Ninilchik Boys Basketball Wins 2A State Championship Over Haines

The Wolverines bounced back from missing the tournament last year to claim the title, led by brothers Kade and Andon McCorison.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:03pm

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The Ninilchik Wolverines boys basketball team won the Alaska State 2A Championship, defeating Haines 53-38 in the title game. After missing the tournament last year, the Wolverines, led by senior Kade McCorison and his freshman brother Andon, returned to the top of the 2A division. Kade McCorison, who was part of a back-to-back championship team as a freshman, capped his prep career with another state title, while Andon emerged as a lights-out shooter to complement his brother.

Why it matters

Ninilchik is a small school with just 30 high school students, making their state championship victory all the more impressive. The McCorison brothers' on-court chemistry and the team's determination to bounce back from missing the tournament last year also make this a feel-good story for the tight-knit Ninilchik community.

The details

The Wolverines jumped out to a 10-3 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, extending their advantage in each subsequent period to cruise to the 53-38 victory. Kade McCorison led the team with 18 points, while Andon McCorison added 15, including three 3-pointers. The Wolverines' faithful filled the stands, making their presence felt throughout the game.

  • The Alaska State 2A Boys Basketball Tournament championship game was played on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Kade McCorison was part of a back-to-back championship-winning team as a talented upstart freshman four years ago.
  • The Wolverines missed the state tournament his sophomore year and last year, due in part to Kade's back injury during regions.

The players

Kade McCorison

A senior at Ninilchik High School who was part of a back-to-back championship-winning team as a freshman and capped his prep career with another state title.

Andon McCorison

Kade's younger brother, a talented freshman who emerged as a lights-out shooter for the Wolverines, complementing his brother's game.

Nick Finley

The head coach of the Ninilchik Wolverines, who guided the team back to the state championship after missing the tournament last year.

Haines Glacier Bears

The opponent that Ninilchik defeated 53-38 in the Alaska State 2A Boys Basketball Tournament championship game.

Seward, Su Valley, and Lumen Christi

Regional foes that Ninilchik had to best on their way to returning to the state tournament, with only Su Valley joining them.

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What they’re saying

“It feels incredible and is honestly like I drew it up. It's like my perfect storybook.”

— Kade McCorison

“For us coming out of that conference, we knew we had a shot to win it all. It was just a matter of putting the games together.”

— Nick Finley, Ninilchik Head Coach

“It's just fantastic. Our school is dwindling down to 30 kids in our high school, and for us to bring this back home to Ninilchik is just such a blessing and it means a lot. Almost our whole village is out here and it's really cool to see that.”

— Nick Finley, Ninilchik Head Coach

“He's a talented basketball player. We definitely had our fights, but I push him really hard and it's brotherly love. It's hard for him to get pushed that hard, but I love having him on the team. He's a huge help and obviously, he's fearless. ... I love his confidence.”

— Kade McCorison

“He plays like a grown man. He's 6-foot-3, can handle (the ball), can shoot it from beyond the college line, and it's just a blessing to have those guys.”

— Nick Finley, Ninilchik Head Coach

What’s next

The Ninilchik Wolverines will look to defend their 2A state championship next season, with the core of their team, including the McCorison brothers, returning.

The takeaway

Ninilchik's state championship victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of the small school's basketball program. The McCorison brothers' on-court chemistry and the team's refusal to let last year's shortcoming define them make this a heartwarming story of triumph for the tight-knit Ninilchik community.