Bucs Clinch Second Spot at Aurora Conference Basketball Championships

VHS boys varsity team secures state tournament berth with win over Galena Hawks

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The VHS boys varsity basketball team traveled to Galena to compete in the Aurora Conference Tournament. After defeating the Hutchison Hawks in the first round, the Bucs fell to the Delta Huskies in the championship game. However, the team bounced back the next day to defeat the host Galena Hawks and clinch the second spot in the conference, earning a berth to the state tournament.

Why it matters

The Aurora Conference Tournament is a high-stakes event that determines which teams advance to the state basketball tournament. For the VHS Bucs, securing the second spot was a hard-fought victory that showcases the team's resilience and talent, and keeps their season alive as they head to the state tournament.

The details

In the first round, the Bucs defeated the Hutchison Hawks 60-55 in a close game that saw three VHS players score 15 or more points. However, the Bucs were outmatched by the top-seeded Delta Huskies in the championship game. The following day, the Bucs faced the host Galena Hawks in a must-win game for the second state tournament berth. After falling behind early, the Bucs rallied in the second quarter to take the lead, and held on for the victory despite a late push by Galena.

  • The tournament began on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • The Bucs defeated the Hutchison Hawks in the first round on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • The Bucs lost to the Delta Huskies in the championship game on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • The Bucs defeated the Galena Hawks in the second-place game on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The Bucs will travel to Anchorage to compete in the state tournament, with their first-round game against Nome on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

VHS Boys Varsity Basketball Team

The high school basketball team from VHS that competed in the Aurora Conference Tournament.

Curtis Malcuit

A sophomore player on the VHS boys varsity basketball team who made a key steal and layup in the final minutes to seal the victory over the Galena Hawks.

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What they’re saying

“Big thank you and shout out to the Galena School and Community for such a good tournament. The hospitality they showed the entire time was outstanding.”

— VHS Basketball Coach (kvakradio.com)

What’s next

The Bucs will travel to Anchorage next week to compete in the state tournament, with their first-round game against Nome on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 12:30 pm in the AUX gym at UAA.

The takeaway

The VHS boys varsity basketball team's hard-fought victory over the Galena Hawks to clinch the second spot in the Aurora Conference Tournament demonstrates the team's resilience and talent, and keeps their season alive as they head to the state tournament to compete against the best teams in Alaska.