34 teams compete in Iditarod Basketball Classic
The 48th Lonnie O’Conner Iditarod Basketball Classic tournament returned to Nome last week with 34 teams playing non-stop games Monday through Saturday at the Rec Center.
This year the tournament was honoring LT Trigg Sr. who passed last November and other elders who were instrumental to the tournament and Iditarod. Howard Farley Sr. his wife Julie, Larry Davis and wife Mary Ann and LT and Janet Trigg were all honored on the iconic commemorating t-shirt.
The event examplified the community coming together to celebrate great athletes and a sport that’s loved across Alaska.
Championship games took place Saturday with a packed gym of lively viewers.
Winner of the Men’s over 35 division is Team Tiny Tim who beat the NSHC Ballers 84-77. The Ladies’ division winners are Kigluit, beating out R.Y.E. (Respect Your Elders) 5337.
Net Rippers beat NSHC ballers 71-46 for the Men’s division first place.
In the Womens’ Open division R.Y.E. won after an intense game against Team Mimi, pulling ahead in the end to win 67-55.
The Men’s Open champions are Eskimo Brothers who at one point in the first quarter were down over 15 points to Shishmaref.
In the second half they had worn down the team and after multiple turnovers took the championship.
According to organizer Kim Gooden, Alaska Missions brought 89 volunteers and 13 staff to Nome. Alaska Missions sell concessions at LOIBC and cleaned up the gym each night, which they have been since 2010. Alaska Missions is in its 15th year helping at LOIBC. Brenda Crim of Alaska Missions presented a check of $10,000 to the Bering Sea Women’s Group.
Results: Division: Men’s Over 35
1.Team tiny Tim
2. NSHC Ballers
All Tourney Team: Team tiny Tim —Donald Weyanna; Team tiny Tim—Travis “Nep” Akeya; NSHC Ballers—Stan Amarok, NSHC Ballers—Dan Fishel, Net Rippers— Eric “Archie” Ervin and Tootsie’s— Jake Olanna.
Charlie Hungerford MVP: Team tiny Tim—Matt Turner
NSEDC/Sitnasuak/South
Paw
Services Sportsmanship Award Honoring Stanley Andersen & Louie Green Sr: Tootsie’s
Division: Ladies’ B
1.Kigluit
2. R.Y.E (Respect Your Elders) All Tourney Team: Kigluit— Jazzlyn Garnie; Kigluit—Kiara Okleasik; R.Y.E—Heather Gallahorn; R.Y.E—Taeler Brunette; NSHC— Danielle Sems; Beah’s—Alvina Amaktoolik; Janet’s—Brandolyn Ahyakak; Bering Air—Dolly Pete; Hondo’s—Nicole Castel and Brevig—Jamie Olanna
Charlie Hungerford MVP: Kigluit—Lindsay Weyanna
NSEDC/Sitnasuak/South Paw Services Sportsmanship Award Honoring Carolyn Schubert & Phyllis "Punky" Punguk: Hondo’s
Division: Men’s B
1.Net Rippers
2. NSHC Ballers
All Tourney Team: Net Rippers— Edgar Ningealook; Net Rippers— Arnie Phillips; NSHC Ballers—Fred Weyanna; NSHC Ballers—James Lavery; Toyotomi Heat—Dawson Evans; Dredge7Diggers—Cam Stiles; BEAH’S—Pete Katongan; Bering Air—Dan Fishel and Tootsie’s—Steven Oquilluk
Charlie Hungerford MVP: Net Rippers—Kenneth Stevenson
NSEDC/Sitnasuak/South Paw Services Sportsmanship Award Honoring LT Trigg, Sr.: BEAH’S
Division: Ladies’ Open
1.R.Y.E. (Respect Your Elders) 2. Team Mimi
All Tourney Team: R.Y.E.—Kendall Jensen; R.Y.E.—Ruth O’Neal; Team Mimi—Brooke Anungazuk; Team Mimi—Lisa Okbaok; Harold’s—Drew Carlos and Saints— Renae Matthias
Charlie Hungerford R.Y.E.—Valerie Fuller
NSEDC/Sitnasuak/South Paw Services Sportsmanship Award Honoring Jackie Ivanoff: Saints
Division: Men’s Open
MVP: 1.Eskimo Brothers
2. Shishmaref
All Tourney Team: Eskimo Brothers—Trey Adams; Eskimo Brothers—Tyler Adams; Shishmaref—Carter Kokeok; Shishmaref— Edward Kokeok; South Paw Services—Leon Toomer; Golovin— Dwight Amaktoolik; J’s 4 Days— Wink Winkelmann; Shaktoolik—Everson Paniptchuk and Team Mossuk—James Zaldivar
Charlie Hungerford MVP: Eskimo Brothers—Jade Greene
NSEDC/Sitnasuak/South Paw Services Sportsmanship Award Honoring Tiny Tim Nayokpuk: Shaktoolik