Jan 06issue.pub (Read-Only)

Basketball in the bush is certainly a must!
Fourteen (14) teams just recently participated
in a jam-packed January Jamboree in
the Unalakleet Schools’ hand-me-down
gymnasium. This excitement happened on
January 5-7 with many of the games happening
as early as 8am and ending as late
as 2am.
Six (6) ladies’ teams vied for a top slot and
a team from our cousins as far north as
Shismaref came to show their style as a top
contender. Kotlik, Shaktoolik, Shishmaref,
Hagland/Nome, and two local
teams (Booba’s Ladies and East Wind
Cuts) gave a strong showing each evening
and each team certainly deserved a trophy
regardless if they did not receive one.
The East Wind Cuts’ sparky guard, Janice
Koutchak, led her team to a strong 3rd
place finishing. Dorothy Ivanoff from
Above, Laura Paniptchuk (Buneishuk) is honored
by the City of Unalakleet for Elder-of-the-
Year Award. This is a high award recognized by
the city and given to one who deserves much
praise for her work in the community. Qayanna
Buneise.
Below, Helen (Huda) Ivanoff receives the Citizenof-the-Year
Award from former mayor Tim
Towarak. If you look closely, Huda has many
hats; she serves on the City Council and NVU
Council and works with our children at the school.
Booba’s Ladies finished in 2nd place. The
relentless gals from northern Shishmaref
were more precise in their shooting and
took the 1st place trophy.
The men’s division, on the other hand, had
8 teams: West Coast Construction,
Harry’s Auto, Team Bone (so named after
the late Brian Katchatag), Shishmaref,
Haycock-Koyuk, Nulato, Shaktoolik, and
Hagland-Anchorage. Team Bone of
Unalakleet placed 3rd, Haycock-Koyuk
fought hard for a 2nd place and after an
overtime showing, Haglands-of-
Anchorage showed more stamina and
strength to win a 1st place finishing.
Probably the most impressive player for
the men’s division was Brandon Dewey.
His agile and youthful style kept his opponents
on a watchful defense and many
times his opponents changed men to
guarding his tireless offensive moves.
The City of Unalakleet definitely sees
the fruits of our hard working people and
makes sure that these elite and selected
members of our community are recognized
for their love for what they do. An
annual and between-games ceremony
brings the crowd to a standing ovation as
the names of specific awards are given.
As an out-of-towners says “What a wonderful
way to honor their own.”
At right, Larry & Maggie Ivanoff
are congratulated by City Council
member Huda Ivanoff and former
mayor Tim Towarak. Larry and
Maggie received the Parents-of-the-
Year Award.
Their persistence, faith, and perseverance
kept their family in a bond
ship most needed when they were
under stress and the spotlight of the
news broadcasters Statewide. We
admire and support you for what
you have shown through some trying
times.
CONGRADULATIONS!!!!
Haycock-Koyuk came with a impressive
speed and youth, and it was great to see
this team bring back Koyuk’s lively spirit.
Haycock, by the way, is a settlement buttressing
the outskirts of Koyuk and it was a
mining town many years ago. The crowd
definitely cheered for them, and it looks as
though the team members enjoyed playing
in Unalakleet.
Refs came from the City of Nome and as
usual, KNSA’s team aired most of the
play-by-play action.
Below, Haycock-Koyuk fans cheer for
their team as they vie for a championship
slot.
Principal Rick Luthi (r) and VP Ben Howard (l) were
recognized for their effortless work with our children
at our school. They were honored for Service Award.
Their sights are set to give our students a chance to
survive in a dynamic world.
Thanks a bunch Luthi and Howard.
Volume 3, Issue 1 The Unalik p. 7