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. In light of that, we would like to acknowledge the following groups and individuals 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, running concessions, housing visiting teams, etc. We would like to give a special nod to Keela Kelly 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. 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’s Read Across America as guest readers, the Southeast Alaska Food Bank Food Drive as donation collectors, and the Girls on the Run 5K as race support.
We are thankful for our partnership with AWARE, Inc., and for their instrumental guidance and encouragement during our sixth 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 counselor Jennifer Knaggs.
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 Kevin Gullufsen and Nolin Ainsworth at the Juneau Empire.
Awards Banquet
To wrap-up the 2016-17 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 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 Joe T. Classic Championship, Region V Championship and fourth place finish at the state 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: Kobe Hoover
• The Most Inspirational: Jarald Soriano
• The Most Hustle: Lance Fenumiai
• The Best Defense: Austin McCurley
• The Most Valuable Player: Philip Gonzales
The winners for the varsity statistical awards are as follows:
• The Best Passer (most assists): Erik Kelly – 67 assists.
• The Best Rebounder (most rebounds): Erik Kelly – 310 rebounds.
• The Toughness Award (most charges drawn): Bryce Swofford – 11 charges.
• The Marksman (highest 2pt shooting percentage, minimum 50 attempts): Erik Kelly – 59%
• The Deep Threat Marksman (highest 3-point shooting percentage, minimum 30): Ulyx Bohulano – 31%
• The Mr. Clutch (highest free-throw percentage, minimum 35 attempts): Bryce Swofford – 65%
The Varsity special awards, as voted by team members, are as follows:
• The Most Improved: Kasey Watts
• The Most Inspirational: Hunter Beelitz
• The Most Hustle: Bryce Swofford
• The Best Defense: Bryce Swofford
• The Most Valuable Player: Erik Kelly
• Coaches’ award: David Timothy (manager)
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 the community. This year, 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. Senior players Bryce Swofford, Marshall Shapland-Murray, Luis Lozada, Hunter Beelitz, Ulyx Bohulano, Jordan Milligan and managers David Timothy and Alison Ford 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.
Again, thank you Juneau for all your help. Each season is truly a “team” effort that is supported by many. 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, and Brice Searles
• Robert Casperson is the head coach of the Juneau-Douglas High School boys basketball team.
