Basketball Recap: Minto Comes Up Short in High-Profile Contest with Cook Inlet Academy

On Saturday, Minto faced Cook Inlet Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams. The Minto Lakers lost 80-59 to the Cook Inlet Academy Eagles. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Lakers have suffered since January 12, 2024.

Despite the loss, Minto had strong showings from Nicholas Roberts, who posted 28 points, and Warren Charlie, who put up 24 points. Charlie is trending in the right direction considering he's improved his point production for three straight games.

Cook Inlet Academy's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ian McGarry, who had 16 points. The match was McGarry's fifth in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Matthew Phillips, who scored 12 points.

This is the second loss in a row for Minto and nudges their season record down to 8-4. As for Cook Inlet Academy, their record now sits at 8-3.

Minto will host Nunamiut at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Cook Inlet Academy, they will take on Soldotna in a tournament on Thursday. Cook Inlet Academy is facing Soldotna at the right time seeing as Soldotna is stuck on a five-game losing streak.