Alaska Sports Hall of Fame: Kodiak boys 2001 state championship upset of East

It’s a moment that Kodiak sports fans will never forget the 2001 state champion Kodiak boys’ basketball team.

“Everybody in Kodiak remembered where they were when that game happened,” said 2001 Kodiak Head Coach Amy Fogle (Formerly Rakers).

The Bears were undefeated all season, and came off a 3rd place finish a year before. On top of all that they had returning 6’11” all state big man Nick Billings.

Despite their resume Kodiak was considered an underdog heading in to the 2001 4A state boys basketball team against East Anchorage High School.

“I think everyone expected them to come in and win it again that year,” said Fogle

The Thunderbirds were looking for their third straight state championship, and had plenty of size verses Kodiak’s lone big man Billings.

The storyline was whether Kodiak can handle East’s size, athleticism, and talent.

“When you get to the state championship game you played 27 games all season, and I wanted to make sure we played our game,” said Fogle.

Kodiak looked over matched in the first half and trailed by 12 points early in the third quarter.

“If you’re going to get beat, get beat playing your game,” said Fogle about her message to the team at halftime.

The Bears would crawl back, knocked down big free throws, and survived a missed three pointer from East at the buzzer to win 55-52.

“I think back and say ‘wow anybody can beat anybody on any given day’”, said Fogle.

The 2019 induction ceremony will be held April 25th at the Anchorage Museum.

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