Colony among former champs in Alaska Airlines Classic field

Former champions are all over this year’s Alaska Airlines Classic, which starts Thursday at West Anchorage High School.

The Colony Knights are back to defend their title. The Dillard Panthers from Florida have returned to add to their 2014 title. Dimond coach Brad Lauwers is back, looking to recapture the magic of his 2006 title run with Heritage Christian.

Throw in past champions from East (1992) and West (2010) and this year’s Classic field feels like a tournament of champions.

“Last year was a great experience and a great three days,” Colony coach Tom Berg said. “While it might have helped individuals gain confidence or helped me as a coach learn about our team, this year is a different journey.”

Dillard coach Darry Burrows is making his third trip to Alaska. The first one came way back in 1991 as an assistant under Butch Ingram when the Panthers took third. This is the second time’s he’s brought the team as head coach.

“It is one of the most enjoyable experiences,” Barrows said. “We fell in love with the atmosphere and everything that is involved with the tournament.”

This year’s Classic also features premier players like Daishen Nix of Trinity (NV), Jalen Haynes of Dillard, Isaiah Moses of Dimond and Patrick McMahon of Colony.

The UCLA-bound Nix has a 45-point triple-double on his resume and is considered the best point guard in the country. He is a one-man press break. Think of Jason Kidd, but with a jump shot.

Haynes is a 6-foot-8 forward being recruited by the likes of Mississippi State, UCF and Austin Peay. He recently converted a putback at the buzzer to lift Dillard to a 68-66 win over Stranahan, Florida’s Class 6A defending state champion.

The UAA-bound Moses is a slippery playmaker who got loose for 28 points per game during the Dimond Prep Shootout en route to being named tournament MVP. He can start and stop on a dime.

The 6-foot-6 McMahon is a dunk machine, but don’t sleep on his handles. He was just named MVP of the Doc Larson Roundball Classic.

Colony opens Classic play against Trinity Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at West High.