KCHS Girls
The Kenai Central girls basketball team finished their year by earning fifth place at the Class 3A state tournament through their 1-2 performance at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.
The Kardinals (16-13) started their tournament as the No. 5 seed by defeating No. 4 Valdez 43-39 in the opening round. The team finished the game by scoring ten consecutive points as junior Ellsi Miller made free throws to win the game. The game’s top scorer was Ellsi Miller with 12 points followed by Bryleigh Williams who had 8 points and McKenzie Spence who scored 6 points.
The Kardinals obtained their victory against Grace Christian, which led them to face the top-seeded and two-time defending state champion, Grace Christian, in the semifinals. The Grizzlies maintained their defensive strength throughout the game, defeating Kenai by a score of 55-12. The Grizzlies performed at 45% from the field and made 8 three-pointers, while Kenai managed only 12% from the field.
After their semifinal defeat, the Kardinals faced No. 2 Monroe Catholic in the third-place game. Monroe Catholic established a 17-2 first-quarter advantage, which led to their 45-18 victory. Kenai struggled with shooting but managed to dominate rebounds, securing 33 boards to Monroe’s 23.
The game’s top scorer was Williams, with 7 points, followed by Willow Graham, who scored 4 points. Ellsi Miller led the team with 10 rebounds in the game. Kenai displayed strong defensive play and depth throughout the tournament despite their losses.
First-year head coach Jacob Songer led his team to a successful season. The team took second in the 3A Peninsula Conference and claimed the Al Howard tournament title while defeating multiple 4A opponents. The Kardinals lose two graduating seniors in Sierra Hershberger and Kaylauna Gump but their upcoming seasons appear positive because they will retain multiple underclassmen.
KCHS Boys
The Kenai Central boys’ basketball team concluded its Class 3A state tournament participation with a sixth-place finish last weekend.
The 6th-ranked Kardinals started their tournament competition with a tough 69-45 loss against No. 3 Mt. Edgecumbe. During the first half, Kenai maintained a narrow six-point deficit, at one point taking a 4-point lead over the Braves, yet surrendered a crucial scoring opportunity in the late stages of the third quarter. Sophomore Miles Metteer scored 20 points to lead Kenai, while Caleb Litke managed 13 points despite being in and out of the game due to fouls.
The Kardinals returned to victory Thursday night when they took down Peninsula Conference opponent Homer by a score of 36-34 in the consolation semifinals. The two teams met four times over the season, with each side earning two victories, so the fifth meeting became an intense defensive struggle. Kenai fought back in the second half after being down by 10 points in the first half through strong defensive play and great rebounding.
Mason Tunseth scored the winning basket for Kenai after Litke tied the game, and Metteer contributed eight points and ten rebounds to the victory. Litke scored nine points with three three-pointers. Reid Titus and Miles Metteer made vital shots while Kenai’s defense prevented Homer from launching their last attempt.
The Kenai team met No. 5 Valdez from last year’s consolation final on Friday in their battle for fourth place. Valdez moved ahead of Kenai by efficiently shooting the ball while starting strong to win 71-49. The Buccaneers launched 9 made three-pointers on 23 attempts while maintaining a 41-22 halftime advantage.
For the Kardinals, Metteer, and Titus contributed 12 points each as Litke ended his high school basketball career with 9 points while making 3 three-pointers. Kenai senior Ben Harris also played in his final game as a Kardinal.
The Kardinals have a promising future ahead because they will lose only two seniors next year while keeping a youthful lineup. The team captured the Al Howard Shootout title together with the Seward Seahawk Classic championship and claimed the Peninsula Conference championship this season. The program’s future competitive potential depends on physical development combined with offseason dedication.