Keaton, Brad, and Isaiah are joined by Wasilla Girls Head Coach Jeannie Hebert-Truax in this week's episode! She talks her philosophy on balancing rest vs. preparation, pride in player development and program culture, and a hilarious team prank that proves even coaches aren’t safe during tournament prep!

We dive into the end of an era at UAA men’s basketball, as longtime head coach Rusty Osborne retires after 35 years, with a new hire expected soon. What does this transition mean for the future of the Seawolves?

On the ice, the Anchorage Wolverines are in a tight playoff race, sitting tied for third with just six games remaining—every point matters down the stretch. Fairbanks Ice Dogs are second, only a few points separate the final three playoff teams in the race!

🏆 1A/2A State Champions Crowned

Alaska high school basketball delivered once again with incredible finishes:

- Fort Yukon girls go back-to-back with a clutch 52-49 win

- Shaktoolik boys take the 1A title—highlighted by a statement dunk

- Seward girls continue their dominance

- Ninilchik boys add another championship to their history

The guys highlight the grit, the travel, and the heart that make Alaska state tournaments unlike anything else.

🎯 Brackets, Breakdowns & Bold Takes

Looking ahead to the 3A and 4A state tournaments, there’s one word: parity!

- West Valley emerges as a strong contender in 4A boys

- Barrow girls look like the team to beat

- Northern Lights Conference 4A girls teams—always dangerous come March

- And in 4A boys? Anyone can win on any given day

Watch this episode on AST YouTube: https://youtu.be/FWDf5pEqT4s

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The brackets are officially out, and the excitement around Alaska high school basketball is heating up! Isaiah, Keaton, Brad, and special guest, friend of the show, Nick Sorrell from Radio Kenai and "The Replay" break down the newly released 2026 ASAA March Madness Alaska Basketball State Tournament brackets, diving into the biggest storylines, top contenders, and potential Cinderella runs across all four classifications.

🏀 1A & 2A Brackets Breakdown

The show kicks off with a deep dive into the 1A and 2A girls and boys brackets, where the hosts highlight teams to watch and potential upset opportunities. Brad brings his firsthand perspective from coaching in 1A basketball, explaining the unique style and intensity that makes the classification so unpredictable.

One of the biggest storylines comes from Seward girls basketball, who enter the tournament with an incredible 54-game winning streak and sights set on extending it even further. Nick predicts the Seahawks could dominate the 2A girls tournament, while the group also reflects on the challenges smaller-school athletes face when it comes to statewide recognition.

The conversation also highlights Ava Jigilski’s remarkable quadruple-doubles and the standout play of Danil Chick, whose talent has the group discussing potential college opportunities and how better exposure and public relations could help 2A athletes gain more attention.

🏀 3A Tournament Storylines

The discussion then shifts to the 3A brackets, where the competition looks especially deep.

On the girls side, the Barrow Whalers enter as the top seed after an impressive season, including a statement win over Monroe. Meanwhile, the Kenai Cardinals are gaining attention thanks to a talented young core that could make noise in the tournament.

The 3A boys bracket might be the most unpredictable of them all. With teams like Mt. Edgecumbe, Valdez, Barrow, and Kenai all capable of making a run, the group agrees that nearly any team in the field could have been the top seed. Players like Alex Frewen of Barrow are highlighted as impact performers to watch when the tournament tips off March 18.

🏀 4A Tournament Preview

The hosts also preview the 4A state tournaments, spotlighting several standout athletes and programs expected to make headlines in Anchorage. Among those mentioned are Kennedy Gaines of Bartlett and standout players from Grace Christian, including Bristol Tobin and the Clarkson brothers.

🎙️ More Alaska Hoops News

The show also touches on UAA men’s basketball earning a spot in the West Region Tournament, adding even more excitement to the Alaska basketball scene this March. They play this week!

Watch this episode on AST YouTube: https://youtu.be/iY_gSks3oII

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Sunday, March 8: the AST March Madness Alaska Bracket Show will review all the ASAA Basketball State Tournament brackets, review seeding, RPI berths, and much more!

Monday, March 9: AST will release a show featuring coaches, and other local experts to talk all things March Madness Alaska!

Watch this announcement on AST YouTube: https://youtu.be/aruYlhf3hbs

Please Like & Subscribe to the Alaska Sports Talk podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, and more!

Like & Subscribe to our YouTube page (@AlaskaSportsTalk) for video clips of the show! Also Like and Follow our Facebook and Instagram to see everything with Alaska Sports!