Unalaska, AK – Both the Raiders girls' and boys' basketball teams played in a tournament in Bethel over the weekend. Both teams lost all three of their games but not without showing their strengths and potential.

The first match-up took place on Thursday. Both teams played against Bethel. The boys lost 58 to 43 and the girls went down 64 to 22. But Unalaska was just warming up.

When the boys took on Nome on Friday afternoon, they faced a formidable challenge. "Nome Nanooks clearly in control of this whole game. They started off strong, Unalaska, but Nome was just a little too much with their offense," concluded the game announcer.

They lost 82 to 53, but the Raiders learned valuable skills for their next game on Saturday. By that time, the boys were playing well together. They played hard against Seward and finished the first half of the game in the lead.

"We had a good lead going into half time," senior Cameron Lynch said. "And having our first lead at half time of the year, this being only our third game, we were feeling pretty good. We came out, they pressed us a little bit, had a few turnovers. They ended up getting an 8-point lead going into the fourth, but we knew if we got the lead in the beginning, we could get it again. We battled back, tied it up with a few seconds left."

But in overtime, Seward pushed with all of their might, scored a three-pointer and came out on top winning 68 to 65. But the game announcers think the Unalaska Raiders have incredible potential.

"I'm thoroughly impressed with that Unalaska team, how far they've come just in this tournament. I really think that they are going to be a tough team come the end of the year," one said.

"Yup, come regions you always look for the team you don't want to play in the playoffs and that's going to be the team right there. Just keep their heads held high like they have. Class act team, class act school," the other announcer surmised.

The Lady Raiders didn't fare as well in either of their last two games. On Friday, Unalaska pushed hard and closed the scoring gap with their opponents, but the strong Nome Lady Nanooks came out on top 44 to 27.

Nevertheless, Unalaska's girls took a fighting spirit to the Saturday game against Seward, but the announcers said it was a tough team to compete with.

"Big story of the game, Seward's defense and rebounding are just a little too much for Unalaska to handle."

They lost by 40 points, 59 to 19, but they kept their good spirits alive.

"Two great sportsmanship schools. I mean they get along really well even after this game the ladies are giving each other their fives and they're smiling and laughing with each other. I'm glad they get along and there's no ill feelings after that one."

The Raiders will travel again this weekend to play a tournament in Barrow. You can catch the games live on KUCB 89.7 FM.

Basketball Scores

Boys vs. Bethel - 43 - 58
Boys vs. Nome - 53 - 82
Boys vs. Seward - 65 - 68

Girls vs. Bethel - 22 - 64
Girls vs. Nome - 27 - 44
Girls vs. Seward - 19 - 59

Upcoming games on KUCB 89.7 FM, live from Barrow:
Thursday, Feb. 4
Girls vs. Nome - 3:30 pm
Boys vs. Nome - 5 pm

Friday, Feb. 5
Girls vs. Barrow - 6:30 pm
Boys vs. Barrow - 8 pm

Saturday, Feb. 6
Girls vs. Skyview - 3:30 pm
Boys vs. Skyview - 5 pm