By Katelyn Chambers

The 2020-21 Junior Jazz season has officially come to an end. We know there were many challenges this season, and we are very appreciative of the hard work put in by each individual city and recreation center that were able to provide a Junior Jazz league this season. A special thank you to all the volunteer coaches, staff, officials, parents, fans and especially the Junior Jazz participants! Junior Jazz could not run without all the combined efforts of all involved.

As the season wraps up, we celebrate each year with a special recognition program. This season was our First Annual Junior Jazz Lead Together Celebration (replacing our Sportsmanship Party from previous years.)

Over 700 Junior Jazz participants and their families gathered for the Lead Together Celebration on May 13. Junior Jazz players, coaches, teams, officials and staff members earned an opportunity to be recognized for demonstrating the values of respect, leadership, kindness, sportsmanship and positivity. They all received a special collectible Junior Jazz Lead Together Jazz player card, as well as an invitation to the celebration.

The celebration included special messages and words of inspiration from Jordan Clarkson, Joe Ingles, Derrick Favors and Georges Niang. The evening capped off with a special screening of the Sandlot on the big screens at Vivint Arena.

The 2021 Junior Jazz Lead Together award winners are:

adidas Coach of the Year (2): John Boersma, Saratoga Springs and Rafael Gonzalez, Brigham City

5 For The Fight Program of the Year: Clinton City

Savage Companies Official of the Year: Mason Sipple, Nephi

America First Credit Union Respect Award: Drake Collins, Cottonwood Heights

Subway Leadership Award: Julian Contreras, Ogden

AT&T SportsNet Kindness Award: Leilah Couts, West Haven

Toyota Sportsmanship Award (2): Sandy Mavericks and Saratoga Springs Purple Cheetos

University of Utah Health Positivity Award: Peter Hendrickson, Wasatch County

Special thanks to all of those that participated in the Junior Jazz Lead Together Initiative this season and our Junior Jazz sponsors.

The Junior Jazz season would not be complete without the Fun Shot Finals Competition!

The Junior Jazz Fun Shot Final Competition was held on Saturday, May 15 at Vivint Arena. Participants in grades 3-12 competed to earn

the top spot in their age division. Participants competed on the court at Vivint arena

shooting from designated spots on the floor to earn the highest amount of points. The winners of each age group received a plaque and Utah Jazz prize pack! Thanks to all the participants of the Fun Shot competition this year!

The 2021 Fun Shot winners are:

3^rd/4^th Grade Girls: Tie between Braylee Chesley & Anya Crockett

3^rd/4^th Grade Boys: Grady Frandsen

5^th/6^th Grade Girls: Evalyn Roberts

5^th/6^th Grade Boys: Cohen Satterwhite

7^th/8^th Grade Girls: Madison Thomas

7^th/8^th Grade Boys: Kasey Carter

9^th-12^th Grade Girls: Alyssa Martin

9^th-12^th Grade Boys: Eli Hugie

Adaptive Girls Division: Melanie Landa

Adaptive Boys Division: Ben Carbone

We are already looking forward to the next Junior Jazz season! We hope to see you join us for Junior Jazz. For any registration questions, reach out to your local recreation center or city department or click HERE to find a league near you. Thanks for your continued support of Junior Jazz!