GHS Lady Panthers Take Second at State
By Lakota McRoberts
Photos by Carol Cozzen
For the Glennallen High School girls’ basketball team, the road to the state finals was paved with perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering dedication. Though they fell just short of the championship, finishing as the state runner-up, their journey stands as a testament to their hard work and the strength of their bond as a team.
The season began with uncertainty. With only six players at their first tournament, the team faced significant challenges in both practice and competition. Limited numbers made it difficult to simulate game scenarios or maintain the intensity needed to prepare for the high-stakes moments ahead. Yet, despite these hurdles, they pressed on, determined to improve day by day. Their perseverance led to an impressive season record of 15-3 and a post-season record of 4-1.
"It's always the goal to make it to state," Head Coach Jubilee Heinbaugh said. "You do everything you can every day to give yourself the best shot. I knew we had a pretty good chance, but it was all about how much better we got from day one to the end."
As the season progressed, the team gained momentum. When they arrived at the state tournament, they found themselves facing familiar opponents—teams they had battled and fallen to earlier in the season. Their first game at state was against Haines, a team that had bested them twice before. But this time, the Glennallen girls took control in the third quarter, demonstrating their growth and resilience. In the semifinals against Chevak, they pushed even harder in the second half, extending their lead and securing their spot in the championship game.
"Our players handled the pressure really well," Heinbaugh recalled. "They stepped up when it mattered most."
That ability to step up when needed was a hallmark of the team’s success. Throughout the season, players took turns leading the charge. When one struggled, another filled the role seamlessly. Their collective effort earned Alianna Stone and Cheyenne Fields spots on the all-tournament team, while Brejanay Stone-Jordan and Rene Rock-Albert were named all-conference players.
With only two practices between regionals and the state tournament, preparation was limited. The team relied heavily on game film analysis to fine-tune their strategies. They studied their opponents’ offenses and defenses, identifying ways to exploit mismatches and play to their strengths. In the end, their season-long commitment to growth proved more critical than any last-minute adjustments.
Yet, the final game against Seward proved to be the team’s greatest challenge. A strong defensive strategy by their opponents and struggles in scoring left Glennallen battling from behind. Their determination never wavered, though, as players continued to fight until the final buzzer.
"There were moments where kids stepped up and kept fighting, even when we were down," Heinbaugh said. "They never gave up."
Though the loss was tough, the season was nothing short of remarkable. For the seniors, this was the culmination of a high school career defined by excellence. They had achieved a feat that will stand the test of time—winning four consecutive regional championships, an accomplishment that will never be surpassed in school history.
"The goal was to be four-time region champions, and that’s a huge deal," Heinbaugh said. "Especially for the seniors, who won every year of their high school career. No one can break that record."
The experience has only fueled the fire for the underclassmen, who are eager to return next year and chase the ultimate prize—a state championship. Beyond the wins and titles, the players have learned invaluable lessons about hard work, perseverance, and the importance of the relationships they’ve built along the way.
"I hope they see that hard work pays off," Heinbaugh said. "And I hope they realize that the relationships they create with their teammates make a big difference in these moments."
The Glennallen community played a crucial role in the team’s journey. Their support, from attending games to sponsoring fundraisers, provided a foundation of encouragement that the players carried with them onto the court. Though they only had three home games this season, the love and enthusiasm from family, friends, and supporters never wavered.
Additionally, several players received individual conference awards in recognition of their outstanding performances:
● Chisana Korth - Free-throw Champion and All-Academic Team
● Cheyenne Fields - All-Academic Team and Interior Conference Most Valuable Player
● Alianna Stone - All-Conference
● Brejanay Stone-Jordan - All-Conference
● Rene Rock-Albert - All-Conference
As they reflect on this unforgettable season, the Glennallen girls’ basketball team stands proud—not just for what they accomplished on the court, but for the legacy they’ve built. Their story is one of triumph, not just in victories, but in the strength of their character, the bonds of their team, and the belief that with hard work and heart, anything is possible.