By Van Williams
Classic Media Director
Sophie Lentfer buried a 3-pointer as time expired to lift the Grace Christian Grizzlies to a dramatic 53-52 win over the Tikigaq Harpoonerettes of Point Hope.
The 6-foot freshman forward is better known for her post presence, but she looked like a shooter as she drilled the biggest bucket of her high school career.
It was the only 3-pointer of the night for Lentfer, who scored 15 points, grabbed six rebounds and made eight trips to the free-throw line.
Lentfer scored five points at the end of the third quarter, including a beautiful up-and-under move with a left-hand finish. But she hadn’t scored in the fourth quarter before her big 3-pointer.
Grace’s Ella Boerger poured in 21 points, but her biggest play came on defense when she stole the ball and got to the free-throw line with 9 seconds left, drawing the Grizzlies within one possession.
You gotta feel for Point Hope, which had its heart ripped out for the second consecutive night. The Harpoonerettes come from a small village yet they went toe-to-toe with big-city schools South Anchorage and Grace Christian with heart and hustle.
Point Hope’s Jennifer Nash is the real deal, dropping in a game-high 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting. She also had six rebounds, six steals and three assists in a I’m-ready-for-the-big-time performance.
The hard-to-guard freshman is slippery around the rim and twice scored on sensational scoop shots.
With her team down 46-43, Point Hope coach Ramona Rock called a timeout and drew up a play that resulted in Nash’s 3-pointer that tied the game.
Nash had 14 points in the second half and threw a beautiful bounce pass to Kasey Oviok to give Point Hope a 52-47 lead inside the final minute.
Boerger and Kaliee Waythomas each canned three 3-pointers. Boeger’s final 3 came right before the buzzer to end the third quarter. Waythomas finished with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
The girls portion of the Classic wraps up Thursday with Point Hope taking on West Anchorage in the student game at 10 a.m. and Grace Christian playing South Anchorage at 2:30 p.m.
Grace Christian Grizzlies 16 12 15 10 – 53
Point Hope Harpoonerettes 10 20 13 9 – 52
Grace – Lash 4, Annett 0, Waythomas 13, Jackson 0, Boerger 21, Baker 0, Jones 0, Lentfer 15.
Point Hope – Ky.Oviok 2, Berger 2, Nash 23, Ka.Oviok 6, Nashookpuk 6, Lane 4, Teayoumeak 5, Melik 0.
Alaska Airlines Classic 