Raymond Douville

In 2003, Craig High’s student enrollment barely surpassed 100. Yet Raymond Douville and the Panthers didn’t let those small numbers get in the way of making major history.

Douville was part of Craig’s 2003 Class 3A March Madness Alaska state championship team, defeating teams from schools three times the size in the process. He enjoyed a stellar scholastic career as a multiple-time member of all-conference basketball squads. In addition, he was honored as part of the 3A state all-tournament teams in 2002 and 2003.

The 2003 Craig team downed 4A Juneau-Douglas 70-55 in Southeast Alaska’s annual crossover tournament championship game. It marked the first time a 3A school won the tournament finale since 1975.

“Raymond was part of a special team of kids from a small community that played together from elementary school through high school,” said former Craig administrator Doug Rhodes. “They helped put Craig on the map as a force from which to be reckoned.

“I’ve never seen a team the caliber of that (2002-03) Craig one, and Raymond was the key to its success.”An injury shortened Douville’s college career. Today, he is a father of two and a successful commercial fisherman in the Craig area. He’s said he can’t wait to someday see his sons play for the Panthers.