Celebrating outstanding student athletes from the Class of 2020! SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS Celebrating outstanding AK student athletes from the Class of 2020 ‌ ‌ ‌ Alaskans, When we began collecting submissions for our Senior Spotlight feature, we were not prepared to be so inspired by this little project! We received well over 100 submissions, and time and again, were impressed by the athletic achievements, but also by the other things: leadership qualities, academic prowess, social engagement, etc. The Class of 2020 is LOADED with talented young women and men with big dreams. From Metlakatla to Point Hope, our future is bright! We've shared these individually on our Facebook and Instagram pages over the past few weeks but they are too good to just let slip off the timeline. Take time to read through this from top to bottom (they are all good). I promise, it is time well spent! And join us in wishing these seniors and ALL of Alaska's graduating class the best on their path! You can view the profiles on all the athletes at our website at [link removed]. Sincerely, Harlow Robinson Executive Director Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Delta’s Williams to run for Duke A standout on the track and in the classroom, Hailey Williams from Delta Junction will be attending prestigious Duke University this fall on a track and field scholarship. She maintained a 4.0 GPA while constantly training and traveling for track and field competitions. Even with her senior sea son canceled due to COVID-19 Hailey won 7 state championships during her high school career with the Delta Huskies in the 100m 200m and 400m races. As a sophomore, she became the first Alaskan high school girl in 37 years to break the 12 second barrier in the 100 meter sprint. Her 24.05 seconds time in the 200m, is faster than the Alaska high school record. As a junior she was named the 2019 Alaska Gatorade player of the year in track and field. She is currently a finalist for the 2020 Pride of Alaska Award given to Alaska’s top girl high school athlete. Hailey also played basketball and cross country running during high school. Pride of Bethel Lieb to wrestle for Wyoming Hayden Lieb added his name to an exclusive club of 14 Alaska boys who won four state high school titles. He also won three team championships for Bethel High School. The 3-time All-American finished his career with a 139-12 record and signed with NCAA Division 1 Wyoming. He was twice named ASAA D2 Outstanding Wrestler and this year was the only Alaska named to the Wrestling USA Senior All-American team. He is also the co-winner of the 2020 Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Pride of Alaska Youth Award for boys. Hayden, a National Honor Society member since 2018, plans to pursue an educational sciences degree and become a high school teacher and wrestling coach. He also likes to subsistence hunt for moose, birds and fish. 4-time champ Concepcion going to N. Carolina Aedyn Concepcion has had a remarkable wrestling career for South Anchorage High School. As a senior he became South’s first ever four-time state champion and only the 14th wrestler in Alaska history to accomplish the feat. Aedyn finished his high school career with a 174-2 record and led his team to a state title his junior year. Outside of Alaska, Aedyn earned All-American honors at Junior Nationals and was recently named to the USA Wrestling Academic Team. Aedyn will wrestle for Gardner-Webb, a Division I school in North Carolina. He is also the co-winner of the 2020 Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Pride of Alaska Youth Award for boys. North Pole standout Fischer to play baseball for SW Iowa Gavin Fischer concludes a brilliant career for North Pole High's baseball team. The Team Captain played varsity since his freshman year, was All Conference as a junior, and ASAA Player of the game at the 2019 State Tournament. Last season he led the Patriots on the mound with a 2.14 ERA while tossing 42 strikeouts. He also led patriots with his bat, hitting for a .401 batting average last season. His senior season was canceled due to the COVID-19 virus. Gavin was on an honor student all four years. He is committed to play for baseball for the Southwestern Iowa Spartans this fall while pursuing a degree in Nursing. Mateaki to play soccer for Eastern Oregon Kana Mateaki excelled in soccer and as a linebacker in flag football at Dimond High School. As a junior, she helped the Lynx to state championships in both sports and racked up multiple team MVPs and all-tournament honors throughout her career. Her senior soccer season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kana will attend Eastern Oregon University to play soccer and study to become a physical therapist or podiatrist. During her college years, she also plans to serve a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Palmer’s Corbin to play football at George Fox Palmer High School’s Duston Corbin was a star for the Moose football team on both sides of the ball. He was first team All Conference as both a linebacker and fullback, as well as first team All State as a fullback and second team All State as a linebacker his senior season. He was highly regarded for the time and energy he donated both the football program and the Palmer community. Duston was also a key member of the Moose soccer team. He plans to play football next fall at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon. Mulhaney brothers lead Houston to 1st ever State Championship Brothers Gavin and Owen Mulhaney were major catalysts behind Houston High School football team’s magical season in which they went undefeated and won the school’s first ever football State Championship in football. The season was made even more special due to the adversity the school and community faced with fires and the aftermath of the 2018 earthquake. Both Owen and Gavin were four-year varsity football players for the Hawks and both had historically great senior seasons. Gavin was a first team All State quarterback. Owen was a first team All State running back. Both were decorated linebackers on defense. Gavin was named DIII Offensive Player of the Year and set the single season passing record for the Hawks. Owen was named State Champion Game MVP and set the single season school rushing record. Both brothers also excelled in basketball and soccer. Owen and Gavin are working in construction this summer and both plan to attend Dixie State University to study business. Moses reaches the Promised Land with standout basketball career Isaiah Moses of Dimond High School had quite a senior year of basketball before it was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic: he racked up Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year honors in addition to being named MVP of the Alaska Prep Shootout and Alaska Airlines Classic. Isaiah averaged 27.2 points, 4.9 assists and 2.3 steals his senior season and is the highest-scoring boys basketball player ever at Dimond. He earned varsity letters all four years and played in the state championship game three times. A member of the Dimond Athletic Council, Isaiah will attend the University of Alaska Anchorage on a basketball scholarship and will begin working towards a Bachelor of Science Juneau hoops star Carson to play for Pepperdine Kendyl Carson began her high school career as a starter for Juneau Douglas High School as a freshman. At the end of the year she moved to Washington and had to sit out of varsity sports as a transfer student. From that summer through the summer of her junior year, Kendyl was a member of Tree of Hope, a top 10 team in the EYBL. As a junior, Kendyl earned all-tournament honors for 3A Washington State Champions, Prairie High School, as well as being named to the Washington All State team. As a senior, Kendyl returned to Alaska as the leader of the 22-3 Juneau-Douglas: Yadaa at Kalè Crimson Bears team and was named first team All State. Kendyl will be attending Pepperdine University in the Fall on a Basketball Scholarship Kodiak’s Glover to play hockey for D1 Merrimack Kodiak’s Carly Glover graduates after a decorated youth hockey career to play hockey for D1 Merrimack in the competitive Hockey East Conference. While attending Kodiak High School, Carly played for national teams and competed around the country earning numerous accolades. She was selected to the USA National Player Development Camp in 2018 and 2019 competed in the USA Hockey National Championships the past three years. She was selected twice as captain for the Alaska All Stars 19U Girls Hockey Team in Anchorage. Carly also excelled in other sports with the Kodiak Grizzlies including cross country running, softball, track and field and is a two-time state champion in Jazz Band. West High’s Huss to play volleyball at HPU West Anchorage High School multi-sport talent Gillian Huss was an outside hitter on the volleyball team and a varsity basketball player for the Eagles. She was captain, first team All-Conference and All-State in volleyball. She is also an honor roll student and will graduate from the Alaska Middle College program. Gillian recently signed a letter of intent to play volleyball atHawaii Pacific University this fall where she will be playing along side her older sister Rohyn. Palmer volleyball standout Giese to play for Wenatchee Valley  Palmer High School’s Kelsey Giese was a standout volleyball player. She was Team Captain for the Moose squad and named first team All Region two years in a row. Kelsey was respected for her drive and desire to be her best. She plans to play volleyball at Wenatchee Valley College in Washington next fall. South standout Twenhafel to play soccer at Willamette Samuel “Sammy”Twenhafel is a midfielder and captain for the South Anchorage High School Soccer Team. As a freshman he scored a goal in OT that led the Wolverines in winning the Alaska High School State Championship in a thrilling shootout. He was looking forward to his senior year and representing his school. Sammy was named first team all conference in 2018 and in 2019 as well as being named an Allstate All American Soccer player in 2019 and Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee in 2019 & 2020. He has played competitively for: USYS Region IV 01 Boys , Cook Inlet SC, Arctic Winter Games Team AK , AK ODP and Westside Timbers 01 Boys Team as well as guest played for AK Rush SC and Darlington Academy 01 Boys Sammy has committed to Willamette University to study Health and Exercise Science and to play soccer for the Bearcats in the Fall. His demand for excellence in the game, physical toughness, endurance, technical ability, humility and love of teammates are among his attributes as not only a soccer player but as friend and teammate no matter what color jersey he wears. Service QB Scott to play for Presentation College Service High School quarterback Jacob Scott has accepted a scholarship to play football for Presentation College this fall. The Cougars signal caller was named first team All Conference and first team All State his senior year after throwing for over 1,900 yards and 30 touchdowns and leading the Cougars to the championship game. Jacob plans on majoring in business management Haines heading from Bartlett to Dubuque As a senior at Bartlett High School, Iolana Haines was the football Lineman of the Year as well as a 1st Team All State and 1st Team All-Conference performer. Iolana is the Bartlett JROTC Battalion Commander and a 4.0 grade point average student. He will attend the University of Dubuque in Iowa this fall to study criminal justice and pursue a law enforcement career as an Alaska State Trooper while also continuing his football career as a Spartan. She flies, fishes and skis: Tobin headed to Dartmouth Garvee Tobin of Service High School excelled as a Nordic skier for the Cougars. She placed fifth overall at the 2020 state ski championships — her third consecutive Top 5 finish — as the Cougars won the state title. Three times she was named the team’s Most Valuable Girls Skier and she captained the squad her junior and senior years. She also qualified for Nordic Nations/Scando Cup in Falun, Sweden in 2020. Garvee will ski for Division I Dartmouth College. She also earned a student’s pilot license in 2019 and has been a commercial fisherwoman in Bristol Bay since 2014. Attitude and effort leads to excellence for Su Valley’s Jolley Su Valley High School’s Cy Jolley had a decorated career as a four-year varsity athlete in basketball, soccer, and track and field with the Rams. He was a dynamic talent in track and field. As a freshman he claimed the Region high jump title. Cy would go on to win 8 regional championships in a variety of events, and was named Region Outstanding Field Athlete as sophomore and junior (his senior track and field season was canceled due to COVID-19). Cy was an All Conference soccer player on a Rams teem that won the State Championship in 2018 and 2019 and in basketball he was named All Conference as a junior and senior. Su Valley athletic director James Sickle had this to say: “Cy is a beast on the basketball court, a lockdown defender on the soccer pitch, and an outstanding athlete in Track & Field. His great attitude and supreme effort are what makes him a stand out from his competitors.” East HS Merit Scholar White to play softball at George Fox Chloe White graduates from East Anchorage High School after a stellar career as catcher, outfielder and Captain of the softball team. A three-year varsity player, Chloe was a key member of the 2018 and 2019 Thunderbird State Championship squads and received numerous accolades along the way. Through her teenage years, she was also a member of several select Alaska teams that traveled and competed nationally. In 2018 she was one of 90 participants chosen nationwide to take part in the MLB Elite Development Camp. Chloe also excelled in volleyball and basketball, but she her talents and interests expand far beyond sports. She was a three-year National Honor Society member, a four-year member of the East Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble, and she was named thee 2019 East High School Honor Marshall. She also has volunteered Bean’s Cafe and Children’s Lunchbox for the past four years! Chloe was selected as a Merit Scholarship student in the nursing program and also received a multicultural scholarship. She will be attending George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon and playing on the women’s softball team. Olmstead stellar on the Diamond for the Wolves Eagle River High School’s Braden Olmstead graduates after an outstanding baseball career. His senior season was canceled due to COVID-19, but during his first three years of high school Braden was a two-time team MVP, at two-time All Conference pitcher, and a two-time All Conference outfielder. Braden also played football, basketball, and tennis for the Wolves. He plans to play baseball for a junior college this fall but hasn’t made a final decision on which school yet. Eagles standout Melendez to play soccer for Portland West High School’s Kiara Melendez was a standout soccer player. Named varsity team MVP and first team All Region on her freshman year and second team All Region on her sophomore year. Manager of the girls soccer team on her junior year while recovering from injury and her senior year canceled due to Covid-19. She was also member of select teams to represent Alaska in regional soccer events. Graduating from the West High medical program and with the seal of biliteracy in Spanish after 13 years on the Spanish immersion program. Committed to play soccer for the Panthers at Portland Community College while studying kinesiology/exercise science. Harris makes history at Juneau Douglas HS Juneau Douglas High School senior Kaden Harris has been doing gymnastics, cheer and dance most of his life. He has varsity lettered in both cheer and dance. He is the first boy to ever be on the Crimson Bear Dance team in the 50 plus years of existence. The team traveled to Orlando, Florida in 2019 and brought home a National title in Military. This year he was an officer on the team and really enjoyed this leadership role. Kaden has traveled around the United States attending dance competitions and conventions. He has won many scholarships, including the break out artist for Alaska! He auditioned and made it as 1 of 27 specialty dancers for BYU Stadium of Fire, a giant 4th of July celebration. He got to open for headliner Keith Urban and perform in front of 44,000 people. He is a caring, amazing young man who teaches dance classes to kids at TAFY Dance Alaska. After high school he plans to get work for an airline, travel the world, and dance as much as he can! Hooper Ivanoff shines at Unalakleet and Dimond Aidan Ivanoff is from Unalakleet, in western Alaska, but attended Dimond High School and played basketball for the Lynx his senior season. Aidan earned his way as a starter on a team that went 20-5 and had been to the state championship game 4 years in a row and were seeking number five when the season stopped because of the COVID19 outbreak. Over his high school career Aidan earned many basketball honors including being named Alaska 2A Player of the Year while he played for the Unalakleet Wolfpack and shined in his role with the Lynx. He plans on attending UAA this fall and is hopeful of seeing Seawolf hardwood in the future. Palmer standout Walling to ski for St Scholastica Palmer High School’s Joseph Walling was a four-year varsity cross country skier for the Moose. He was Team Captain his junior and senior seasons and was Regional Champion each year. Joseph had three top-ten finishes at the Alaska State Championships and one of his biggest skiing highlights during high school was his 7th place finish at the U20 Junior Nationals in the 10K Classic. Joseph has committed to The College of St Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, where he looks forward to continuing his skiing career for the Saints while studying computer science. Thunder Mountain sports star "Tasi" on to UAF Letasi “Tasi” Fenumiai is a three-sport athlete that earned 12 varsity letters at Thunder Mountain High School. Tasi played varsity volleyball, basketball and softball for the Falcons each of her four years. She was an integral part of the 2017 and 2018 State Champion Falcon softball teams, contributing her potent bat as well anchoring a strong Falcon outfield. Tasi received offers to continue her hoops career at two schools in Washington, but plans on attending UAF in the fall to pursue a degree in education. JDHS captain Maloney a leader on and off the track Jaydon Maloney has been a leader on the Juneau Douglas High School track & field team through his dedication and determination. The team captain was a standout mid-distance runner and was regarded for his determination, his leadership, and his amazing dedication to all things track & field, even fundraising! He’ll his education and possibly his running career at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. West Valley’s Kramer to ski and run for hometown UAF Kendall Kramer graduates from West Valley High School as one of the most accomplished high school cross country skiers in the history of the state. And as a runner, the Wolfpack star won her third straight cross-country running state title and swept the 1,600 and 3,200 events in track and field. In skiing, Kendall was named to the U.S. Ski Team’s Developmental Team, was state Skimeister and competed at World Juniors. Over the course of her high school career Kendall collected an astounding 14 state championships — six in track, five in skiing and three in cross-country running. She likely would have added to that total if the track season had not been canceled her senior year. She also won the Mount Marathon junior girls title in 2018. Kendall won the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Pride of Alaska girls award in 2019, given to the state’s top female high school athlete. Kendall has committed to skiing and running for her home town school, the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Seward multi-sport star Spanos to swim for Southwest Oregon Connor Spanos excelled in multiple sports during his years at Seward High School. He was captain of the Seahawks swim team and basketball team his senior year and would have been the captain of the track squad if the season hadn’t been canceled due to theCOVID-19 virus. Connor has been to State for swimming three years in a row. Last fall he took third at State in the 100 Fly. Connor played varsity basketball all four years and was named Third Team 3A All-State this year. In track, he has been to the State meet two times and likely would have been a third time this year. His freshman year, he was part of a championship relay that took first at State in the 4 x 4 relay. Last year Connor took second in the 400 meter and was hoping to reach the top of the podium this year. Connor has committed to swimming at Southwest Oregon Community College and will start down his long road toward obtaining a doctorate in physical therapy. His basketball coach Al Plan had this to say about Connor: “When other people weren’t in the locker room, on the court, or in the pool, he was. The result of that hard work is showing here today as he signs to further his athletics. He is always here. He is always working hard. I think that is something we should celebrate.” Gall shines in classroom, community and on the court Brandon Gall has played varsity basketball for the Service Cougars all four years of high school being brought up halfway through his freshman year from C team. For the last two years Brandon was listed as an all-conference player. He made all-tournament teams for both tournaments he was in this year - the Service Tip Off and Cactus Tournament in Phoenix. Brandon was a finalist his sophomore year for the Trajan Langdon award and is a finalist again this year. Brandon received the Youth Summit award in 2019. He gives back time coaching at the middle school and elementary levels as well as organizing clinics and camps for three years at Service's feeder schools. He has been a certified basketball ref since he was 15 years old along with reffing he is currently a shift manager at McDonald’s. Brandon is student body president at Service high and was parliamentarian for the state student government board. He maintained above a 3.0 GPA in school. He is headed to Olympic College to continue his education and basketball career. Davis makes pitch for East Anch. softball stardom Lexie Davis, a pitcher and first baseman, excelled in softball at East Anchorage High School, as she helped the Thunderbirds win back-to-back state championships. Lexie’s senior season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but she ended her junior campaign in 2019 with a bang as the winning pitcher and player of the game in an 11-2 state championship victory over Dimond. She was also an all-conference performer in 2018 as East Anchorage completed an undefeated 33-0 season. Also in 2018, Lexie was among 60 players selected for the MBM Breakthrough Series in Compton, Calif., and from there was chosen to attend Elite Development Invitational in Florida. That in turn led to a spot on 2019 America’s Team Softball squad that competed in Spain. A three-time varsity captain for the Thunderbirds, Lexie will attend the University of South Alabama on an academic scholarship; she plans to study physical therapy and redshirt or walk-on to the softball team. West High flamethrower Wilson to pitch for Texas Tech West Anchorage High School’s Leland Wilson has committed to play baseball for Division 1 powerhouse Texas Tech University next year. Leland was a Team of Excellence award winner his freshman, sophomore and junior years. In 140 innings of high school and American Legion mound work, the lanky lefty struck out a whopping 243 batters with a stingy 1.40 ERA. Outside of Alaska, Leland has pitched for the Canadian Langley Blaze, including an outing against an Arizona Diamondback minor league team in 2019 spring training. Leland earned varsity letters in baseball, basketball and cross country running and plans to study business at TTU. Lynx sniper Villafuerte to return to hoops at Peninsula College after missing senior season  Ariyanna Camacho-Villafuerte was a standout basketball player for Dimond High School. An All State performer as a junior, she unfortunately suffered a new injury that caused her to miss her senior season. Known for her outside shooting prowess, Ariyanna was a key part of the Lady Lynx’s back to back state championship teams in 2018 and 2019. She will be attending Peninsula College, WA to continue her education and basketball career, on an athletic scholarship. She is still unsure on what she plans to study. Juneau hoops trio leave legacy of hard work, commitment The Juneau Douglas High School’s Austin McCurley, Tad Watson, and Uly Salaver provided senior leadership for the Crimson Bears basketball team and leave behind a legacy of hard work and commitment. Here is what Coach Robert Caspterson had to say about the trio: “I am extremely proud of the growth that our seniors have shown throughout their high school careers. Their dedication to our program and the leadership they provided has set the table for our future success. I expect that these three talented, hard-working, and considerate young men will continue to learn and grow as they become productive and contributing members of their community.” Austin is undecided as to what he plans to do after graduation. Tad plans on attending Otterbein University (Ohio). And Uly has committed his future to the Alaska National Guard. Smith of ACS off to Grand Canyon University Kaleb Smith of Anchorage Christians Schools will run cross country for Grand Canyon University while Majoring in physical therapy beginning this fall. Smith finished 10th in the 2019 Division 2 State Cross-Country Championships. He was also a member of Division 2 State Championship Track and Field teams 9th-11th grade and Division 2 State Championship Cross Country team as a sophomore. Wasilla’s Sande to play soccer at Northwest University. Wasilla High School soccer star Reese Sande is heading to Washington to play soccer for Northwest University and study Business Administration. Reese received many accolades during her high school career on the pitch including earning first team All-State honors in 2019. Reese was named first team All-Conference in 2018 and 2019 and second team All-Conference in 2017. She helped lead the Warriors squad to a third place finish at state in 2018. Her senior season was canceled due to COVID-19. O’Farrell to play football at Eastern Washington Service High School’s Conner O’Farrell played varsity football for four years, was a varsity wrestler one year. and a starter on the Cougar’s varsity soccer team as a junior (his senior soccer season was canceled due to COVID-19. Connor received a D1 football scholarship to play at Eastern Washington University, where he will be studying project management. Chugiak’s Proffitt to ski for Montana State Adrianna Proffitt has decided to sign with the Montana State Nordic Ski Team. This three-season athlete has competed at the varsity level at Chugiak High School in cross country running, nordic skiing, and track every year of high school. She graduates as one of the Mustangs best runners, but cross country skiing is her passion. She is the reigning Cook Inlet Conference Skimeister, and has held the title for the past 2 years. She competed for Team Alaska in Junior Nationals for the past four years, and competed for Team USA in Estonia in 2019 in the Scando Cup—earning a top 10 individual finish as well as a bronze medal in the relay. Adrianna looks forward to her NCAA ski career at Montana State, and hopes to continue to ski beyond college at the next level. Kake hoops star Jackson to play for Bellevue  Kake High School’s Willow Jackson was a standout basketball player for the Thunderbirds. Over her four years on the varsity team she helped lead her squad to two Region V 1A Championships and runner up finishes. She will be attending Bellevue College and playing basketball for the Bulldogs next fall! South's Cha to wrestle at Univ. Minnesota  After dislocating his patella during his junior season, Theo Cha of South Anchorage High School made a triumphant return, winning his first state title and earning the Outstanding Wrestler award. This catapulted him into his senior season, where he finished 45-1 and captured his second state championship. Theo also served as the team captain, and spent the last two years coaching a youth wrestling club. Theo has signed a National Letter of Intent to wrestle for Division I University of Minnesota, one of the top wrestling programs in the country. Multi-sport standout Hayes to wrestle at Minn. State Moorhead Hunter Hayes from Wasilla High School has signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Minnesota State University-Moorhead on a wrestling scholarship. He was slated to be a major contributor to the Warrior track program, but lost his senior season due to COVID-19. A versatile athlete, he ran cross country, wrestled, played football, and did multiple events in track and field. On the wrestling mat, he posted a career record of 101-16. He is a two-time Northern Lights Conference champion and finished third in the 2019 ASAA Division I state championships. During three seasons with the Wasilla cross-country running team, he earned three top-10 finishes in the region meet and was region champion as a sophomore. In track and field the he excelled in the 400m, triple jump, long jump, and mile. He anchored the Warrior’s 4x400m relay. Hunter joined the Wasilla varsity football team for the first time as a senior and ran for 425 yards and two touchdowns. South High multi-sport standout Beloy to run for CSU-Pueblo Kaleb Beloy graduates from South Anchorage High School after a solid career as a multi-sport athlete. For the hockey team, he lettered his junior and senior year, played center, and was part of the 2019 State Champion Team. On the cross country trails, Kaleb steadily improved throughout high-school and placed 6th at State as a senior. He finishes his career as the 4th fastest harrier of all-time in South High Cross Country Running history. In track and field, based on his times as a junior which he was certain to crush this year as a senior, Kaleb still has marks in all-three distance races that rank him in the top 7 all-time for the Wolverines. Next year, he is heading to Colorado State University – Pueblo to run for the Wolfpack and pursue a degree in either engineering or criminology. Metlakatla’s Russell to play basketball for Walla Walla Metlakatla High School’s Alexis Russell capped off a remarkable basketball career for the Chiefs by being named Alaska Girls 2A Player of the Year. Alexis also shined on the volleyball court and she was an outstanding student, graduating with a 3.60 GPA and serving on Student Council. But she especially distinguished herself in hoops, where the team captain was named All State and All Conference all four years of high school and finished her career with over 1,000 points scored. Last summer she traveled with an NBC basketball team to compete in Italy. Alexis has committed to Walla Walla Community College she’ll play basketball and pursue a career in business. Hockey star Solberg integral to West Eagle’s storybook season Chase Solberg was the top point scorer for the West High School hockey team accumulating 100 points in 24 games. While he excelled in many sports , hockey has always been his passion and Chase was an integral part of the Eagles squad that won the coveted “Triple Crown” in Alaska HS hockey. West was the Regular Season Champions, the Region Champions and eventually the State Champions, beating South HS in double overtime. Chase was the captain of the team and credits the “incredible chemistry” and unselfish play of all his team mates as the key to their success. Chase received praise from his coaches for his leadership and being the foundation for the team chemistry. While certainly highly skilled player himself, it was his ability to work with and mentor his team mates throughout the whole season that was key in their run to the State Crown. Chase plans to play hockey at the Junior level before playing college hockey while getting a degree in Sports medicine. Wasilla’s Huston to play baseball for Bismarck State Wasilla High School’s Carter Huston was a key member of the Warriors first ever State Championship baseball team. The four-year varsity player threw the last pitch of the dramatic 2019 state championship game. He was brilliant in closing the game out with 3.2 scoreless innings and was named to the state All Tournament team. He had an impressive junior year in which he was 4-0 with a 1.22 ERA. His senior season was canceled due to COVID-19. Carter will playing baseball at Bismarck State College this fall while studying Petroleum Technology. Cougars soccer standout Hodges bound for Southern Oregon  Captain of the Service High School soccer team, Chase Hodges was a likely 2020 Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year candidate, according to his head coach, Dan Rufner. Known for his exceptional play-making ability while controlling the midfield, Chase was All-Region as a junior and 2nd team All-Region as a sophomore. He will be playing soccer for Southern Oregon University this fall. Hoops standout Nix sets sights on NBA Even though Daishen Nix played high school basketball in Las Vegas, he considers himself an Alaskan and regularly wore Alaska gear under his high school jersey. Daishen, who grew up in Anchorage until moving to a basketball program his freshman year, is a consensus five-star high school recruit and ranked as one of the top high school point guards in the country. He joins Trajan Langdon, Carlos Boozer, and Mario Chalmers as the only Alaskans to be chosen as a McDonald’s All American. He previously committed to play basketball at UCLA but then opted to join the NBA G League professional pathway program, a new program that prepares elite high school players for the NBA Sarah Robinson on way to BYU Sarah Robinson of South Anchorage High School has accepted an offer to run track and field for Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Sarah excels in both volleyball and track. As an outside hitter she helped the Lady Wolverines win the 2019 state volleyball championship and was chosen as the MaxPreps SAHS player of the year. As a sprinter, she won the 4A girls 100m title in 2019 and was a member of the 4×100 and 4×200 winning teams in 2018 as she helped the Wolverines to two state championships. Sarah has a 4.0 grade point average and is also a state champion musician, being awarded first chair all-state choir three years consecutively. She plans to become a civil engineer. Rome to play soccer at Southern Oregon West Anchorage High School’s Race Rome was all-sports kid who really did not want to commit to one sport. He played baseball for Anchorage West Little League but needed more action and eventually discovered his passion for soccer. As a junior he was first team All Region, All Tournament at State, and player of the game for the state championship game for the Eagle’s second place effort. This season is a tough one for him obviously he had many goals he was hoping to fulfill but he is excited about the future and playing soccer for Southern Oregon University while pursuing a degree in sports medicine. In his free time, Race works at a local gym helping soccer youngsters.. Soldotna’s Truesdell to become a Nanook Soldotna High School multi-sport star Jersey Truesdell will be continuing his basketball career with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks. Jersey had a decorated high school career in both football and basketball, earning numerous accolades along the way. In football, he was an All State performer as a junior and senior at both quarterback and defensive back for a Stars squad that won four straight State championships. The team was 19-1 with Jersey starting at quarterback. In basketball he was a two-time All State performer and helped lead the Stars to the State semifinals as a junior. Despite his senior season being shortened by the COVID-19 virus he finished his hoops career with 1,189 points, 209 made 3-pointers, and 259 assists. His basketball coach Nolan Rose had this to say about Jersey: “He has an amazing confidence about himself that I think is born out of a lot of hard work and dedication to being a great athlete.” His football coach Galen Grantley Jr. had this to say about Jersey: “He’s a tremendous young man. I couldn’t be prouder — watching him develop from a small child into the guy he is today.” Jersey graduates with a 4.0 GPA. A self-described “science guy”, he plans to study Electrical Engineering at UAF. Colony hoops standout Spencer bound for Lewis-Clark A first team All-Conference and first team All-State selection in basketball, Colton Spencer helped power the Colony Knights to a Northern Lights Conference championship and a 18-4 season mark. Colony had been one of the top picks to be in the state championship for 2020 until the season was cut short due to the global pandemic. Colton showed great achievement on and off the court, and is highly respected by his peers and coaches across the state. He will be attending Lewis-Clark College in Idaho this fall on on a basketball scholarship. Chugiak’s Day to run at Murray State Chugiak High School’s Breanna Day is a four-year varsity athlete, focusing on distance running, where she excelled in the 3200 and 1600. She received a full ride offer from Murray State University, a D1 school in Murray, Kentucky and will run on their cross country and track teams. Running highlights during her running career with the Mustangs include her 6th place finish in the 3200m at State as a junior and running 19:09 in the 5K in 2019. Breanna also enjoys biking, hiking, and reading. McCart to play baseball in South Dakota Taylor McCart, a 6-foot-4 righthanded pitcher at Bartlett High School, has signed a national letter of intent to play baseball for Dakota Wesleyan University, a prestigious NAIA school in Mitchell, South Dakota. Taylor has been attending University of Alaska Anchorage in the school-within-a-school program for gifted high school students. This has allowed him to take college-level courses and graduate from high school with two years of college credits. Wasilla’s Samson to shoot for Martin Methodist Univ. Eden Samson has been on the Wasilla Warrior Clay Target Team since her freshman year. She has competed in the Junior Olympic Nationals In Colorado Springs the last two years, winning a bronze medal in her division this last summer. She will be attending Martin Methodist in Pulaski, Tennessee in the fall on a shooting scholarship. Delta Husky Montes to play college ball at Linfield Delta High School boys basketball team captain Jason Montes signed to play college basketball at Linfield in Oregon. Jason has been the teams starting point guard for three years. This past season he led the team in scoring while leading the Huskies to a second place in the tough Aurora Conference. He was named team MVP, first team All-Conference, and first team 3A All-State. Jason also maintained an A average in the classroom. Crimson Bear’s “Fearsome Threesome” shaped winning XC culture Anna Iverson, Katie McKenna and Sadie Tuckwood form an outstanding senior running trio whose dedication to running and their team has shaped and inspired their Juneau Douglas Yadaa.at Kalé teammates and coaches. Their cumulative years in cross country and track (22) have resulted in the girls winning the Alaska State Championship (2018), as well as capturing four years of Region V cross country titles. Since joining as freshman (Katie, a sophomore), the cross country combined girls and boys team has grown from 42 to 70 athletes, approximately 10% of the student body! This trio of 2019 Team Captains set the tone: their peers understand the sport is a place to improve, together, growing as competitors in a connected, supported community. Individuals build powerful teams, and each of these young women improved and excelled throughout their tenure. Sadie set new records on every course in our Southeast Region, she posted one of the top five times on Alaska’s State course (18:16), she was awarded the Alaska Gatorade Cross Country runner of the year, and she is the only athlete (boy or girl) to reign for four years as Region V champ. Her top-five performances at the renowned Warner Pacific Invitational in Oregon (October 2018, 17:50) and Nike Hole in the Wall in Seattle (October 2019, 17:36), as well as winning the Steens Mountain Running Camp uphill 5k, firmly landed her as one of the fastest female runners in the Pacific Northwest and one of the greatest ever to run in Alaska. Anna Iverson logged impressive places and times on all Southeast courses. She ran a 19:11 in Ketchikan and last fall at the Region V meet, set a personal with a 19:10 performance. With two consecutive top fifteen finishes at the State Meet, Anna solidified her place as one of the state’s fastest runners during a time where Alaska has seen an unprecedented level of high caliber female runners. Katie joined as a sophomore and, with fierce dedication, united a fearsome threesome. Katie opened her sophomore year of cross country with a 23:02 effort, steadily improving until she dropped below 20:00 at the 2018 state meet with a top 20 finish. Katie graduates as one of the valedictorians of her high school class and after four years distinguished by hard work will attend Williams College in Massachusetts, where she will run and study medicine and public policy. A National Honor Society member her junior and senior year, Anna will be studying nursing and running at Pacific Lutheran University. Sadie will be running for the D1 Gonzaga Bulldogs and is excited to be going to a university that will challenge her both academically and athletically. Houston’s Whitted has a Heart of a Champion Houston High School’s Denali Whitted was a dynamic talent in the classroom and in the field of play. She graduates with a 3.64 GPA and as one of the Hawks most decorated athletes. Over her four years of high school Denali excelled in four sports – volleyball, soccer, basketball, and football. She played for the boys football and soccer teams starting her sophomore year. Over her career she earned numerous accolades in sports. She was an All Conference football, basketball, and soccer player, and was named Conference MVP as a junior (her senior soccer season was canceled). One of her most impressive honors was being named a four-time winner of the the Houston Heart of a Champion Award (Houston Student Athlete of the Year)! Throughout high school Denali was involved in student government and impacted her school in many ways. Houston athletic director Norman Bouchard had this to say: “Denali is a leader in all areas of our school! She is great with other kids and always has a smile on her face!” Denali is still working on her future plans. Eagles defensive stalwart Pickett also working as an EMT A student at Steller Secondary, Ethan Pickett was one of the stars of the West Anchorage State Championship team. He was team captain and part of the much-honored starting lineup. Ethan was named to the All-Conference and racked up 25 assists from his defender position for the 25-1 Eagles. He is good student with good grades, helping West’s team have the top GPA among all hockey teams in the conference. Ethan also won a state championship in tennis. Ethan is an Emergency Medical Technician. He was trained and certified through the Passages project at Steller. As a first responder on duty during the coronavirus pandemic he hasn’t been able to take much time off to celebrate his graduation. Ethan plans to study at UAF this fall. Ketchikan’s Lee to play basketball at Pima  Chris Lee, the all star senior basketball guard for the Ketchikan High School is bound for Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona on a basketball scholarship. Chris was the MVP of last season’s Alaska 4A state tournament and led his team to its first 4A crown in over 40 years! A four-year starter, Chris is the all-time Kings scorer and has earned many honors including All Southeast Conference, first team All State, and numerous MVP tournaments awards. Lynx standout Thoma to play soccer for Dominican University Mallory Thoma is the co-captain of the 2020 Dimond Lynx Varsity Soccer team, and a four-year varsity athlete. Mallory’s competitive spirit, tenacious work rate, and offensive prowess around the goal lead her team to the post season three years straight, and two ASAA State Championship titles. Her dynamic midfield and wing play earned her a varsity roster spot as a freshman and over the years, Mallory and the Lynx accomplished a school record 52-match winning streak. She earned Player of the Game during the 2019 State Championship semifinal match versus West Valley, and was named to the 2019 Cook Inlet Conference All Region First Team. Lynx Head Coach Tim Valesko recognized Mallory at the end of the 2019 season with the Dimond Lynx Team Leadership Award. Mallory will be attending Dominican University of California in the Fall where she plans to major in Communications and play NCAA Division 2 Soccer. Multi-sport star Brantley III bound for Dickinson State Soldotna High multi-sport star Galen Brantley III is off to Dickinson State University in North Dakota this fall. He received athletic and academic scholarships to compete in both football and track while Majoring in Pre-Med. Galen had a decorated athletic career for the Stars. In football he was a three-time all-state football player who was a force on both sides of the ball while helping the Stars win four straight state championships. In hockey, he was named all-conference three times while racking up 145 career points. And he was also one of the top shot putters and discus throwers in the state. Galen graduated with a 4.04 GPA. His father, and Stars head football coach had this to say: “Galen started out as my ballboy as soon as he could get the ball back to the official. Being a coaches kid isn’t easy but he never complained. He just showed up and worked his tail off. It’s heartbreaking he won’t be on the sideline with me on game days after so many years but he has bigger and better things ahead. It’s been an honor watching him grow up.” Helgeson starred in athletics and academics, to play football at D1 Valpo Service High School’s Henry Helgeson was a star on the football field and a star in the classroom. He graduates Summa Cum Laude with the 4.12 GPA and plans to play football for D1 Valparaiso this fall while studying Biochem. Playing wide receiver in Alaska’s largest and most competitive classification, Henry separated himself as the state’s premier offensive player. He was named the state’s Offensive Player of the Year, first team All State, and Conference Offensive Player of the Year. His coach Kahlil Bolling had this to say: “More important than his personal recognitions and awards is Henry’s leadership on the team. Any tasks that have been placed in front of him have been accomplished and achieved with an unwavering sense of diligence and duty to others.” A member of the Biomedical Career Academy at Service and a Capstone graduate, Henry also excelled as a key member of the Cougar varsity basketball and baseball team. West High’s Eski to ski for Univ. of Colorado West Anchorage High School’s Ivy Eski has committed to the nordic ski team for the University of Colorado Boulder this fall and plans to study pre-med/physical therapy. The Buffalos are a Division I powerhouse in NCAA skiing. Ivy skied and ran varsity cross country all four years of high school. As a senior, she was team captain and MVP of her high school ski and cross country running teams and part of the Eagles’ dynasty of girls state ski championships from 2017, 2018 and 2019. She was 4th overall for State Skimeister in 2020 and 3rd in 2019. She was top-10 in Junior Nationals in 2020 and 2019 individually, and part of U.S. national championship relay team in 2019 (the 2020 relay race in Truckee was canceled due to Covid-19). Since 7th grade she has trained and raced for Alaska Pacific University nordic ski program. Sitka standout Demmert to run for Fort Lewis  Asa Demmert excelled in both cross country running and track and field at Sitka High school. His biggest highlights include finishing 7th at State in cross country and helping the Wolves to a 2nd place finish at state in the 4×800 as a junior. He signed with Fort Lewis College in Colorado to compete in track and cross country where he plans to study exercise physiology. Rick Krupa, the Sitka High School Athletic Director had this to say: “Asa is an outstanding leader, extremely hard worker and just a great all-around person. He has a very bright future ahead of him!” Colony standout receiver Sasser to study at Nevada Reno Hunter Sasser was a multi-sports athlete at Colony High School. He played basketball and wrestled but especially excelled in football, where he was named All Conference and All State as a receiver for the Knights as a senior. Hunter plans to attend the University of Nevada Reno this fall. Thunder Mountain’s Echiverri off to Spokane CC A standout guard for Thunder Mountain High School in Juneau, Bryson Echiverri lead his team to the Southeast 4A conference title with a 17-7 record. Bryson was skilled and experienced playmaker/captain for Falcons who was guided and mentored by his coach and uncle, John Blasco. Showing leadership on the court and in his school, Bryson will be doing the same while playing for Spokane Community College in Washington next fall. Thunder Mountain’s Carandang hits 1000 point mark for Falcons A four-year varsity player for Thunder Mountain High School, Brady Carandang broke 1,000 points for his high school career. As co-captain he helped lead the Falcons to the Southeast Region 4A Conference title with a 17-7 record. Their season was cut short by the COVID-19 virus. Hoops star Reimers taking skills, leadership to UAF Destiny Reimers started at point guard in her first game as a freshman with the Anchorage Christian School basketball game and never missed a game the rest of the way. During her four year career, the Lions were 118-5 with three State Championships. The Lions were strong contenders to win a fourth her senior year before the season was canceled due to COVID 19 Title. She finished with 1,775 points, 652 rebounds, 608 Assists and 363 steals and was named Alaska’s 2020 Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year. If you get to know Destiny at all, she will tell you she enjoys the assists more than the points. What also is spectacular about Destiny is her ability to lead others. She was the team Captain all four year, which for a young underclassman was a tough task early on but became natural over time. Beyond the court, she enjoys returning to her roots with the Alaska Native people of Iliamna where her Grandfather Elia Anelon was chief of the Village. She will bring her leadership and basketball skills to University of Alaska Fairbanks this fall where she earned a basketball scholarship. She plans to pursue a degree in Rural Development. Lathrop’s Hall to join the Air Force Lathrop High School baseball standout Kolten Hall played catcher and first base for the Malemutes. He also played for the Fairbanks-based Alaska Wild team in American Legion. Kolten had a reputation for being dedicated and dependable, two traits that will serve him well on his next chapter as he plans to join the United States Air Force. Colony standout Kenley to study at BYU Abby Kenley was a three-year varsity player for the Colony High School basketball team. As a senior she was named All State, first team All Conference, and won the conference Good Sport Award. She was also a member of the Knight’s varsity track team all four years, where she made it to State each year in the 100 meter sprint. Abby was a member of the National Honor Society and Rotary Club for much of her high school career and was involved in student government as a senior. She’ll be attending Brigham Young University in Provo this fall. Bohlman a wrestling stalwart for ACS Anchorage Christian School’s Matt Bohlman had a distinguished wrestling career. He graduates having placed at the State meet all four years of high school. A talented athlete, Matt was also a member of the Lions 2020 Conference Champion basketball team. Matt will be attending Grand Canyon University where he plans to Major in Business Management. Volleyball standout Johnson off to Colorado Mesa Hahni Johnson has been awarded a scholarshipped opportunity to play beach volleyball at Colorado Mesa University, an NCAA Division 2 institution in Grand Junction, Colorado. She will be rostered on the indoor volleyball team, as well. Hahni was a member of Dimond High volleyball program for the past four years, where her teams finished in the top state tournaments every year, claiming the state title three times. She is Dimond High’s all time assist leader. An all-conference first team and all-state team selection for the past three years, Johnson was named Alaska’s Gatorade Player of the Year in volleyball the past two seasons. Additionally, she has earned nationwide AVCA All-regional honors. Johnson’s prowess on the local beach doubles volleyball scene expanded to the national stage last summer in Hermosa Beach, CA when she and her partner claimed a bronze bracket championship and runner up status in two of the most competitive youth tournaments in the US. An honors student and accomplished violinist, Johnson also enjoys singing, playing piano and ukelele. Most recently, she has discovered spikeball and is hopeful to participate in competitions outside Alaska. Grace Christian’s Kopp to play soccer for The Masters Paul Kopp is a multi-sport athlete that has varsity lettered all 4 years in cross country running and basketball and was set to letter in soccer his 4th year as well. He was a senior captain for cross country running and basketball and a junior captain for soccer last year. He was part of the state basketball championship team his freshman year and the cross country running championship team his junior and senior seasons. He was named the Northern Lights Conference MVP for soccer his junior year and was a two-time state soccer team selection. Paul has committed and signed with The Masters University in Southern California on an athletic scholarship where he will continue his soccer career. He plans to major in kinesiology. King Cove hoops star Mack to play for UAA Elaina Mack was the brightest star in Alaska small-schools basketball the past two seasons. She was named the 2019-20 1A Player of the Year for King Cove High School, which she led to a state-best 55-game winning streak prior to the COVID-19-shortened end of this season. As a senior, Elaina averaged 40.1 points per game – with four 50-plus efforts – and drained 127 three-pointers as the Rookies finished 25-0 and captured their fourth straight Aleutian Conference title. She averaged more than 30 points per game as a junior in 2018-19, leading King Cove to its first state title since 2004. She will play basketball for the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves this fall. Glennallen’s Bancroft to continue wrestling career at Itasca Aengus Bancroft graduates from Glennallen High School after an impressive wrestling career that included two State Championships (2018 and 2019) and a 31-1 record as a senior. Aengus has competed with Team Alaska the past three years in national tournaments, including a 5th place finish at the Washington Gutcheck Tournament. A 2020 Scholar All-American, Aengus will wrestle for Itasca Community College this fall where he plans to study criminal justice. When not wrestling, he enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and snowboarding. State champ Prosser to run for Northern Arizona Santiago Prosser had a stellar running career at Dimond High School which included winning the 2019 4A cross country individual championship in stunning fashion. In helping thee Lynx win the team title Santiago set a new state course record of 15:07, shattering the time of 15:24 which had stood for nearly 30 years. Other high school running highlights include setting a 3200m school record, and earning state championships runner up as a sophomore and junior. Santiago will compete on scholarship for cross country powerhouse Northern Arizona this fall. Valdez hoops star Freeman off to UAA  Valdez High School basketball player Jalen Freeman had a decorated hoops career with the Buccaneers. He earned many accolades during his high school career including 2020 first team All-State honors and 2020 Aurora Conference MVP. He was also a key player on the Valdez state runner-up team in 2019. But he may be most highly regarded for his leadership. The captain and point guard always first class on and off the court, and excelled in the classroom as well as on the court. Jalen will play basketball at University of Alaska Anchorage where he will redshirt his first season. Three-sport standout Pihl to become Infantry Airborne  Kristian Pihl was a three-sport athlete at Ketchikan High School (Basketball, Football, Baseball). Many may remember him on the varsity basketball team all four years as the “sharp shooter” with limitless range. Kristian was a starter on the King’s 2019 State championship team and on the 2019 State runner-up baseball team and was a utility player for the 6-2 football team that reached the state semi finals. Kristian was a captain on all teams his senior year. He reports for Army basic training on July 13 as an Infantry Airborne recruit. McDonal a dynamic leader on Soldotna softball team Ashley McDonald was a four-year softball player at Soldotna High School who lead her team through her play both offensively and defensively. Her softball IQ and understanding of the game allowed her to impact the game in many ways: leadoff hitter, stalwart shortstop, shut down catcher, and dynamic base runner. She was named Northern Lights Conference First Team in 2018 and was the 2019 Soldotna Softball Defensive Player of the Year. Stars head coach Kelli Knoebel had this to say: “Ashley held herself to high standards and pushed herself to get better each and every day so that she could help her team win. Ashley has a love for the game that pushed her to extend her range defensively, to fine tune her approach at the plate recognizing that as a leadoff hitter, getting on base was her goal.” Ashley will end her high school softball career with a .964 fielding percentage, a career batting average of .544, and a .724 on base percentage.” Matthews has a Whale of a time on the hardwood Brendon Matthews is an All State first-team guard representing the Barrow Whalers. Besides his academic success and involvement in his student body’s activities, Brendon was the captain and MVP of his high school basketball team. He helped lead the Whalers to a coveted 3A state championship as a sophomore and participated in the state championships every year at Barrow. The Whalers had qualified for a fourth year in a row but saw their season end prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brendon participated on the highly successful Alaska D1 Nation summer program and is looking at his options to continue his basketball career. Multi-sport star Soland to begin pre-med at Tennessee A 2020 graduate, Maris Soland was an exceptional three-sport athlete at South Anchorage High School, earning 10 varsity letters (would have been 11 if not for the COVID-19 cancellation of the 2020 track season). She was a captain on South’s first championship flag football team, earning all-conference honors in three different positions (safety, wide receiver, rusher) in her three years of varsity play. Maris was also a four-year varsity starter and two-time CIC all-conference basketball player, and was a member of South’s two-time defending CIC and State champion girls track and field team, representing South at the State meet her first three years of high school in high jump, triple jump and long jump. Maris will be attending the University of Tennessee on an academic scholarship in the pre-med program to pursue her dreams of becoming a pediatric surgeon. Dimond Lynx Hinds to ski for Montana State Bobcats Standout cross country skier and runner Peter Hinds will attend Montana State University this fall and ski for the Bobcats. He was an integral member of the 2019 boys cross country state championship team, finishing 13th at the state meet. In skiing Peter won the Skiathalon event and finished in 3rd place overall at state. He also placed second in the U18 skate sprint at the US nationals. Peter plans to pursue his passions in renewable energy systems and “definitely anything snow”. West Valley soccer star Simpson to play at CSM Vaughn Simpson is a central defender and captain for the West Valley High School Boys Soccer team. As a freshman, he was on the Runner-Up Wolfpack team that went 19-1, succumbing to South in a thrilling shootout in the Alaska State High School Championship in their first loss of the season. He played to the state semis his junior year (16-2-2). He was looking forward to his senior year with his young promising West Valley squad and coaches until it was cancelled due to COVID19. Vaughn was named first team All Conference in 2018 and 2019. He played competitively and defended the backlines for Rush Selects Blue, Rush Alaska 01 team, Eclipse Soccer Club, Arctic Winter Games and ODP. He is a 2020 Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year nominee. Vaughn is committed to play soccer at Colorado School of Mines and plans to study Electrical Engineering/Computer Science. He is graduating as Salutatorian in his 2020 class. In his free time he enjoys alpine and backcountry skiing, designing and flying drones, and volunteering at Greenstar Recycling. East High’s Smith to play softball for Adams State East Anchorage High School’s Khiana Smith had an outstanding softball career with the Thunderbirds. The pitcher and shortstop was named to the All State team in 2018 and 2019, and helped the Thunderbirds win a state championship both years. As a sophomore in 2018, she was a key player on a squad that went 33-0 and and outscored its opponents 330-47. One of her highlights was carrying her team to a state championship victory in 2019 by racking up 3 hits, 4 RBI, and two runs scored. Her senior season was canceled due to COVID-19. Khiana will be attending Adams State University on a softball scholarship and plans to study criminal justice. Christopherson like a player-coach for Service soccer Carter Christopherson is a captain and multi-year leader on the Service High School soccer team. As a freshman, he made 2nd team All-Region and was the Service Coaches’ Choice Defensive Player of the Year. He was sidelined to injury his junior year but still led the team and assisted coaches from the bench. “We had the pleasure of watching Carter mature, grow in leadership, become admired by peers, and set an example for all Service students to follow,” Coach Dan Rufner said. Carter is headed to the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs to study engineering this fall. Falcon’s Jansen key part of state champion teams Kaitlyn Jansen is a three-sport athlete that earned 12 varsity letters at Thunder Mountain High School. Kaitlyn lettered in softball as well as fall and winter cheerleading for the Falcons in each of her four years. Kaitlyn was an integral part of the 2017 and 2018 State Championship Falcon softball teams, contributing as a utility player in the infield and outfield as well as being a clutch bunter and speedy base runner. Kaitlyn was awarded the prestigious TMHS Staveland Award, reserved for exceptional performances by female athletes during their tenure at Thunder Mountain High School. Kaitlyn plans on attending Southern Oregon University in the fall and pursue a degree in psychology. Palmer’s Marshall a leader in sports and classroom Lavar Marshall was a multi-sport standout at Palmer High School. He was an All Conference basketball player and team captain. He was an All Conference in football and also excellent soccer player. In all sports he was regarded as a leader and he carried those traits over to the classroom. Moose football coach Tim Popowski says “Lavar was a great role model for our younger athletes and younger kids in community”. Lathrop football star Henry to play for Dartmouth Lathrop High School’s Jace Henry was a standout athlete and student for the the Malemutes in Fairbanks. In football Jace was a two-time first-team All State player – on offense, defense, AND special teams! He was named the Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year in football after accounting for 37 touchdowns as the team’s quarterback. In track and field, Jace was Region Champion and State runner-up in the Discuss. Jace plans to play football for D1 Dartmouth while pursuing a degree in chemical engineering. Heartwell-McKoy to play football at Dickinson State Jayden Heartwell-McKoy played football, basketball and ran track his whole high school career. He graduates as South Anchorage High School’s all-time reception and touchdown leader and will be attending Dickinson State University this summer on a full Academic and Football Scholarship. He had a decorated football career including being named 2019 Semper Fidelis Football Player of the year and 2019 Football Player of the Year finalist. From 2016-2019 he was named CIC first-team on offense and was an all-state defensive back as a senior and was a major contributor to the 2019 State Championship team. Jayden was recently named to the 2020 CIC all-conference basketball team before the season was cut short. Cordova’s Adams closes out decorated hoops career with Wolverines Christian Adams, a senior guard for the Cordova Wolverines basketball team was named the 2A Alaska player of the year, as he led his 18-4 team to a qualifying berth in the state championships this season. The team captain led his team in scoring this past season, and has been named MVP three years in a row of the prestigious Rally the Regions tournament held early every season in Anchorage. Christian is proud of his Native Alaskan and Pacific Islander roots and is active in Alaskan Native cultural events throughout the year besides helping his family in subsistence fishing when he can. After graduation he will be attending college at Snow College in Utah, and has hopes of making the team there. Sharpshooter Carle off to Santiago Canyon College Jaren Carle is a standout basketball player for Dimond High School’s 2020 senior class. Over the course of his four years, Jaren helped Dimond to a 74-14 record and was widely recognized as one of the state’s top shooters. A team captain as a senior, Carle was named to the 2020 Cook Inlet Conference (CIC) All-Conference Team. Next year, he will be attending Santiago Canyon College, one of the top junior college basketball teams in Southern California. Stoddard to play hoops for Olympic College Cadie Stoddard has competed in basketball for the last 12 years, she has played the last 3 of her high school career at Service where she has been the captain of the Service High Girls Basketball team both her junior and senior year. In Cadie’s junior year the girls competed in the 52nd Annual Joe Floyd Basketball tournament, the Service Cougars won the tournament and Cadie made the all-tournament team. That same year she also made all-tournament team while competing in the Cougar-Tip off, and went on to be named to the Cook Inlet Conference all-conference team. This year she was named to the all-tournament team after competing in the Rus Hitchcock Tip-Off Tournament, she also was crowned the girls 3-point champ for the tournament. Cadie was named to the Cook Inlet Conference all-conference team again her senior year. She signed on to play basketball at Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington where she will continue her education in business. Sitka’s Baciocco to run for D1 Santa Clara Between track and cross country Dominic Baciocco won 14 region titles, a state championship in the 4x800M relay, and was runner-up individually at the state cross country championships, and set course records at the Juneau, Petersburg, and Sitka cross country courses. He is the first ever cross country/track and field athlete from Sitka High School to become a Division 1 athlete. Next year he will be attending Santa Clara University and running on their cross country/track and field team. Outside of running and school, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. Dominic is a self-motivator with unbelievable drive and determination! He is model citizen of Sitka that represents the community, his school and his family. Juneau’s Goering to play for North Idaho Eva Goering was co-captain of the 2020 Juneau Douglas High School soccer team and played varsity soccer for the Crimson Bears since she was a freshman. Her team was State Runner-Up in 2017 and won consecutive state championships in 2018 and 2019. Eva was State All Tournament in 2019 awarded Player of the Game for the State Championship game in 2019, in which Juneau crowned a 19-1 season. Her senior season was canceled due to the COVID-19 virus. Eva’s other interests include downhill skiing, fishing, and being a Juneau youth court volunteer. Being able to compete in the Arctic winter games in Nuuk, Greenland in 2016 was an influencing factor in her interest in playing college soccer and Eva has committed to playing for the North Idaho Cardinals and is excited for what the future holds. Debenham sisters leave Dimond undefeated in tennis Dimond tennis standouts Layna and Kate Debenham won the girls doubles tennis State Championship three-straight years in their sophomore through senior years. The twin sisters remained undefeated for all three years they played tennis for the Lynx. They were also active in high school volleyball and soccer. They will both attend Brigham Young University in the fall and plan to play lots of intramural sports there. Ivanoff paces Grace Christian hoops, headed to Oklahoma Baptist  Nathan Ivanoff has been an ASAA scholar athlete and four-year varsity basketball player for the Grace Christian Grizzlies. He was named 1st team all-conference and 3rd team all-state this season for a 22-5 Grace Grizzlies team that was poised to make a strong run for the 3A state title before its season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nathan was a captain and consummate teammate, providing leadership on and off the court with a team-first mindset. As a freshman, he was part of Grace’s state championship team and hit a go-ahead 3-pointer against Barrow in the semifinals. Nathan will be attending Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, this fall. Talented Rygh off to Montana State Marty Rygh was a standout athlete at Dimond in four sports. He has earned a varsity letter for multiple years in Swim & Dive, Cross Country Running, Cross country Skiing and Track & Field. He was a member of the state winning cross country running team this year. He placed 5th at state for Diving, he went to state in cross country skiing and would have likely been a top finisher in the mile and two mile for track. He was riddled with injuries this year, yet was able to fight back with only a few weeks of practice in both sports. He then broke his collar bone in December, but recovered in time to compete at Regions and earn a spot on the state team. Marty was looking forward to Track and Field season as a senior injury free with goals to beat his brothers times. Marty is recognized by his coaches as being a hard worker, positive role model and never a complainer. Marty plans to attend Montana State University and enjoy many sports with recreational leagues. West soccer standout Burke to play at North Idaho Keegan Burke, a defender on the West Anchorage soccer team, has committed to North Idaho College, where he will play soccer for the NIC Cardinals and pursue his degree in Engineering. A member of the varsity squad since his freshman year, Burke lists being part of the 2019 state team that never gave up and played in the state championship game as a highlight of his high school career. He will be playing with the UPSL Arctic Rush team this summer before leaving for college. Hamilton and Rivera exemplary TMHS dance team leaders Thunder Mountain High School’s Rory Hamilton and Allison Rivera have both been exemplary dance team members and great role models for the team the past four years. The Team Captain, Rory held titles of Officer, 1st Lieutenant, and now Captain. She is an energetic dancer who shines bright on the basketball court! Rory was named the Dancer of Excellence by Dance Team Union staff during the summer of 2019!. She was also selected for the Region V All-Star Dance Team and earned the All-Academic award during the Region V Basketball Tournament during her senior year. Shebplans on attending UAS this upcoming fall and working toward her bachelors degree. Allison has held titles of officer, and manager. She is a fierce dancer who brings personality to the stage! Allison helps her team out before events and performances by doing eye makeup for the entire team. She has been assisting the coaches as a part time manager during her senior year. Allison also earned the All-Academic Award during the Region V Basketball Tournament. Allison plans on going to cosmetology school and fulfilling her dream as a makeup artist. Chugiak’s Nelson to run for BYU Chugiak High School’s Hyrum Nelson graduates as one of the top high school runners in Alaska. In cross country, he set a Mustang school record with a 15:19.00 5K time. He also helped set a new school record in the 4×800 in 2018, with a team time of 8:05.46 at the Brian Young Invitational and he was 2nd in state in the 1600m and third in state in the 3200m as a junior. Hyrum is an honor student, who besides running, enjoys skiing, cooking and rock climbing. He received an offer from Brigham Young University, where he will run until leaving temporarily for his mission. Hyrum says running on the NCAA Mens DI national championship team, is a dream come true. Gardiner runs to title for Dimond Dallin Gardiner of Dimond High School ran varsity all four years on the cross country team and placed fifth his senior year as the Lynx won their second straight state championship. On the track in 2019, Dallin placed 4th in the 3,200-meter run, 5th in the 1600 and was a member of the 4 x 800 state champion relay team. His senior season of track was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also on the Dimond’s cross country ski team. Dallin graduated with honors, is an Eagle Scout and enjoys skiing, basketball, and being outdoors. He will attend Brigham Young University. Bethel’s Beans Polk to wrestle for Gannon University Lindsey Beans-Polk had a decorated wrestling career at Bethel Regional High School. Lindsey’s achievements on the mat include being a three-time Great Alaska Conference Champion, 2018 conference Outstanding Female Wrestler, 2018 State Runner-Up, and taking third in state in 2019. She is also the 2016 Alaska Judo Champion. Lindsey became the first Warriors female wrestler to compete in college as ehe has signed a letter of intent to wrestle for Gannon University in Pennsylvania. Cannon latest in long line of Point Hope hoops standouts Jalen Cannon led the Point Hope Tikigaq High School basketball team to the 2019 2A state championship and was looking to repeat that accomplishment before the season was cut short due to COVID-19. The point guard distinguished himself with a stellar hoops career, making the All-State first team and winning numerous MVP awards over his four years with the Harpooners. The town of Point Hope has had a history of greatnesses in both boys and girls prep basketball over many years, and Jalen adds his name to the long list of fine athletes to come from this basketball hotspot! Wasilla’s Payne to play baseball for Arizona Christian Wasilla High School’s Waylon Payne was a key member of the 2019 Warrior squad that took home the school’s first-ever baseball State Championship. The catcher, infielder, and pitcher was a three-year varsity baseball player and also a two-year varsity football player. Waylon was named Captain of the 2020 team (the season was canceled due to COVID-19). He will be playing baseball for Arizona Christian University this fall and plans to study business. State Champion Cramer to wrestle for Eastern Oregon Vincent “Vinnie” Cramer was a four-year wrestler for Colony High School. He capped off an outstanding career with the Knights by winning the 2019 Conference and State Championship. In February he signed his letter of intent to wrestle for Eastern Oregon University this fall. Wolverines’ Riedman to play soccer at Lewis & Clark Kavya Riedman graduates with honors from South Anchorage High School, having achieved both academic and athletic distinction. As a four-year varsity soccer player for the Wolverines, Riedman was a uniting force in the midfield, playing a key role in the team’s successes as State Finalists in 2017 and 2019, and State Champions in 2018. In the State Final last year, she scored the lone goal for SAHS. Riedman also ran cross-country all four years, was a member of National Honor Society, served as Vice President of Key Club, and is a prospective 2020 Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year. She is heading to Lewis & Clark College as a double major in Biology and Public Policy while pursuing a pre-med trajectory. Riedman is the recipient of the four-year Dean’s scholarship and the Walker Grant for Academics. She is excited to be playing for their women’s soccer team this coming fall. Terrell Peter leads Wolfpack to best ever hoops season Basketball standout Terrell Peter helped lead West Valley High School to a best ever 24-1 record this season and a Mid Alaska Conference championship before the season ended prematurely due to COVID-19. Known as an off the charts energy and effort competitor, Terrell was named to the All State and All Conference teams and the point guard has accepted an offer to play for Puget Sound in Washington next fall. Eagle River standout to play baseball for Viterbo  Damien Frederick is a 2020 graduating senior from Eagle River High School and has played on the Wolves baseball team all four years of high school. He was given the Golden Glove Award from the American Legion his sophomore year and was Team Captain his freshman and sophomore year. He will be playing Baseball at Viterbo University in Wisconsin in the fall as an infielder and will be pursuing a BA degree in Sports Management. Brown leads Homer softball, headed to UAA Annalynn Brown was a starter on the Homer varsity softball team all through high school and her steadiness and focus made her a respected leader. She was the tournament MVP as a sophomore and was the runner-up MVP while leading Homer to its third straight regional title as the starting pitcher. Like so many others, this would have been a capstone year but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Annalynn plans to take courses at UAA to pursue her dream of being a professional pilot and hopes to play some college ball during her education. Cougars lineman Bracken to play football at Valley City Alex Bracken is a four-year varsity football player at Service High School. He was a two-year starter at the right guard position and integral part of the offensive line that anchored the Cougars 2019 State Championship. Alex will be playing football and studying at Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota this fall. He plans to study Sports Management. Ottum to wrestle for North Central College in Illinois A 2020 South Anchorage HS graduate Shelby Ottum was a captain of South’s first champion Flag Football team and two-time high school girls state wrestling champion. She tore her ACL during the flag football season and was not able to wrestle her senior season but she has committed to wrestle for North Central College in Naperville, IL. where she will also participate in the honors program, while working toward her degree in Elementary Education. Freestyle standout Tatakis to swim for SW Oregon Jesse Tatakis wrapped up a stellar swimming career at Dimond High School by earning State Runner-up in both 200 and 100 Freestyle. The Lynx swimmer qualified for State all four years and was Region IV Champion in the 100 Free his senior year, 200 Free his junior year. He was one of the team captains as a senior. Jesse plans to swim for Southwestern Oregon Community College this fall. Evans stars for Bethel in wrestling and basketball Nelson Evans of Bethel High School excelled in basketball and wrestling for the Warriors. His highlights include being the state and conference wrestling champion at 135 pounds in 2019 and making the Region 1 basketball all-tournament team in 2020. Ketchikan hoops trio moves on after great careers The trio of Madison Rose, Nadire Zhuta, Lianne Guevarra were co-captains of the Ketchikan High School girls basketball team. All three are two years starters and Madison is a three year starter. These young ladies played a pivotal role in keeping the Lady Kings consecutive region title streak alive throughout their freshman, sophomore, and junior years. The streak was broken this year. All three are wonderful young ladies who have received numerous all-conference and all-tournament accolades around the state throughout their hoops careers. Madison will attend Franklin and Marshall in Pennsylvania to study psychology/counseling, Therapy and observation. Nadire is attending Pacific Lutheran University majoring in either Nursing or Physical Therapy and minoring in psychology. Lianne plans on attending Florida State University at Jacksonville to study Dental Hygiene Wolves’ Bodine to play soccer for UT Dallas Hendrikje Bodine is a four year varsity starter for the Eagle River Wolves. She is known for being a lock down defender, anchoring the Wolves defense. She was named to the Railbelt All Conference team in 2019. Hendrikje has committed to play soccer at University of Texas Dallas, where she plans to pursue a degree in medical studies. As a senior Hendrikje was ERHS Student Body President. South High baseball standout Webster to play D1 for Utah South High School’s Gage Webster is off to pitch for the University of Utah after a decorated high school career on the diamond and in the classroom. The left handed pitcher won numerous awards over his four years on the Wolverines varsity squad including being invited to the 2020 Langley Blaze Scout team, the 2019 Arizona Fall Classic, and the 2019 Area Code Games. Gage was named to the 2018 Alaska High School All State team and was named three years running to the Alaska American Legion first team as both a pitcher and outfielder. Gage was talented high school athlete who also played varsity tennis and basketball for the Wolverines. Academically, Gage graduated Magna Cum Laude. He plans to study Business Administration at Utah. Szweda Mittlestadt to play at Blue Mountain An All-State and All-Region team member his junior year at Service High School, Sebby Szweda Mittlestadt was a likely 2020 Gatorade POY candidate this season. Service coach Dan Rufner says “Sebby is one of the hardest working players on the pitch and a great teammate.” Also a standout cross-country runner, he will be playing soccer next year at Blue Mountain College. Team USA member Hogenson off to Bemidji State Hannah Hogenson closed out 2020 and a stellar high school boys hockey career at South Anchorage high, making three appearances in state title games in her three seasons in net and winning the “Triple Crown” in the 2018/2019 season. Hannah is a two-time All-CIC Conference selection, as well as a two-time All-State Tournament selection. Hannah also competed on Tier 1 and Tier II boys hockey club teams in her middle and high school years, and credits the high level of coaching and competition as key to her development. In 2019, she was selected to the US U-18 Women’s National team, which traveled to Obihiro, Hokkaido Japan for the World Championships. She was also named to the USA Today 1st team All-American team for girls high school hockey. Hannah will be graduating Magna Cum Laude in May, and then attending Bemidji State University where she will be a pre-Physical Therapy major. At BSU, Hannah will compete at the NCAA division 1 level in the WCHA conference. North Pole’s Kazense a star at the plate and in the classroom North Pole High School senior Alex Kazense flashed leather as an outstanding infielder for the Patriots baseball team and lead the team in on base percentage the past two years. But as good as he was on the diamond, he was even better in the classroom. Alex was a member of the National Honor Society and received an academic scholarship from Washing ton State University. He was also named the 2019 Delegate of the Region for Alaska Association of Student Government. The 2020 North Pole Math Student of the year plans to study Pre Law at WSU. West soccer captain Galloway to study aerospace engineering at Oklahoma State West Anchorage High School graduate Hayden Galloway was a member of the varsity soccer squad since his freshman year, and co-captain two of those years. Hayden was named a two-time All Conference defender, and All State defender during his High School career. He was also the varsity football team kicker his senior year. Hayden will attend Oklahoma State University in the fall majoring in Aerospace Engineering. JDHS soccer standout Graham to play for North Idaho Juneau Douglas High School’s Makenna Graham graduates after a stellar soccer career. The team captain and star defender played varsity all four years and helped lead the Crimson Bears to two State Championships. Makenna will be attending North Idaho College to study behavioral analysis and criminal justice while playing collegiate soccer for the Cardinals. Nageak to play basketball at Adams State Angelline Nageak graduates from Dimond High School as a two-time state champion in both flag football and basketball. She bounced back from an ACL injury she suffered in flag football during as a junior to have a strong senior season. Angelline was a team captain for flag football and basketball and earned all-state team accolades in basketball while being named conference defensive player of the year. She will be attending Adams State University in Colorado to play Division 2 basketball while studying Kinesiology. Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2020! Alaska Sports Hall of Fame | 11901 Industry Way STE A9, Anchorage, AK 99515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!