Despite a push that made it a one-possession game late in the fourth quarter, the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé girls were defeated by Colony High School in their first game in this year’s state tournament.
While the outcome would eventually land in Colony’s favor for a 53-46 finish, JDHS coach Tanya Nizich said that she couldn’t say enough about how proud she was of her team and their “incredible intensity and hustle” during the game played at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.
“They fought hard all the way till the end. Colony is an extremely talented team and we were right there bringing it within 3 points at the end,” Nizich said. “Skylar (Tuckwood) had the hot hand and her teammates recognized that and did what they could to find her and set screens for her. We attacked the basket, we really did some great things. Although the outcome wasn’t a win, we were very happy with our performance.
JDHS Skylar Tuckwood and Colony’s Hailee Clark pose for a photo after being named Player of the Game on Tuesday at this years ASAA state competition in Anchorage. (Courtesy Photo / Tanya Nizich)
Tuckwood had a career-high 30 points in the contest, which led all scorers Three of those points came on a in addition to hitting a half-court, buzzer-beating shot at the end of the first quarter. For Colony, Hallie Clark led her team with 22 points.
Tuckwood was named Juneau’s player of the game while Clark earned the distinction for Colony.
Next up, the Crimson Bears play against Fairbanks’ Lathrop High School at 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
• Contact reporter Jonson Kuhn at jonson.kuhn@juneauempire.com.
