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.
The coaching staff wants to extend our gratitude to all the parents and guardians that filled vital roles volunteering this season staffing the Fast Break Club table, running concessions, housing visiting teams, etc. Thank you to Mikko Wilson for his technical expertise running our new video display. We would like to give a special nod to Keela Kelly, Tami Wahto and Christina Rich, as they did an amazing job wearing many of these hats in support of the season.
We would also like to acknowledge the support of the community-at-large. All those that attended our home games and cheered us on, purchased raffle tickets, and the members of the Fast Break Club and the business banner program provided the necessary financial support to fund our season. We’d like to give a special thanks to Ike’s Fuel for their financial support of our new scoreboards and video displays, which made the game-day experience even more exciting for players and fans.
In an effort to give back to the community, the members of the Crimson Bears basketball team participated in several community service events, including Juneau Education Association Read Across America as guest readers, the Southeast Alaska Food Bank Food Drive as donation collectors, and Juneau Parks & Rec’s Day of Play to name a few.
We are thankful for our partnership with AWARE, Inc., and for their instrumental guidance and encouragement during our seventh 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 Cricket Curtain, 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 Mike Clasby of KINY Radio and Nolin Ainsworth at the Juneau Empire.
Awards Banquet Results
To wrap up the 2017-18 boys basketball season, the team held an awards banquet. The family, friends, players and coaches in attendance for the two-hour event used the time to reminisce, share stories of the past season and celebrate the C, JV, and varsity teams, with a special focus on 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 winning the Capital City Classic Championship, Region V Championship and a sixth-place finish at the state tournament. We also recognized individuals with several awards.
JV Special Awards
• Most Improved: Gabe Williams.
• Most Inspirational: Jarald Soriano.
• Most Hustle: Malakai Nichols.
• Best Defense: Brock McCormick.
• MVP: Cooper Kriegmont.
Varsity Statistical Awards
• Best Passer (most assists): Erik Kelly – 73 assists.
• Best Rebounder (most rebounds): Erik Kelly – 407 rebounds.
• Toughness Award (most charges drawn): Gammy Reyes – 7 charges.
• Marksman (highest 2-point shooting percentage): Luke Mallinger – 58 percent.
• Deep Threat Marksman (highest 3-point shooting percentage): Israel Yadao.
• Mr. Clutch (highest free-throw percentage): Erik Kelly – 64 percent.
Varsity Special Awards
• Most Improved: Cooper Kriegmont.
• Most Inspirational: Christian Yadao.
• Most Hustle: Kasey Watts.
• Best Defense: Gammy Reyes.
• MVP: Erik Kelly.
The last special award was created decades ago and named for Zach Gordon, due to his commitment to JDHS athletics/activities and to supporting the youth of Juneau. It is awarded to the player that most embodies the ideals and values of Juneau-Douglas basketball on the court, in the classroom and out in the community. For the second year in a row, through team member voting, the Zach Gordon Award went to Kolby Hoover.
As a coaching staff, we would be remiss not to mention the leadership and guidance provided by the senior class this season. Gammy Reyes, Christian Yadao, Luke Mallinger, Kasey Watts, Erik Kelly, Kolby Hoover and manager Caitlynn Rich were a pleasure to work with. We are proud of them for the legacy of hard work, determination, and resiliency they have left for the underclassmen to build upon.
We look forward to our returning and incoming players working hard to improve this off-season so JDHS can continue to represent our community in a positive manner.
Sincerely,
JDHS Boys Basketball Coaching Staff
Robert Casperson, John Sleppy, Ben Kriegmont
• Robert Casperson is the head coach of the Juneau-Douglas High School boys basketball team. Any coach is welcome to submit a column to Coach’s Corner. Email sports@juneauempire.com.
