Boys basketball
All signs pointed to this year being a “rebuilding year” for the Thunder Mountain High School boys basketball team. Coach John Blasco was tasked with filling nine roster spots vacated by the exceedingly large 2017 senior class. That meant over half of his team would be first-year varsity players.
And yet, thanks in part to the resurgence of Luke Clark and excellent team defense, the team finished atop the conference standings. TMHS swept Juneau-Douglas High School in January and won five of its eight games in February.
The season didn’t end on a high note, however. After earning the first-round bye in the Region V tournament, the team lost back-to-back games that eliminated them from the tournament.
Still, winning over half its game this season exceeded many people’s expectations. With a young nucleus, it shouldn’t be long before this program cuts down the nets in Southeast.
Q&A with Coach Blasco
What were the biggest challenges the team faced this season?
The biggest challenges the team faced this season was losing 85 percent of our scoring from the previous season. Also, managing and incorporating Luke Clark’s health so he could survive the entire season: last two seasons he has not been able to finish the year due to knee injuries. Also, playing 17 of regular season games on the road and blending a new roster of sophomores to seniors, with limited returning experience and leadership.
What’s the most memorable moment from this season?
Senior night, when the team bounced back from the worst offensive performance of the season to win regular season conference.
What can people expect next year out of the team?
People can expect a hard-working, energetic, young returning group ready to prove themselves.
Coach’s comments on seniors
Bobby Cox — More known for his baseball and wrestling ability, I recruited Bobby to come play basketball this season because I knew we were lacking size inside. Bobby brought more to the team than I ever imagined, with his selflessness, humor and commitment to the team.
Steven Rosales — Steven rejoined the team in January after spending time focusing on school and work. The team was excited to welcome him back. Steven brought a high-level work ethic to practice every day and a calming presence to the team.
Owen Mendoza — Owen was on varsity for two years, and in the program for four. Owen stepped up big this year, became that reliable player you could count on day in and day out to take care of business. He served as an undersized forward who was second on the team in rebounding.
Josh McAndrews — Josh was on varsity for three years, and in the program for four. He may be one of the quietest players I’ve ever coached, but always competed and pushed his teammates to get better. Probably the hardest thing about coaching Josh was getting him to recognize his ability and potential. Josh’s growth over the last two years has been substantial.
Luke Clark — Luke was on varsity for three years, and in the program for four. Most people don’t realize he has been on varsity the last two years because of an ailing knee injury cutting his seasons short. I am very thankful that Luke’s knee survived his senior year. Luke committed himself to being an offensive leader for the team and rightfully earned all-conference honors this season.
Roy Tupou — Roy was on varsity for two years, and in the program for four. The graduation of Roy ends a truly special era for the program. Following his older brothers Vili, Josh, and Garth, Roy is the last Tupou brother, and next season will be the first time in school history we haven’t had a Tupou brother in the program. Roy, like his brothers, brought great leadership and toughness to the team. Roy never settled for average, always pushed himself and teammates to be better.
Mary Landes — Mary has been the varsity manager for four years. She is incredibly organized and efficient and always came to practice with a smile. Having her around was invaluable the last four years. Mary is an impressive individual, in addition to being the basketball manager Mary is a 4.0 student, member of National honors society, member of Roteract, and played varsity volleyball and track.
Girls basketball
It’s tempting to shrug off the fact this year’s Thunder Mountain High School girls basketball team doubled its season win total from last year. After all, the Lady Falcons only won two games last year.
However, unlike last season, one of the team’s wins this year was against a conference opponent. And that means much more than defeating a Fairbanks school (the team had previously beaten North Pole, Hutchinson and Monroe Catholic).
After enduring a brutal 12-game losing streak, TMHS summoned the strength to knock off Juneau-Douglas High School in the final regular season game.
Less than a week later, the team was two plays away from eliminating the Crimson Bears from the Region V tournament.
There’s no question TMHS is gaining ground on JDHS and Ketchikan. How quickly? That remains to be seen.
Q&A with Coach Christensen
What were the biggest challenges the team faced this season?
I think the biggest challenge we faced this season was how young we were. We had a lot of players that had to step up and contribute who had little to none varsity experience. I think the girls handled this very well and I am excited to see what they can bring next year with another year under their belts.
What’s the most memorable moment from this season?
No surprise here — when we beat JD at their place on their senior night. Seeing the girls finally put a full 32 minutes together and believe in each other to pull out the win was incredible.
What can people expect next year out of the team?
We have a lot of experienced returners and are looking at adding some talented eighth graders as well. People can expect our team to be more competitive in games and put some pressure on Ketchikan and JD for the Region V title.
Coach’s comments on seniors
Lezille Sagrado — We are very fortunate that Lezille moved to Juneau and decided to play basketball this year. She was a pleasure to coach and always worked hard.
Andee Johnson — Andee had a fantastic year this year and we are very sad to see her go. She grew so much as a person and as a player and I am excited to see where the future takes her.
Cyrene Uddipa — Unfortunately, Cyrene didn’t get to finish out the season with us, but she had a great career at Thunder Mountain and was an amazing leader on the court. She was a very hard worker and was always doing her best to get better.
• Contact sports reporter Nolin Ainsworth at 523-2272 or nainsworth@juneauempire.com.
ABOVE: Thunder Mountain’s Luke Clark shoots over Ketchikan’s Cody Kremble, left, and Kristian Pihl at TMHS on Feb. 23. Next week, Clark will play in the AABC (Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches) Senior All-Star game in Anchorage. RIGHT: Thunder Mountain’s Cyrene Uddipa, right, chases the ball against Juneau-Douglas’ Kiana Potter during their game at TMHS on Jan. 5. JDHS won 53-33. Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File Thunder Mountain’s Cyrene Uddipa, right, chases the ball against Juneau-Douglas’ Kiana Potter during their game at TMHS on Jan. 5. JDHS won 53-33.
