Colony, Grace Christian Advance in ASAA Tournament

0:00What's up Anchorage? This is Anchorage News Today, bringing you the city's fastest updates on what is happening now. The 2026 ASAA4A State Basketball Tournament kicked off Wednesday at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage with exciting. First round action in both girls and boys' divisions. In girls' play, Ford Ceded Colony rally past 5th-seeded West Anchorage, 59-47. Top-seeded Mount City Christian dominated 8th-seeded North Pole, 79-42, while 6th-seeded service pulled off an upset over. Third-seeded Wacilla, 63-50. On the boys side, 2nd-seeded Grace Christian cruised to an 80-52 win against 7th-seeded Wacilla. Colony trailed heading into the 4th quarter, but hit key outside shots to seal the victory, getting a huge game from freshman Taylor Passard with. 25 points to earn player of the game honors. Coach Thomas Berg called it a total team effort, especially praising his freshman for stepping up. Grace Christian jumped out hot in their boys' match-up, led by senior Ashton Clarkson, who scored 19 points including 10 in the first quarter, alone.

1:08They pulled away in the second half despite a brief four-years run, showing balance with strong inside play and drives. Coach's agree this year's field is wide open with no easy paths, and early tests like these could pay off later. Colony improved a lot since losing to West in the regular season, and Grace Christian feels ready after handling a familiar foe. Semifinals continue Friday with Colony facing Mountain City Christian at 3.15pm, and service taking on the winner of Bartlett and Juno at 4.45pm in the main gym for girls. Boys semi-spit Grace Christian against the winner of Lathrop and Diamond at 7.45pm. Support for this D&N episode comes from our sponsor, Headphones in a Pillow, Simple Idea, Surprisingly Addictive, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.