Defending state champions Juneau-Douglas High School got the jitters out Tuesday against Haines in their season opener, besting the Glacier Bears in their first game at the Capital City Classic.
The Crimson Bears protected the paint and dominated the rebound margin while new varsity players logged their first minutes in the 71-43 win.
Things didn’t go perfectly for the Crimson Bears — with four new starters, there’s a lot to work out for the new team — but if JDHS got it all right this early in the season, according to head coach Robert Casperson, that wouldn’t be alright.
“It’s good to be out here playing after a lot of talk and hype,” Casperson said. “This is a different group. If we came out here and played our best basketball the first night, I think we would be in trouble.”
The Crimson Bears established key strengths in the defensive play of starting forward Bryce Swofford and point guard Ulyx Bohulano, who harried passing lanes inside and outside the perimeter while holding Haines to just seven points in the first half.
“I think there’s room for improvement. We need to work on not fouling and moving the ball quicker and smarter,” Swofford said.
JDHS spread the ball around considerably in the win, with a dozen different Crimson Bears scoring on the night. Surprise roster addition Kasey Watts led the Crimson Bears with 14, with senior Jordan Milligan — who’s been chomping at the bit for varsity action — following Watts’ lead with 12.
Watts, in his first year with the team, said he’s not yet an “explosive” player on offense. He does know how to crash the offensive glass, however.
“I wanted to try something new and I kept hearing about the team and what they were able to do last year,” Watts said. “I think tonight showed we are capable of doing great things.”
Haines’ Dylan Swinton led all scorers with 26 points.
“We’re happy to get the invite to come down to the Capital City Classic,” Haines coach Steve Fossman said.
CRIMSON BEARS 71, GLACIER BEARS 43
Juneau-Douglas 19 10 22 20 — 71
Haines 1 6 15 21 — 43
Juneau-Douglas (71) — Bradley 9, Watts 14, Hamrick 6, Beelitz 1, Bohulano 7, Swofford 6, Shapland-Murray 2, Milligan 12, Kelly 3, Samtani 2, Mallinger 6, Lozada 3.
Haines (43) — Swinton 26, Light 4, Sage 7, Fowler 2, Stigen 2, Clay 2
3-point goals — Juneau-Douglas 2 (Bradley, Milligan), Haines 2 (Swinton, Light).
Team fouls — Juneau-Douglas 19, Haines 18.
