The Kardinals live to play another day!
Both Kenai Kardinal girls and boys basketball teams battled to victories in the consolation round games on Thursday at the 2023 ASAA 3A State Basketball Championships and both advance to the 4th Place contests on Friday at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.
Kenai Boys 60 – Delta 31
The Kenai boys played their most consistent, controlled game to pull-away from Delta 60-31 on Thursday and to advance the Kardinals to the 4th Place game on Friday.
Kenai led throughout opening a 15-7 advantage in the first quarter. The Kardinal boys scored a balanced, 15, 15, 14 and 16 points in the four quarters; holding Delta to only eleven field goals. Jakob Kvasnikoff led a balance offensive attack with 14 points and Daniel McRorie and Bridger Beck added 11 points each.
Kenai advances to face the Valdez Buccaneers on Friday at 9:30 a.m. for fourth place in the 3A state basketball tournament.
Follow the Kards at 9:30 a.m. Friday on ESPN 1140AM, 96.9FM and streaming live at radiokenai.com
Kenai Girls 39 – Valdez 28
Following a fast start and an early 9-2 lead, Kenai held-off a late charge by the Valdez Buccaneers for a 39-28 victory, which advances the Kardinal girls to the 3A Girls 4th Pace Game on Friday at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.
Kenai led the entire game until 4:20 remained in the final quarter. Kenai’s Emma Beck, with four fouls, started the fourth quarter on the bench and the Kenai girls battled to a 26-26 tie with half of the quarter to play. With Beck’s return, Kenai outscored Valdez 13-2, including 11 of 12 from the free throw line down the stretch. Senior guard Malerie Nunn hit three, three point baskets earlier in the game; then hit made 4 of 4 free throws in the final two minutes. Beck closed with a field goal and 4 of 4 from the line in the final four minutes. Final Score: Kenai 39 – Valdez 28.
Kenai advances to face the Sitka Wolves on Friday at 11:00 a.m. for fourth place in the 3A state basketball tournament.
Follow the Kards at 11:00 a.m. Friday on ESPN 1140AM, 96.9FM and streaming live at radiokenai.com
