Monthly Archives: August 2021

Thor, Nix have fabulous first games in NBA Summer League

August 11, 2021

Anchorage’s JT Thor and Daishen Nix got their first taste of the NBA Summer League. With plenty to prove, both Alaskans stuffed the stat sheet with fabulous first games in Las Vegas. Thor – a second-round draft pick – came off the bench to play 12 minutes with the Charlotte Hornets and collected five points,… Read more »

Padres reap benefits of converting Homza to catcher 5 years ago

August 9, 2021

When the San Diego Padres drafted Anchorage’s Jonny Homza in 2017, they picked him as a shortstop before trying him out at catcher. He was a natural fit to catch with quick feet, a high baseball IQ and a cannon arm, but it was still a part-time gig. He was still being used as an… Read more »

Eagle River duo named Alaska Athlete of the Week co-winners

August 8, 2021

American Legion Baseball players Luke Barch and Orazio Ramos of Eagle River were named Alaska Athlete of the Week co-winners after leading the Wolves to their first ever Legion State Championship title. Barch pitched a 2-hit shutout and Ramos crushed a home run in Eagle River’s  1-0 win in the championship game over South Anchorage… Read more »

Friday Flashback: Thomas scored most goals for Alaskan at D1

August 6, 2021

Ambria Thomas of Fairbanks has the distinction of scoring more goals at the NCAA D1 level than any other college hockey player from Alaska. The fab forward racked up 89 career goals at the University of Minnesota from 1997 to 2001. She was the first and so far only Alaska woman to play hockey for… Read more »

Baker given the ball for Chattanooga in rare Double-AA start

August 5, 2021

The last time Dylan Baker of Juneau played at the Double-A level he was used as a reliever. Three years later he’s back at Double-A, but this time as a starter. Part of the reason why Baker has carved out a nine-year minor-league career is because of his ability to pitch in any situation. Starter,… Read more »

Randall returns to lead ski group that ignited Olympic dreams

August 4, 2021

Kikkan Randall’s ski career has come full circle. The flame that ignited her Olympic dreams started in the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage as a girl and five Olympics and a gold medal later she is coming back to the NSAA. The 38-year-old cross-country skiing legend will return to the organization that sparked her passion… Read more »

An 11-year-old bull rider from Soldotna wins, dances in Oregon

August 2, 2021

Ryder Hackett is an 11-year-old bull rider from Soldotna. He’s also quite the little dancer. Hackett stole the show at the 75th annual Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo in Oregon, where he posted a qualified ride on a junior mini bull to win his age group and then celebrated by busting a dance move. Moments… Read more »