Traveling for competition is a way of life for Ketchikan teams, whether it's just across the channel to and from Metlakatla or as far north as Fairbanks.

Metlakatla is a Tsimshian community located on Annette Island. Metlakatla is part of the Annette Island Reserve, the only reservation in the state of Alaska. Located 8 nautical miles from Ketchikan or a 45 minute ferry ride, Metlakatla has a close relationship to Ketchikan.

Like many small American towns, our community rallies behind their high school basketball teams. A highlight of Friday and Saturday nights in winter is often a crowded basketball game, as Ketchikan hosts teams from around Alaska. An away game for the Kings and Lady Kings means a plane trip north to Juneau or for junior high teams, an 18 hour ferry ride. While the school district pays $330,000 towards student travel each year, all extracurricular activities exist only with significant fundraising, often raising over $150,000 from community members and local businesses.