'We are small but we are mighty!': MacDowell Montessori holds celebration for Juneau basketball's historic win

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — For the first time in 22 years... a Milwaukee Public School (MPS) holds a basketball state championship title.

Juneau beat Cambridge Saturday, March 21, for the gold trophy. A first for the school itself, and on Friday, March 27, the school hosted a heartfelt celebration for the team.

Pioneer pride boomed all around MacDowell Montessori, the home of the Juneau Pioneers, the new WIAA Division 4 state basketball champions.

The school's marching band led a parade on 65th street outside of the school, followed by the team that pioneered the school's first state title.

Family members, faculty, high school students, and community members joined the outdoor celebration.

"We are small, but we are mighty, and we have been underestimated many times," Principal Andrea Corona told the crowd.

"It was beautiful to see all the people come out to support us, especially the alumni," said head coach, Torre Johnson, Jr.

After the community party, the team moved into the gymnasium for a pep rally, joined by all grades at the school.

"We've been through a lot to get here, so it's good to get recognition for what we did," said Dooney Johnson, a junior on the team.

Johnson led the game in Madison, scoring 23 points towards their 62-54 win against Cambridge.

"It was amazing to be on the biggest stage, compete like that, and win the state championship and gold ball," Johnson said. "It feels great." 

His dad is the proud head coach behind the team's incredible season.

"As my first year as the head coach, to be able to see these guys fight through adversity, and make it through, and accomplish their goals, it was a very special feeling," said Torre Johnson Jr. 

After Cambridge knocked out Juneau in last year's regional game, the team was prepared - and determined.

"We really just focused game by game," he explained. "Knowing that this is a historic moment is really special, we want to embrace it too."

The win put Juneau on the map and gave the boys newfound motivation.

"The goal is to go try to get another one, try to lead the guys in the right direction, and hopefully keep completing the mission," Coach Johnson said.