Episodes
VHS Weekend Wrap-Up – March 26, 2018
VHS Boys Basketball Weekend Wrap-Up [State Tournament]:
Coach Hinkle
Thursday (#4 seed Valdez Buccaneers vs. #5 seed Barrow Whalers):
The Thursday evening tilt was a re-match of a game earlier in the season, when the Bucs edged the Whalers by 4 on January 4th at the Mt. McKinley Classic. This time around -in front of a large and boisterous Alaska Airlines Arena crowd – the Whalers’ inside presence, and the Bucs’ anemic shooting, contributed to a 49-39 Barrow victory.
The Bucs led at halftime (22-20) and hung with the much larger Whalers throughout the game, but were ultimately undone by their uncharacteristically poor shooting – 27% from the field. The Buccaneers were led offensively by Jalen Freeman (10 points) and Bennett Hinkle (9 points), along with Isaac Watson’s 7 rebounds (including 4 offensive). The Buccaneers shot 90% (10-for-11) from the free throw line.
Defensively the Buccaneers held the high-powered Whalers offense to 34% shooting, but yielded 11 offensive rebounds and put Barrow on the line for 21 free throw attempts. Isaac Watson successfully drew an offensive foul during the contest.
Jalen Freeman was awarded player of the game for the Buccaneers, and Derek Berg and Isaac Watson were recognized as the Valdez representatives for good sportsmanship.
Friday (#4 seed Valdez Buccaneers vs. #8 seed Bethel Warriors):
Friday’s first elimination game pitted the Bucs against the other Western Conference representative – the Bethel Warriors. The early morning game presented a number of challenges for the Bucs – including a short turnaround after a physical and emotional game the night before.
The Bucs appeared to respond well initially, leading 29-23 at the half. However, the shooting woes continued throughout much of the game and allowed the Warriors to close the gap to 33-30 at the end of the third quarter. The Bucs ultimately prevailed (50-41) after outscoring Bethel 17-11 during the fourth quarter, despite only shooting 38% from the field for the game.
The Buccaneers were led offensively by Logan Heckathorn (12 points) and Bennett Hinkle (11 points), while Jalen Freeman garnered 6 rebounds. Defensively, the Bucs held the Warriors to 15% (2-of-13) shooting beyond the arc and registered 11 steals. Aidan Hinkle successfully drew an offensive foul.
Logan Heckathorn received the player of the game award.
The win eliminated the Bethel Warriors, while placing Valdez in the 4th place / 6th place contest at the Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday morning.
Saturday (#4 seed Valdez vs. #7 seed Mt. Edgecumbe):
The early morning Saturday contest saw the Bucs taking on the Mt. Edgecumbe Braves, who were coming off a dramatic 4th quarter, 47-46 victory against the Eielson Ravens the day before.
The new facility appeared to agree with the Bucs, as they jumped out to a commanding 24-8 first quarter lead, and 37-22 halftime lead. The Braves outscored the Bucs the second half (37-35), but Valdez finished the season with a 72-59 victory.
The Buccaneers were led offensively by Bennett Hinkle (21 points) and Logan Heckathorn (19 points), while Isaac Watson corralled 7 rebounds. Defensively, Isaac Watson and Tyler Mann each drew an offensive foul and the vaunted Buccaneer defense forced 21 Mt. Edgecumbe turnovers.
Bennett Hinkle received the player of the game for Valdez.
The win sealed a 4th place finish at the State Tournament and marked the final occasion in which four seniors would take the floor as Valdez Buccaneers. Tyler Mann, Derek Berg, Kyle Sodergren, and Aidan Hinkle were recognized at the conclusion of the game
2018 March Madness Awards:
- The Valdez Buccaneers Boys received the 2017-2018 ASAA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship Sportsmanship Award and were introduced and recognized after the conclusion of the championship game.
- Despite NOT being formally recognized, the Valdez Buccaneer Boys also earned the 2017-2018 ASAA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship High GPA Award [with a combined team GPA of 3.74].
- Bennett Hinkle received All-Tournament Team honors.
VHS Girls Basketball
Coach Fleming
Awards Received
All Tournament Bobbi Mott
Sportsmanship Ally Seiber and Jillian Fleming
Players of the game. 1st game Bobbi Mott, 2nd game Sydney Johnson , 3rd game Bobbi Mott
The Lady Bucs ended what was a great season at State last weekend. The goal all season was to make it to the state tournament and play on the main court on Saturday, unfortunately they wanted the next game. Along the way they took 1st at the Dean Cummings Invite, 3rd at the 41st Valdez Elks, went undefeated in conference play and sweep the regional tournament. Their final record was 23-6. That was their 4th consecutive conference crown and the 6 consecutive trip to the State tournament. Each game this weekend saw the Lady Bucs leave it all on the floor. As a coach you couldn’t have ask for anything more!
The bitter sweet part was knowing that it was an end to 2 amazing young ladies VHS careers. Seniors Bobbi Mott and Kaylee MacDonald. During their VHS careers the Lady Bucs went 81-22. Their high expectations and leadership will be the toughest thing to replace on future teams.
As a coach I was extremely proud of each and every young lady the suited up for us this season.
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