Boozer comes back

The state champion Crimson Bears boys basketball team held a banquet on Tuesday night at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, bookending a Juneau-Douglas High School season in which they won their first state championship in 18 years.

Gov. Bill Walker, former NBA all-star and JDHS alumnus Carlos Boozer and Juneau lawmakers attended to pay tribute to the boys team and its accomplishmetns.

Boozer, who was part of JDHS’ last championship squad, contacted coach Robert Casperson himself, saying he wanted to be a part of the ceremonies. He made his first trip to Juneau in three years to congratulate the boys, saying, “I’ve done a lot of things in my basketball career, but I’ll always look back to my state championships here because it gave me an appetite for winning.”

“… I’m proud of you guys, and I wish I could have seen you play a little bit more,” he continued. “Take the lessons you’ve learned, and apply them to your life; you’ll never forget this moment.”

Gov. Walker almost presented the boys their championship trophy.

“I was supposed to present the trophy,” Walker joked with the team. “But I was standing on the court, and one of you guys reached over my head and grabbed it out of my hands. You weren’t gonna wait for the ceremonies.”

Reps. Cathy Muñoz and Sam Kito joined Sen. Dennis Egan to present a framed legislative citation honoring the Crimson Bears’ accomplishments.

“I am glad to be a part of legislation the governor can’t veto,” Egan said.

The varsity awards presented Tuesday included:

• MVP, Kaleb Tompkins.

• 2-point marksman, Erik Kelly

• 3-point marksman, Guy Bean

• Mr. Clutch, Kaleb Tompkins

• Toughness award, Bryce Swofford

• Best passer, Treyson Ramos

• Best rebounder, Bryce Swofford.

• Best defense, Treyson Ramos

• Hustle, Bryce Swofford