Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé varsity boys basketball players Orion Dybdahl, left and Jake Sleppy, right contest a jump ball from Coach Robert Caspersons during a practice on Dec. 14, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé varsity boys basketball players Orion Dybdahl, left and Jake Sleppy, right contest a jump ball from Coach Robert Caspersons during a practice on Dec. 14, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

JDHS boys basketball gets ready to hit the road

Their first games this year will be away —way, way away.

A near season brings a new team as the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé boys varsity gets ready to play their first tournament this year in Las Vegas.

Many departing seniors from last year’s class fundamentally alter the structure of the team, said coach Rob Casperson, leaving the future wide open for how this year’s team will operate.

“That’s the nature of high school basketball,” Casperson said in an interview. “You graduate kids and new kids have the opportunity to step up.”

[TMHS readies for season tipoff]

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The team’s 13 players are headed to the Tarkanian Classic on Thursday morning, competing against about 80 other schools, Casperson said. The early games away from home will unify the team for the season to come, Casperson said.

“It’s a great situation for us to go on the road and do some bonding early in the season,” Casperson said. “The time together, the time on task is unparalleled. We’re going to play teams that are 10-12 games into their season.”

Casperson said the early tournament will give the team a chance to test its mettle. The team has been practicing foundational activities, building on institutional experience from the lower divisions.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé varsity boys basketball players practice on Dec. 14, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé varsity boys basketball players practice on Dec. 14, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

“What I want to see is us start to come together as a group,” Casperson said. “I want to see how we approach challenges.”

That molding together will help them to compete against teams in Southeast Alaska with many returning players like Thunder Mountain and Ketchikan, Casperson said.

“I see those teams in front of us. We have to be ready to play them,” Casperson said. “If we have the right mindset we’re fine.”

There’s going to be ample opportunity for every player in this phase of the season as they balance their on-court chemistry, Casperson said.

“Everyone’s going to have a chance to play. Sophomores are going to have a lot of on-court time,” Casperson said. “It’s the start of another season and we’re excited. It’s an electrifying time of year.”

JDHS’ alumni game is scheduled for Dec. 23, and the Capital City Classic Tournament will kick off on Dec. 27.

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.

More in Sports

A research plot at Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research site maintained by scientists with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Arctic Biology. (Photo by Grant Falvo)
Alaska Science Forum: Northern soil microbes staying up all winter

We can’t see them, but there are more microbes — tiny fungi,… Continue reading

Hydaburg junior Tyrone Carlson (1) shoots over an Angoon defender in the Warriors 48-45 win over the Eagles during the 2025 Alaska Airlines Region V 1A Boys Basketball Tournament at Thunder Mountain Middle School. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Hard challenges finish Wednesday regional tournament play

Hydaburg boys nip Angoon, Hoonah girls topple Hydaburg.

Skagway radio announcer Mason Jennings, 13, and his father Nathan Jennings calling action at the Region V 1A tournament on Wednesday at Thunder Mountain Middle School. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The voice of Lynn Canal giving listeners hoops

Skagway 13-year-old Mason Jennings calling Region V 1A basketball tournament action.

Kake freshman Aurora Davis and sophomore Eden Hallingstad and Angoon junior Lisa Kookesh-Booth go for a loose ball during the Lady Thunderbirds 54-12 win over the Eagles on Wednesday during the 2025 Alaska Airlines Region V 1A Girls Basketball Tournament at Thunder Mountain Middle School. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Region 1A tournament starts with a slam

Skagway dunks Thorne Bay, Kake presses Angoon

This file photo shows Klawock senior Lea Armour (23), eighth grader Jayla Edenshaw and senior Kaiya Marvin defending Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Bergen Erickson (12) during this season's Capital City Classic in the George Houston Gymnasium. The Region V 1A basketball championships begin Wednesday at Thunder Mountain Middle School. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Region V 1A basketball championships in Juneau

Small schools, big plays set to start Wednesday at TMMS.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Jed Davis officiates a match as sophomore Jaxin Jim, senior Colton Cummins and freshman Carson Cummins coach elementary school age wrestlers. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Pure Sole: I could have been a wrestler

I could have been a wrestler. Well, if I had the help… Continue reading

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Nordic Ski team at the 2025 ASAA/First National Bank Alaska Nordic Ski State Championships at Fairbanks Birch Hill Recreation Area. (Photo courtesy JDHS Nordic Ski team)
Lamb gives JDHS cross-country ski team historic finish at state tournament

Senior is first Crimson Bear to place during Nordic tournament; JDHS girls win Academic Award.

This boreal owl has captured a vole. (Photo by Linda Shaw)
On the Trails: Three small owls

We have three small owls that share a lot of characteristics. They… Continue reading

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Ahmir Parker (2) attempts a steal as Monroe senior Jett McCullough (4) dribbles behind his back during the Crimson Bears’ 71-55 loss to the Rams on Saturday in the George Houston Gymnasium. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Crimson Bears battle, but are butted by Rams

JDHS falls to Monroe Catholic for the second night in a row

Most Read