Coaches Corner: Thank you for supporting boys basketball

The Juneau-Douglas High School boys’ basketball team recently held our end of the season awards banquet.

During the celebration, the coaching staff noted how important the community was to our efforts this season, and in light of that, we would like to acknowledge the following individuals and groups for their continued support. The coaching staff wants to extend our gratitude to all the parents/guardians that filled vital roles volunteering this season staffing the Fast Break Club table, helping with fundraisers, housing visiting teams, etc. We would like to give a special nod to Melissa McCormick and Christina Rich, as they did an amazing job wearing many hats in support of the season.

[JDHS falls in Region V boys championship]

We would also like to acknowledge the support of the JDHS Cheer/Stunt Team, Dance Team, student body and community this season. All those that attended our home games and cheered us on, purchased raffle tickets, and joined the Fast Break Club or the Business Banner program provided the necessary financial support to fund our season.

In an effort to give back to the community, the members of the Crimson Bears boys basketball team participated in several community service events, including Juneau Parks & Rec’s Day of Play, JEA’s Read Across America as guest readers, the Southeast Alaska Food Bank Food Drive as donation collectors, and cheering on participants in the Girls on the Run 5K. We enjoy the opportunity to work with such worthy causes that aim to improve Juneau.

We are thankful for our partnership with AWARE, Inc., and the CDVSA for their instrumental guidance and encouragement during our eighth year implementing the Coaching Boys into Men program. One of the goals of this program is to help the members of our team learn how to foster and maintain respectful interactions with their peers. It has had a tremendous impact in our program and our school community.

The coaching staff greatly appreciates the efforts and continued support of the JDHS administration, activities office, teachers and counselors. Specifically; Principal Paula Casperson, Assistant Principal Kim McNamara, Athletic Director Chad Bentz, and Activity Assistants Jana Morrison, Laura Campos, Toni DeSanto, and Counselors Jennifer Knaggs and Sanaye Thompson.

We also appreciate the media and their coverage of our season. They are vital to keeping our family, friends and the community informed on our season; Thank you the Juneau Empire, KINY Radio and AlaskaSports.TV.

To wrap-up the 2018-19 boys’ basketball season the team held an awards banquet. The family, friends, players and coaches that were in attendance for the two-hour event used the time to reminisce, share stories of the past season, and celebrate the senior class as they embark on the next phase of their lives. Larry Johansen of Archipelago Webcasting and AlaskaSports.TV created and donated a highlight film that delighted the crowd.

A focal point of the evening was honoring the accomplishments of the team, such as the Capital City Classic Championship and a strong showing at the Region V Tournament. We also recognized individuals with several awards. Some of the awards are statistical in nature and the players voted on the rest.

The winners for the JV’s special awards, as voted by team members, are as follows:

• The Most Improved: Raekwon Razor

• The Most Inspirational: Gabe Williams

• The Most Hustle: Gaby Soto

• The Best Defense: Trey Wilson

• The Most Valuable Player: Austin McCurley

The winners for the Varsity statistical awards are as follows:

• The Best Passer (most assists): Israel Yadao (102)

• The Best Rebounder (most rebounds): Brock McCormick (145)

• The Toughness Award (most charges drawn): Philip Gonzales (25)

• The Marksman (highest 2pt shooting percentage, minimum 50 attempts): Cooper Kriegmont (48.6%)

• The Deep Threat Marksman (highest 3pt shooting percentage, minimum 30): Philip Gonzales (38.4%)

• The Mr. Clutch (highest free-throw percentage, minimum 35 attempts): Cooper Kriegmont (71.2%)

The Varsity special awards, as voted by team members, are as follows:

• The Most Improved: Tristan Bryant

• The Most Inspirational: Israel Yadao

• The Most Hustle: Brock McCormick

• The Best Defense: Israel Yadao

• The Most Valuable Player: Krishant Samtani

The last special award was created decades ago and named for the late Juneau resident, Zach Gordon, due to his commitment to Juneau-Douglas High School athletics/activities and to supporting the youth of Juneau. This award is given to the player that most embodies the ideals and values of Juneau-Douglas basketball on the court, in the classroom, and the community. This year, through team member voting, the Zach Gordon Award went to Philip Gonzales.

As a coaching staff we would be remiss not to mention the leadership and guidance provided by the senior class this season. It was a pleasure to work with seniors Jarald Soriano, Philip Gonzales, Tristan Bryant, Israel Yadao, Krishant Samtani and Chloe Goble. We are proud of them for the legacy of commitment to improvement, teamwork and selflessness that they have left for the underclassmen to build upon.

Again, thank you our families and Juneau for all your help. Each season is truly a “team” effort that is supported by many. We know that without your support none of this would be possible. We look forward to our returning/incoming players working hard to improve this off-season so Juneau-Douglas High School can continue to represent our community in a positive manner.

Sincerely,

Juneau-Douglas High School Boys Basketball Coaching Staff

Robert Casperson, John Sleppy, Ben Kriegmont and Vince Yadao