‘March Madness Alaska’ Showcases High School Basketball Talent | Local & State News [Video]

Basketball fever has returned to Alaska with the Alaska School Activities Association’s (ASAA) two-week tournament, March Madness Alaska. Spanning four days each week the event brings together top teams from across the state, including remote areas like Fort Yukon and King Cove.

The tournament features exciting matchups in all four divisions, with divisions one and two playing the first week.

“We bring in 16 teams,” said Billy Strickland, ASAA Executive Director. “16 1A and then 1A girls. From all over the state of Alaska, from Prince of Wales Island to Shaktoolik.”

According to Strickland, while not quite NCAA March Madness, the competition is just as thrilling, even if the playstyle differs.

“We see upsets, we see some highly ranked teams get knocked out,” said Strickland. “You’re not going to see as many dunks, but you’re going to see some great plays over the course of watching the game.”

For many athletes, the tournament represents a significant career milestone. Some are experiencing it for the first time, while others are …