High School Sports

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé softball team poses Thursday after their first win of the season over Wasilla at the Sitka Invitational. Front row left-to-right are sophomore Lily Hayes, sophomore June Troxel, senior Tatum Billings, senior Bryanna Eakes, junior Alayna Echiverri and sophomore Skylar Oliva. Back row l-r are freshman Sadie Lockhart, junior Gwen Nizich, senior Taiya Bentz, sophomore Brynn Wheeler, sophomore Taylor Williams and sophomore Cassie Chenoweth. (Photo courtesy Crimson Bears softball)

Crimson Bears awaken in Sitka softball tourney

JDHS opens with split, topping Wasilla, falling to Chugiak.

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé softball team poses Thursday after their first win of the season over Wasilla at the Sitka Invitational. Front row left-to-right are sophomore Lily Hayes, sophomore June Troxel, senior Tatum Billings, senior Bryanna Eakes, junior Alayna Echiverri and sophomore Skylar Oliva. Back row l-r are freshman Sadie Lockhart, junior Gwen Nizich, senior Taiya Bentz, sophomore Brynn Wheeler, sophomore Taylor Williams and sophomore Cassie Chenoweth. (Photo courtesy Crimson Bears softball)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Amelia Lockwood practices the shot as co-head coach Brandi Adams watches. Both were at now defunct Thunder Mountain last year. The JDHS track and field team travels to Kodiak this weekend to open the season. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

New combined JDHS track team gets first-time adventure

Consolidated high school team will travel to Kodiak for inaugural meet

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Amelia Lockwood practices the shot as co-head coach Brandi Adams watches. Both were at now defunct Thunder Mountain last year. The JDHS track and field team travels to Kodiak this weekend to open the season. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Glacier Swim Club’s Amy Liddle (age 15), top, passes GSC teammate Lily Francis (16) in the girls 11 and over 1,650 freestyle during the 2025 Savannah Cayce Southeast Age Group Championships on Friday at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. Liddle won the event. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Glacier Swim Club dominates Savannah Cayce SE swim championships

Three days of swimming fun and family, shows GSC strength across Southeast.

Glacier Swim Club’s Amy Liddle (age 15), top, passes GSC teammate Lily Francis (16) in the girls 11 and over 1,650 freestyle during the 2025 Savannah Cayce Southeast Age Group Championships on Friday at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. Liddle won the event. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Ayla Keller signs an Institutional Agreement to attend Montana State University Billings and be part of the cheer and stunt team for the 2025-26 academic year, Friday in the JDHS commons. Parents Stella, left, and Wes, right, look on. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Keller signs to cheer at college for Yellowjackets

JDHS four-year letterman commits to Montana State University Billings.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Ayla Keller signs an Institutional Agreement to attend Montana State University Billings and be part of the cheer and stunt team for the 2025-26 academic year, Friday in the JDHS commons. Parents Stella, left, and Wes, right, look on. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Sitka’s Mason McLeod throws against Soldotna High School Thursday at Moller Field. (James Poulson / Daily Sitka Sentinel)

JDHS begins baseball title chase with Sitka, Soldotna clashes

Crimson Bears split in weekend road battles against Wolves and Stars.

Sitka’s Mason McLeod throws against Soldotna High School Thursday at Moller Field. (James Poulson / Daily Sitka Sentinel)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Riley Schultz heads a corner kick from junior teammate Peyton Wheeler (not shown) that would score against Eagle River during the Crimson Bears’ 5-0 win over the Wolves on Saturday at Adair Kennedy Field. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears finish pitch sweep of Wolves

JDHS girls down Eagle River 5-0, boys win 12-0.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Riley Schultz heads a corner kick from junior teammate Peyton Wheeler (not shown) that would score against Eagle River during the Crimson Bears’ 5-0 win over the Wolves on Saturday at Adair Kennedy Field. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé freshman Ayla Erickson (16) blasts a shot through three Eagle River defenders during the Crimson Bears 3-0 win over the Wolves on Friday at Adair Kennedy Field. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS soccer teams play beautiful game

Crimson Bears girls win 3-0, Crimson Bears boys win 9-1.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé freshman Ayla Erickson (16) blasts a shot through three Eagle River defenders during the Crimson Bears 3-0 win over the Wolves on Friday at Adair Kennedy Field. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The 2024-25 Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears softball team pose for a photo. They begin play next weekend at the Sitka Varsity Tournament. (Photo courtesy JDHS softball)

JDHS softball returns to the circle, baseball to the mound

Crimson Bears girls in new conference, boys on new field.

The 2024-25 Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears softball team pose for a photo. They begin play next weekend at the Sitka Varsity Tournament. (Photo courtesy JDHS softball)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé girls soccer seniors pose for a photo during Wednesday practice at Thunder Mountain Middle School. Front row left to right are Alyssa Lawhorne, Adelyn Buss, Milina Mazon, Priscilla Lam and Cerys Hudson. Back row left to right are Alison Tingey, Dori Germain, Parker Boman, Daniela Lamas, Natalie Travis and Ella Orsborn. Not pictured are Mary Canapary, Lena Field and Lola Hines. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Soccer teams open with DI Eagle River

New season, new conference as Crimson Bears rise up.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé girls soccer seniors pose for a photo during Wednesday practice at Thunder Mountain Middle School. Front row left to right are Alyssa Lawhorne, Adelyn Buss, Milina Mazon, Priscilla Lam and Cerys Hudson. Back row left to right are Alison Tingey, Dori Germain, Parker Boman, Daniela Lamas, Natalie Travis and Ella Orsborn. Not pictured are Mary Canapary, Lena Field and Lola Hines. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Metlakatla senior Brody Booth (12) scores over Seward’s Lane Petersen and Jack Lindquisst (1) during their 3rd/5th-place game Saturday at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 2A State Basketball Championships at UAA’s Avis Sports Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Metlakatla Chiefs fall in third-place game at state 2A basketball tournament

Girls from Metlakatla also come up short in 4th/6th-place game.

Metlakatla senior Brody Booth (12) scores over Seward’s Lane Petersen and Jack Lindquisst (1) during their 3rd/5th-place game Saturday at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 2A State Basketball Championships at UAA’s Avis Sports Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé dance team performs a portion of their Region V tournament routine during halftime of the East Anchorage/Ketchikan state championship game Saturday at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS dance team brings magic to state tournament

Crimson Bears return to state venue for first time in 18 years

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé dance team performs a portion of their Region V tournament routine during halftime of the East Anchorage/Ketchikan state championship game Saturday at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Ketchikan senior Jonathan Scoblic shoots under pressure from East Anchorage senior Muhammed Sabally (23) during the Kings’ 43-25 loss to the Thunderbirds on Saturday in the 4A championship game of the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 4A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Ketchikan gives East Anchorage a run for 4A title

Kings fly close to sun, fall to defending state champ Thunderbirds.

Ketchikan senior Jonathan Scoblic shoots under pressure from East Anchorage senior Muhammed Sabally (23) during the Kings’ 43-25 loss to the Thunderbirds on Saturday in the 4A championship game of the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 4A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Sitka junior Trey Johnson scores past Nome sophomore Stanley Booth during the Wolves’ 62-43 loss to the Nanooks on Saturday in the 3A championship game of the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Sitka falls to Nome in 3A state championship

Wolves lead Nanooks in third quarter, but lose 62-43.

Sitka junior Trey Johnson scores past Nome sophomore Stanley Booth during the Wolves’ 62-43 loss to the Nanooks on Saturday in the 3A championship game of the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Mt. Edgecumbe’s Richard Didrickson Jr. (21) shoots from past the arc over Barrow’s Ethan Goodwin (2) during the Braves’ 81-73 win over the Whalers in the 3A boys 3rd/5th-place game Saturday at 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Braves win shootout over Whalers for third place

Mt. Edgecumbe earns 81-73 win over Barrow at state tournament.

Mt. Edgecumbe’s Richard Didrickson Jr. (21) shoots from past the arc over Barrow’s Ethan Goodwin (2) during the Braves’ 81-73 win over the Whalers in the 3A boys 3rd/5th-place game Saturday at 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
JDHS junior Gwen Nizich hits a shot past the arc over Mountain City Christian Academy’s Jasmine Schaeffer (23) during the Crimson Bears’ 57-37 loss to the Lions in the 3rd/5th-place game Saturday at 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 4A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS girls fall to Mountain City to finish state play

Crimson Bears place fifth in 57-37 loss to Lions on Saturday

JDHS junior Gwen Nizich hits a shot past the arc over Mountain City Christian Academy’s Jasmine Schaeffer (23) during the Crimson Bears’ 57-37 loss to the Lions in the 3rd/5th-place game Saturday at 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 4A Basketball State Championships in Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Ketchikan senior Gage Massin (5) hits the game winner in the Kings’ 46-43 semifinal overtime win against the Grizzlies on Friday at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Ketchikan boys top Grace to earn championship game

Ketchikan senior Gage Massin hit a fade-away shot in the key with 1.5 seconds remaining to give the Kings a semifinal overtime win against the… Continue reading

Ketchikan senior Gage Massin (5) hits the game winner in the Kings’ 46-43 semifinal overtime win against the Grizzlies on Friday at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Layla Tokuoka (14) gets a shot off over Colony senior Hallie Clark (22) as JDHS juniors Cambry Lockhart (3) and Gwen Nizich (11) move down court in the Crimson Bears’ 56-34 loss to the Knights in a Friday 4A girls semifinal at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS girls fall to Colony 56-34 in state semifinal game

Crimson Bears will play for third, Knights advance to title contest.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Layla Tokuoka (14) gets a shot off over Colony senior Hallie Clark (22) as JDHS juniors Cambry Lockhart (3) and Gwen Nizich (11) move down court in the Crimson Bears’ 56-34 loss to the Knights in a Friday 4A girls semifinal at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Zosha Krupa in action at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 1A/2A Basketball State Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Southeast referee Zosha Krupa picks stripes over clipboards

Former star player giving back to community through officiating gets lead duties at state tournament.

Zosha Krupa in action at the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 1A/2A Basketball State Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears cheer team celebrate after being announced as the Division I 2025 ASAA Cheer State champions Tuesday at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center.

JDHS cheer team wins state championship

Crimson Bears spirit finger dynasty snatches fifth title in a row.

Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears cheer team celebrate after being announced as the Division I 2025 ASAA Cheer State champions Tuesday at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center.
Sitka junior Trey Johnson (24) challenges a shot by Mt. Edgecumbe senior Richard Didrickson Jr (21) during the Wolves’ 64-62 semifinal win over the Braves on Thursday in the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Wolves tip Braves in epic state semifinal hoops battle

Number two Sitka, number three Mt. Edgecumbe go down to the buzzer

Sitka junior Trey Johnson (24) challenges a shot by Mt. Edgecumbe senior Richard Didrickson Jr (21) during the Wolves’ 64-62 semifinal win over the Braves on Thursday in the 2025 ASAA March Madness Alaska 3A/4A Basketball State Championships at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)