By Van Williams
Classic Media Director
Jennifer Nash turned in one of the greatest scoring performances in tournament history, pouring in 30 points to lead Tikigaq to a 70-58 come-from-behind win over Metlakatla on Day 3 of the Alaska Airlines Classic at West High.
With her team trailing 48-44, Nash became a one-woman wrecking crew with 14 of 19 points in a rally that put the Harpoonerettes up for good.
Tikigaq finished 2-1 at this year’s Classic, a far cry from last year’s 0-3 showing. Even though the games were close last year, this team put the Point Hope team over the top.
It begins and ends with Nash. Her 30 points is sixth all-time, just behind former WNBA player La’Keishia Frett of Phoebus (VA), who scored 34 points in 1993.
Last night, Nash had nine assists to miss the tournament record by one. Tonight, she looked to score, and her scoop shot put Tikigaq up for good at 52-50 with 6:06 to play.
Jadyn Lane pumped in 16 points. Lane and Nash combined for 19 of their team’s 31 points in the first half.
Ryley Booth led Metlakatla with 15 points while Bree Chavez was the only other player in double figures with 10.
Sarai Buffalo hit a free throw to pull the Miss Chiefs within 60-58 with 1:46 to play.
At halftime, Metlakatla built a 36-31 lead behind the play of Booth, who collected 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. Chavez also chipped in eight points and five rebounds.
Both of these teams traveled a ton to reach Anchorage, with Metlakatla coming 1,139 miles and Tikigaq coming 695.
This game was a rematch of last year’s Class 2A state semifinal won by the Harpoonerettes, who went on to win the title.
Metlakatla 14 22 12 10 – 58
Tikigaq 12 19 13 26 – 70
METLAKATLA – K. Cook 7, Chavez 10, Nelson-Boyd 7, L. Cook 0, R. Booth 15, P. Booth 5, Jordan 4, Buffalo 8, Guthie 2, Peratrovich 0.
TIKIGAQ – Berger 2, Kowunna 0, Nash 30, K. Lane 0, Oviok 0, Nashookpuk 0, Oktollik-Nashookpuk 4, J. Lane 16, Teayoumeak 5.
Alaska Airlines Classic 