The 2021 March Madness Alaska 3A and 4A State Basketball Championships crowned four state champions with Championship Saturday contested at Palmer High School.
3A Girls State Championship
The Anchorage Christian Schools Lions dominated the field throughout the state tournament and overpowered Sitka 75-26 in the championship game on Saturday. ACS earned its fourth-straight 3A girls championship (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021–no state tournament in 2020).
3A Boys Championship
The Monroe Christian Rams from Fairbanks defeated the ACS Lion boys for the 3A state championship. Monroe fell behind early and rallied for a halftime lead and pulled away for the 67-52 victory. ACS was the reigning champion from 2019; Monroe last won the 3A state tournament in 2014.
4A Girls Championship
The Bartlett High Golden Bears from Anchorage battled through overtime for a 47-46 overtime victory against the Lathrop Malemutes on Saturday. Tied at 39-39 at the end of regulation, the Golden Bears and Malemutes traded baskets until Bartlett took a three point lead 47-44. Lathrop, on the final possession, scored a lay-up as time expired and Bartlett captured the victory by a single point, 47-46. The Bartlett girls win the first girls basketball title for Bartlett since 1978.
4A Boys Championship
The East Anchorage Thunderbirds ran-away from the Chugiak Mustangs in the 4A boys championship game 82-56 in a battle between Cook Inlet Conference opponents. East claims its 17th state championship in boys basketball. East last won the 4A state title in 2013. The Thunderbirds complete a 17-0, undefeated season for 2021.
