Unalaska's high school basketball season kicked off on Friday with a home game against Cook Inlet Academy. 

Junior Varsity Coach Steve Flannery said before the game that the players were excited to get out on the court and show off their skills for a home crowd.

“The kids are excited to have a big crowd there and show what 27 practices worth of work has brought them to.”

Flannery says he expects their hard work to pay off. 

“I think they’re poised to have a really good season.  They should definitely be competitive this weekend and going forward for the rest of the season.”

He says the varsity team will play 12 games this year, most of them out of town, starting with a tournament in Dimond next weekend where they’ll play against one of the toughest teams in the division, Monroe Catholic High School.

Eight players travel on the away games but Flannery say all 13 varsity players will be sitting on the bench Friday. 

There should be a big turnout for the game and Flannery says he has some pre-game jitters himself.

“This is the first year I’m coaching, so I’m almost excited as the kids to experience the atmosphere tonight.”

The girl’s varsity game starts 7:30 pm in the high school gym and the boy’s game will follow at 9 pm