The ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A boys state championship featured an exciting clash between the Mt. Edgecumbe Braves, making their championship debut, and the Nome-Beltz Nanooks, seasoned finalists aiming for their second title in three years. The intense matchup at the Alaska Airlines Center showcased standout performances from Kaison Herrmann of the Braves and Finn Gregg of the Nanooks, who together scored 48 points, accounting for over a third of the game’s total points.
Despite extensive preparation for Herrmann’s play, he delivered a memorable performance. However, the game’s defining moment mirrored a scenario reminiscent of the 2014 NBA Finals, unfolding in the dramatic final minute. With the Nanooks behind at 61-60 and only 17 seconds remaining, a tense sequence unfolded. Gregg’s initial short-range shot missed, but the ball was quickly recovered and passed to Orson Hoogendorn in the corner. Hoogendorn, feeling confident from the game’s start, executed a critical sidestep and three-pointer with just 4 seconds on the clock, propelling Nome to a thrilling 63-61 victory over Mt. Edgecumbe.
This win was highlighted by Hoogendorn’s decisive shot, which wasn’t his first clutch performance for Nome, earning him high praise from his teammate Gregg. The Braves’ final attempt to score from a timeout fell short, cementing the Nanooks’ victory in a game filled with excitement and a testament to the players’ dreams and aspirations.