Barrow Whalers Beat Lathrop 60-44 as Burnell Shines

Barrow High School’s boys basketball team built momentum on Jan. 9 with a 60-44 win over the Lathrop Malemutes, improving the Whalers’ record to 5-2 while dropping Lathrop to 3-2. The game featured high-impact individual performances and team ball movement that translated into a decisive margin.

Senior guard Kylen Burnell led Barrow with 23 points and an exceptional nine steals, falling one steal short of a double-double and anchoring a defensive effort that limited Lathrop’s scoring runs. Teammate Aiga Unutoa recorded a true double-double with 12 points and 10 assists, directing Barrow’s offense and helping the team compile 20 assists overall — the program’s highest single-game total since January 2025. Zadah Unutoa added 10 points and seven rebounds, providing interior presence on both ends.

Those box-score details, compiled from team-entered stats and game logs, point to a balanced Barrow attack. The 20 assists indicate more efficient shot selection and off-ball movement; pairing that with Burnell’s turnovers-forcing defense produced a clear two-way advantage. For a borough that tracks school sports as community glue, the statistical profile matters because it signals sustainable strengths rather than a one-off scoring outburst.

Beyond on-court outcomes, the game underscores economic and development implications for the North Slope Borough. Streaming availability on the NFHS Network, the official partner of the Alaska School Activities Association and Barrow High School, extends the game’s reach to alumni, scouts, and family members off the North Slope, increasing visibility for student athletes. That exposure can influence recruiting attention and scholarship opportunities, which in turn affects household decisions about postsecondary pathways.

Locally, consistent winning and competitive home play help sustain attendance and ancillary revenue for concessions and facility upkeep, factors that feed into school activity budgets. Athletic success can also shape municipal priorities when officials evaluate funding for youth programs and gym maintenance, particularly as winter after-school options remain essential in Arctic communities.

Looking ahead, Barrow will aim to convert this momentum into further wins in upcoming matchups, while coaches and administrators will monitor minutes, injury risk, and roster development as the season progresses. For local residents, the result is more than a box score; it is a signal that Barrow’s program is producing measurable, tradeable value for players and the community.