Varsity Boys Basketball Falls to Monroe Rams

Team focuses on defense and taking charges in losses, looks to bounce back at home

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The varsity boys basketball team traveled to Fairbanks to take on the Monroe Rams in a pair of games this past weekend. Despite working on defensive strategies like beating full-court pressure and taking charges, the team was unable to overcome the Rams, who pulled away in both contests. The team is now looking ahead to hosting Delta this weekend, where they will celebrate their two senior players.

Why it matters

The losses to Monroe are part of the team's regular season schedule as they prepare for the upcoming regional tournament. Improving defensive execution and taking care of the ball will be key focus areas for the team as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The details

In the two games against Monroe, the team had opportunities to make runs and get back into the games, but untimely turnovers and transition baskets by the Rams allowed them to maintain their lead. One positive for the team was their ability to take three charges, which was a goal they had set to help take away the middle on defense.

  • The team traveled to Fairbanks this past weekend to play the Monroe Rams.
  • The team will host Delta this coming weekend and celebrate their two senior players.

The players

Jace Branshaw

One of the team's two senior players.

Brody Liljedahl

The other senior player on the team.

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What they’re saying

“We spent time this past week working on beating full court pressure, defending cutters and taking away the middle.”

— Coach Cronk, Head Coach (kvakradio.com)

“After Friday's game we set a goal of taking 3 charges in an attempt to take away the middle with our help side defense, we did accomplish this which was a success for the team and something to look at executing as we move towards the end of the regular season and into regions.”

— Coach Cronk, Head Coach (kvakradio.com)

What’s next

The team will host Delta this coming weekend and celebrate their two senior players, Jace Branshaw and Brody Liljedahl.

The takeaway

The losses to Monroe highlight areas the team needs to improve on, such as limiting turnovers and executing their defensive game plan, as they prepare for the postseason. However, the team's ability to accomplish their goal of taking charges shows their willingness to work on specific aspects of their game.