost entirely off 3-pointers. Teammate Kyra Welker scored 13 points and showed poise under the physical defense of Nina Fenumiai and Kyra Jenkens Hayes.
“I thought AJ Dela Cruz, she’s our calming factor and then Brittney Slick made some huge plays in the second quarter to get us going attacking and passing and getting some nice shots,” Ketchikan coach Kelly Smith said.
The Kings play No. 1 seed Juneau-Douglas High School tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the second round of the 4A Girls Region V basketball tournament.
Thunder Mountain must win Thursday night against the loser of tonight’s game to keep their season alive.
Contact sports reporter Nolin Ainsworth at 523-2272 or nolin.ainsworth@juneauempire.com.
