The Petersburg Vikings fought for their lives in Metlakatla this weekend, in what was was their second conference game of the season, as well as their second game against the Chiefs. Both of Petersburg’s varsity teams lost their matches.
The Vikings last faced off against Metlakatla during their first game of the basketball season. The Lady Vikings lost both of their games, and the boys won a single game by a three-point margin. Petersburg basketball coaches Dino and Rick Brock recognize Metlakatla as one of their teams’ most challenging opponents. They both praised the Chiefs and Misschiefs for their skill and sportsmanship. But Coach Rick Brock says his boys put up a good fight.
“We wish we had done better,” said Rick. “But I think Metlakatla is easily one of the top two or three teams in the state. They’ve been playing a very challenging schedule. We knew, going in, it was going to be a huge challenge for us. We were there for the first time, the first game of the year. So the gym was full for the JV games, which doesn’t typically happen. We ran into a buzzsaw the first night. They could not miss, and they’re very talented. They’re big and athletic and it’s scary when they shoot well so you know, we haven’t given up that many points I don’t think all year.”
The Chiefs won 70-to-49 on Friday night; then 55-to-33 on Saturday night. Metlakatla’s junior varsity boys also won both of their games. Metlakatla brought that same intensity into the girls’ games. On Friday, the Misschiefs won 60-to-16. Saturday’s game was closer for the Lady Vikings, at 53-to-29. The junior varsity Lady Vikings also lost both of their games. Coach Dino praises his players for getting good looks and notes vast improvements in their confidence.
“Metlakatla played really well,” said Dino. “I thought that we continued to improve and played better — especially Saturday. And I thought that we played with a lot more confidence. I thought we shot the basketball well — they just shot so well all weekend long. We ran into a good team on one of their better nights, I think. But I was really happy with our effort and our attitude. The Metlakatla people were very complimentary about how hard we played and how much we’ve improved since we played them the last time, and just the way we represented our school and community. It was just a good weekend all the way around.”
Following this weekend’s loss, Dino says the Lady Vikings are feeling somewhat worse for wear. Nearly ten of his players are currently out sick; or are otherwise recovering from their illness. This week, Petersburg High School will host some of the final games of the season. Teams from Ketchikan and Unalaska will travel to Petersburg for a weekday tournament starting Wednesday night. The following week, the Vikings will face off against their rivals in Wrangell for their last game.
