VHS Varsity Boys Basketball Wrap-Up [March 9, 10, & 11]
Courtesy of VHS Coaches
For the second time in a week, the Buccaneers found themselves traveling to Delta Junction –
this time to compete in the Aurora Conference Regional Tournament. The Bucs entered the
tournament undefeated in conference play and the #1 seed in the tournament, which rotates
between the Aurora Conference schools each year (Valdez is slated to host again in 2025).
This year the Aurora Conference Regional Tournament corresponds with Spring Break for
Valdez City Schools. A week in which, at the beginning of it, Valdez residents were able to sit
on their decks and almost literally watch the snow melt away. That was in stark contrast to the
very much winter-like conditions present upon arrival at the 64°-latitude of Delta Junction.
Thursday, March 9th: Valdez 77, Eielson 17
The Bucs arrived in time to watch the second half of the “play in” game featuring the Eielson
Ravens and Galena Hawks, from which the Bucs would play the winner (Eielson) in Thursday
evenings nightcap.
Valdez previously played host to Eielson during the first homestand of the season, January 6th
and 7th. During that weekend the Bucs outscored the Ravens 146-43. Going into the game,
the situation appeared rather bleak for the dumpster chickens from up north. Things got
immediately worse for them after tipoff.
The starting lineup for the Buccaneers featured all five Seniors for the first time since early
January, and they were efficient and dominant from the start as they composed an epic first
quarter unlike one witnessed previously by Valdez coaches. Collectively for the quarter, the
Bucs shot 15-of-18 from the field, recorded 12 deflections and 7 steals, drew an offensive foul,
were 100% efficient in both baseline (BLOB) and sideline (SLOB) out of bounds plays, and
posted an incredible 34 points.
Having dedicated space last week referencing the VPS statistic, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention
it again this week, as it’s highly likely there will not be another VPS as gaudy as the one
achieved during Friday’s opening stanza. The VPS (Value Point System) is based on a formula
that assesses player and team performance with a more well-rounded approach than other
common forms of evaluation. The VPS formula is Points + REB + 2 * (AST + CHG + STL +
BLK) / FT misses + 2 * (Misses + FOUL + TO). As mentioned previously, an average VPS is 1.
The Bucs’ VPS for Quarter #1? An unlikely-to-ever-be-repeated-or-matched 3.17!!! While
perfection may be a goal, it’s not realistically attainable – this may very well be the closest thing
to it.
After jumping out to the 34-8 lead after the first quarter, the remainder of the game seemed like
a mere formality. The starting five did not take the court to start the second quarter, yielding the
job to continue the dominant performance to the reserves. And, while the numbers were not as
gaudy, they were no less dominating. The Bucs posted another 19 points while holding the
Ravens to a mere 4 points, eclipsing the 40-point lead margin and activating the running clock
“mercy rule” with over 3 minutes remaining in the first half – a half in which the Bucs won 53-12.
With the running clock in the second half, the game went incredibly quick and each team had
fewer possessions. For instance, two free throws easily burn 30-45 seconds of game time.
Even still, the Bucs were able to continue their offensive prowess, posting 24 points in the
second half (10 in the 3rd, 14 in the 4th) while only yielding 5 points total (a 3 point conversion
and 2 free throws) to the Ravens.
All eleven Bucs played significant minutes and scored in the game. Dillon Fowler and Bryce
Tucker had the hot hand early on, each scoring 9 points in the first quarter. They would finish
the game with 10 and 11 points, respectively, and were the only two Buccaneers that scored in
double figures. In his first game back since early January, Allen Watson successfully drew an
offensive foul.
The win guaranteed a spot in the championship game on Friday, once again pitting the Bucs
against the hometown Delta Huskies in the Friday evening matchup.
Aurora Conference Regional Tournament
On paper the Buccaneers appear the vastly superior team to the Delta Huskies. However,
there’s a reason the game is actually played as opposed to awarded to those teams that appear
superior on paper. The Bucs were attempting to do a number of things that are difficult: secure
an undefeated season against Aurora Conference opponents, beat the same team 3 times in a
span of seven days, and defeat a team that has nothing to lose on its home court. It’s a
scenario in sports where there are multiple examples of the underdogs prevailing against the
favored team.
Leading up the the Friday championship game, the message from coaches was pretty simple –
the last time we played the Huskies we won by 42 points, they are going to be out for revenge,
and we need to match their intensity and play Buccaneer basketball as opposed to the frenetic
wheels-are-coming-off-any-minute style the Huskies are known for.
Once again the Bucs responded and came out in dominant fashion, building a quick 25-7 first
quarter lead that was powered by Bryce Tucker’s 10 points and a suffocating team defense that
recorded 7 deflections and 9 steals. While the Bucs remained in control of the game
throughout, the remaining three quarters were ultimately played relatively evenly (the Bucs
scored 48 points and the Huskies netted 44 points).
The Buccaneers had three players register double figures in scoring. Bryce Tucker paved the
way with 28 points, while Allen Watson and Payton Gage each chipped in 11. Hunter Mathews
successfully drew an offensive foul en route to the comfortable 73-51 victory and Aurora
Conference Regional Tournament championship.
Notes:
Hunter Mathews was recognized as the Valdez representative on the Good Sport team – a team
composed of an individual from each conference school that exhibits good sportsmanship.
Allen Watson, Dillon Fowler, and Bryce Tucker were named to the Aurora Conference All-
Conference team. The award is based on performance throughout the season against Aurora
Conference opponents and is not an “All Tournament” team.
Payton Gage was named the Aurora Conference MVP for the season.
Upcoming games:
The Buccaneers are the top-seeded Aurora Conference team entering the State Tournament,
which will take place in Anchorage March 22nd-25th. However, their official seeding, opponent,
and game time is undetermined at the time of this writing; it will be revealed in a poorly
produced and difficult-to-watch-at-times AASA Selection Show on Sunday evening.