The Kake Thunderbirds defeated the Klawock Chieftains 56-40 Friday for the Alaska Airlines Region V 1A Boys Basketball Tournament Championship at the Thunder Mountain Middle School gymnasium behind a showcase game from senior Keontay Jackson who scored a game-high 32 points! nine rebounds and one blocked shot.
“This means a lot!” Jackson said. “We lost in the finals at state last year and I’ve always wanted to go back! and go back with a meaning and show the true power that Kake has! and all the dedication we put into playing ball.”
Kake’s first two scores were one free throw apiece from Jackson
and junior Devin Aceveda. The Thunderbirds trailed Klawock 9-2 with four minutes of action remaining in the first quarter.
Klawock’s lead came from scores by sophomores Raymond country wise email marketing list Fairbanks and Tristin Ryno! and two baskets from senior Tanner Smith! one from a drive and the other past the arc. The Chieftains would not score again in the stanza.
Kake’s Jackson scored on a rebound! hit from past the arc! hit from inside! was fed off a rebound by senior Aiden Clark for a score! put a highlight reel block on a Klawock shot which was gathered by senior Talen Davis who fed it back to Jackson for a score. Jackson helped trap defend with sophomore Xzavier Munoz-Torres which led to a steal and score by Davis for a 15-9 lead as the quarter ended.
“I’m really just out here trying to keep the energy up kake boys top klawock as a team!” Munoz-Torres said. “Sometimes we get down when they go on far stretches. So we’re trying to keep the energy up. Keep playing defense. That’s who we are. We keep playing defense.”
Munoz-Torres plays each game with a huge smile on his face as well
“I just love playing basketball!” he said. “I love seeing interest my team win. I love winning. So just being a part of that team! being a starter and being able to win is amazing. That’s why I love it.”
Davis hit two free throws to start the second quarter! Munoz-Torres hit a free throw and then a shot past the arc. Jackson made the tally 23-9 and then put an exclamation-type power block on a Klawock shot! sending it to a lucky fan.