Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

At least that’s the case with the West High boys basketball team.

New head coach Brad Lauwers has the defending Class 4A state champion Eagles atop the inaugural Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches Poll, released today.

Led by player-of-the-year candidate Devon Bookert, West has won all five games this season with a 21-point average margin of victory. Bookert scored 31 points last time out.

Behind West in the 4A boys rankings is undefeated Bartlett, which has carved out a 9-0 record behind player-of-the-year candidate Damon Sherman-Newsome. The 6-foot-4 guard is nearly averaging a double-double at 23 points and 9 rebounds.

In the 4A girls poll, the reigning state runner-up Wasilla Warriors lead the pack over usual suspects Juneau-Douglas and Dimond. Since 2004, Wasilla, Juneau and Dimond have combined for five state titles.

The Monroe Catholic boys top the 3A boys rankings. The Frank Ostanik-coached squad has won seven of eight games behind a stingy defense allowing just 35 points per game.

The Nome Nanooks are next at 7-1 on the heels of winning the Subway Showdown last week.

Switching gears to 3A girls, the undefeated Barrow Whalers are making waves under first-year coach Jordyn Danner. Barrow has won nine straight games and three consecutive tournaments.

Defending Southeast champion Sitka is No. 2.

Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches Poll
Class 4A Boys
1. West
2. Bartlett
3. Service
4. Wasilla
5. Dimond
Also receiving votes (North Pole, Juneau)
Class 4A Girls
1. Wasilla
2. Juneau
3. Dimond
4. Colony
5. North Pole
Also receiving votes (Bartlett)
Class 3A Boys
1. Monroe
2. Nome
3. Seward
4. Mt. Edgecumbe
5. Cordova
Also receiving votes (ACS)
Class 3A Girls
1. Barrow
2. Sitka
3. Galena
4. Bethel
5. Kotzebue