Basketball Game Preview: Shishmaref Northern Lights vs. Newhalen Malamutes

Shishmaref hasn't had much luck against Newhalen recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The two teams will face off at 4:45 p.m. without much rest, having both just played. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Shishmaref comes in on four and Newhalen on ten.

Shishmaref is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. They managed a 43-39 win over Tri-Valley.

Meanwhile, Newhalen hadn't done well against Aniak recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. Newhalen took their match with ease, bagging a 72-28 victory over Aniak. The Malamutes have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won nine games by 26 points or more this season.

Newhalen's win bumped their record up to 18-6. As for Shishmaref, the victory got them back to even at 11-11.

Shishmaref couldn't quite get it done against Newhalen when the teams last played back in February of 2024 as they fell 54-42. Can Shishmaref avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.