16-1 Juneau Douglas Restricted from State Tournament

 

Straight from the heart, 16-1 Juneau Douglas boys team were told earlier today that they will not be allowed to compete in state, and they’re looking for help.

After winning the Region V championship less than 24 hours ago, they will be the only team in the state not allowed to travel and play for the title.

 
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Update: 16-1 Juneau Douglas Boys at Swoosh Spring Invitational in Orange County, California

After a public video, support from politicians, coaches, parents, and athletes at all levels, the Juneau school board did not give the families and athletes a forum to voice their solutions and opinions. They sent word that they would not reverse their decision.

In response, parents have found another way to press on. On March 27th and 28th, during the March Madness state tournament this weekend, the 16-1 Juneau Douglas boys will be playing at the Swoosh Spring Invitational in Orange County, California.

A local non-profit, 'Find Your Fire' will process any donations to help the group.

Lex Novelli

Lex Novelli

Alexia Novelli is a former player for the University of Alaska Anchorage. Originally from Anchorage, she played her first game of basketball in 8th grade at Hanshew Junior High. Her family moved to the Valley right before high school began and Alexia began her freshman year on the C Team at Colony High School. Developing into a varsity player, she left Alaska after graduation to continue her basketball career at SFCC, a junior college in Spokane. She had two double-doubles for the season; 22 points and 10 rebounds in a victory over Mt. Hood, and 18 points with 14 rebounds in a win over Columbia Basin. Alexia ended the season averaging double-digit points per game, led the starting lineup in shooting percentage, finished 2nd in rebounds and blocks, and earned a place as one of the team’s scholar-athletes.

Alexia decided coming home to play for UAA was her best option to develop as a player and to represent her home state. After two years, she joined the Wasilla High School coaching staff and in 2023 was named the new head basketball coach of Mountain City Christian Academy (formerly ACS). She hopes to inspire other Alaskan athletes to pursue their aspirations of competing in athletics beyond high school.