Homer Mariner basketball season kicks off

The public had an opportunity to “Meet the Mariners” last week, with introductions of both the boys and girls basketball teams, drill demonstrations, a $5 soup-and-bread dinner and a silent and call-out dessert auction benefiting the boys team. According to Head Coach Mark Casseri of the boys team, more than $2,500 was made in the one-night event.

The Mariner girls were on the court Monday afternoon, facing the Ninilchik Wolverine girls team. Not an official game, the scrimmage ended with an unofficial score of 46 Mariners, 19 Wolverines.

“We were pleased with the girls’ teamwork, defense, and hustle,” said Head Coach Connie Akers. “They had some good passing, but we have lots of room for improvement in that department. We also need to rebound more consistently as a team with every girl in the key boxing out her man. Our freethrow shooting looked good, and 80 percent of the team scored one or more field goals.”

The two teams travel to Ketchikan for the “Clark Cochran Christmas Classic,” a 16-team tournament, Dec. 27-29.