Take a cross-town rivalry (Kenai & North Kenai) and the urgency of a February, Southcentral Conference pairing between the Kardinals and Bulldogs and hopefully the result is down-to-the-wire basketball.
On Monday night, it was–twice!
Kenai Girls 29 – Nikiski 27
The Kardinal girls escaped with a 29-27 home victory over the Nikiski girls, a game-winning basket by Jaiden Streiff giving Kenai a 29-27 lead with :22 seconds remaining. Kenai and Nikiski played even through one quarter 9-9 and Kenai built a six-point lead at the half 23-17. Nikiski’s 1-3-1 zone defense held the Kardinals to only two field goals in the second half before the Streiff basket closed the game. Kailey Hamilton and Damaris Severson each scored eight for Kenai; Lillian Carstens and Bailey Epperheimer each scored six for the Bulldogs. The Nikiski girls stand at 4-1 in Southcentral Conference contests; Kenai holds a 3-1 conference record.
Kenai Boys 55 – Nikiski 54
The Nikiski boys held the lead by a point at the half and by a point with :28 seconds remaining; however, Kenai strikes last and steals a 55-54 victory on the Kardinals home court. Andrew Bezdecny’s basket gave Kenai a one-point lead and when Nikiski’s final shot fell short, a one-point victory. The Kardinals lead early 17-12 after one quarter. Nikiski held a 30-29 lead at the half. Kenai pushed-out to a 45-39 lead in the third quarter and the Bulldogs again rallied to lead in the final minute of the fourth quarter. For the Kardinals, Evan Stockton scored 23 points and Braiden Pitsch added 20 points. Nikiski’s Noah Litke lead the Bulldogs with 28 points.
Upcoming Basketball Schedule
Wednesday, February 12
Nikiski vs King Cove @ Nikiski (non-divisional) 6 & 7:30 p.m. ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com
Friday, February 14
Nikiski @ Nome 7 & 8:30 p.m. (boys first) KSRM 920AM and www.radiokenai.com
Kenai B @ Homer 7:00 p.m. KKIS 96,5 FM and www.radiokenai.com
SoHi G & B @ Wasilla 6 & 7:30 p.m. ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com
Saturday, February 15
Nikiski @ Nome 4 & 5:30 p.m. (girls first) KSRM 920AM and www.radiokenai.com
SoHi G & B @ Wasilla 3 & 4:30 p.m. ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com
