Basketball News
Central Washington U signs Centralia's Brittany Duerr WILDCAT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SIGNS CENTRALIA'S BRITTANY DUERR
June 02, 2009
Central Adds NWAACC's Sixth-Leading Scorer, Western Region MVP for 2009-10 Season
ELLENSBURG, Wash.(May 27) - Brittany Duerr, a guard from Centralia College, has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her college basketball career at Central Washington University, CWU head coach Jeff Whitney announced Wednesday.
Duerr, a native of Bellevue, Wash., and a graduate of Newport High School, was the Western Region Most Valuable Player in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) this past year. The 5-foot-9 guard finished sixth in the NWAACC in scoring with 16.1 points per game. She also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game for the Trailblazers.
"Brittany has a proven track record as a scorer, from high school to her days at the junior college level," Whitney said. "But beyond her abilities to score, she has an uncanny ability to see the floor from the three-guard position. Her passing abilities and court sense are also exceptional."
Duerr totaled 86 assists and ranked ninth in the NWAACC Western Region in that department. As a scorer, she reached double figures in 23 of 27 games for Centralia this past season, including eight 20-point performances. She scored a career-high 26 points in a game twice as a sophomore. In addition, Duerr ranked second in the NWAACC with 74 three-pointers made.
"Brittany has the skills to penetrate like Elyse Maras, but shoots the ball a lot like Hanna Hull," Whitney described, comparing Duerr to a pair of recent standout Wildcat guards. "She has a lot of quickness and is very long and athletic."
Scoring was a problem for an injury-depleted CWU squad this past season, as the Wildcats averaged just 56.3 points per game -- a 11 points-per-game decrease from 2007-08 and the second lowest-scoring average in the program's 29-year history. Whitney feels that the addition of Duerr, plus a change in the Wildcats' offensive philosophy, will help Central return to a higher-scoring and higher-paced attack in 2009-10.
"We are trying to implement the up-tempo style," Whitney continued, "and Brittany fits right into the system we are looking to run. She will help us return to the pace we are accustomed to playing with at Central."
Prior to her season at Centralia in 2008-09 and a redshirt campaign with the Trailblazers in 2007-08, Duerr played as a freshman at North Idaho College.
Duerr headlines a list of talented newcomers the Wildcats plan to have joining the program for the upcoming season. Additional signees will be announced in the coming weeks.
Central Washington finished seventh in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference this past winter.
Purugganan named head coach of Pierce College Women's Basketball program Media Contact Information
May 22, 2009
Lakewood, WA - Brian Purugganan has been named the new head coach for the Pierce College Women’s Basketball program.
Purugganan comes to Pierce after nine seasons as head coach of the varsity girls’ team at Foss High School, where he led the Falcons to the state tournament twice and to the West Central District Tournament six times. His Falcons were the Narrows Bridge Division Champions in 2007-08 and Purugganan was named the division Coach of the Year in 2004.
“We feel very fortunate to have someone of Brian’s caliber and experience joining our staff and we are looking forward to getting the Raiders Women’s Basketball program back on the map in the NWAACC,” said Duncan Stevenson, Pierce College athletic director. “Brian will bring a new energy, a positive attitude, and a desire to succeed to the program.”
Similarly, Purugganan is excited to make the leap to college coaching.
“I consider it an honor and privilege to be working at this level, where I can mold and shape young athletes and prepare them for the future,” he said. “I look forward to the challenge of building a winning tradition with the Raiders basketball program.”
A Tacoma-area resident for 27 years, Purugganan has coached a number of Amateur Athletic Union teams in Seattle and Tacoma and has run team camps and clinics for the Boys and Girls Club in Tacoma and for various high school girls’ varsity programs. Prior to coaching at Foss High School, Purugganan was head coach at Clover Park High School (1995-2000) and at Christian Faith High School (1990-1995).
Amanda Haines, communications specialist
(253) 864-3239, ahaines@pierce.ctc.edu
Collier takes helm of Tacoma Women's Basketball Tacoma, WA - Head coach Heidi Collier begins her first season leading the Titan Lady Basketball Program. A native of Blaine' Washington Heidi attended Whatcom Community College' on a basketball scholarship. While at Whatcom she helped lead the Orcas to a Regional championship and a first time NWAACC Tournament appearance' resulting in a fifth place finish. After completing her AA' Heidi continued her basketball career at George Fox University for one year' before transferring to the University of Puget Sound for her final season. Heidi was part of the 2003-04 Logger team that made the first trip to the NCAA III National Tournament. The Loggers advanced to the Elite Eight before falling to the National Champion. In 2005' Heidi earned her BA in Liberal Arts from Evergreen State College' Tacoma Campus. Collier has coached basketball in variety of settings; AAU' middle school boys and girls' worked camps' and was an assistant coach at Stadium High School for the 2006-07 season. She has also coached middle school volleyball' high school fastpitch and was the Athletic Director at Chief Leschi Schools for the 2006-07 school year. Coach Collier's focus for this upcoming season is to build a team of successful student athletes. She is enthusiastic about sharing her passion for the game of basketball and connecting the diverse group of student athletes as a team. Heidi trusts this will create a foundation which will revive the Titan Women's basketball program. "We are extremely excited to have Heidi join our staff' As a former NWAACC athlete she fully understands the positive impact coaches can have on our student-athletes. Heidi will bring great passion and discipline to our Women's basketball program."
May 12, 2009
UCCS Basketball sign Lane's Jones and Treasure Valley's Gardzina By Doug Fitzgerald
May 07, 2009
Caton announces signing of Brent Jones
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs men’s basketball coach Russ Caton announced Wednesday that 6-foot-5 swingman Brent Jones had signed a national letter of intent to play for the Mountain Lions.
Jones will be transferring to UCCS from Lane Community College in Eugene, Ore., and will be a junior for the 2009-10 season. He led the Titans in scoring this past season, averaging 16.4 points per game wile shooting 47 percent from the field and 61 percent from the foul line. He also averaged 6.8 rebounds per game.
“Brent is going to represent UCCS very well,” said Caton. “He is bringing the whole package; a great kid, great student, and a great basketball player.
“Defensively he can play multiple positions and offensively he has a great inside and outside game which should create some tough matchup problems for opponents.” Source Article
Mountain Lions sign 6-foot-7 forward
By Doug Fitzgerald
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs men’s basketball coach Russ Caton announced the signing of Eric Gardzina, a transfer from Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario
In his one season with the Chukars, The sophomore from Helena, Mont., averaged 6.1 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 86 percent from the foul line. He also averaged 5.8 rebounds per game in 18.4 minutes of playing time, which translates to a solid 12.7 rebounds per 40 minutes.
“(Gardzina) in a legit 6-foot-7 and is a defending and rebounding
machine with quick feet,” said Caton. “He has the ability to score inside and out and is an untapped offensive source.”
Gardzina graduated from Mountain Home High School in Mountain Home, Idaho. He spent one season at Montana Tech, where he redshirted.
In high school Gardzina shot 80 percent from the free throw line and 50 percent from the field, including 45 percent from the 3-point line. He also averaged nine rebounds per game.
“Eric is loaded with potential and I can't wait to get him here in the fall,” said Caton. “He is the quality of person that will blend in perfectly with the team that we have returning. He is excited about getting into the criminal justice program and from there trying to get into the FBI.”
Source Article
Clackamas' Wilde signs with Hawaii Hilo University Basketball Wilde signs with Hawaii Hilo University Said Coach Wegner: "We're happy for him because that was one of his big goals when he came to CCC: to earn a scholarship at a university and earn his bachelor's degree. He really wanted to be at a university with that kind of campus life and he had already accomplished the ultimate team achievements at this level. He was really a big part of our team, as a versatile post player that was an outstanding passer. We all would love to have him back to defend our championships, but we all celebrate his fortune and wish him the best. It's a great scholarship that will cover all of his education for his bachelor's degree." Hawaii Hilo is a Division II school that competes in the Pacific West Conference. The Vulcans finished the 2009 season at 15-12 overall and tied 7-5 in league games to tie for third in the conference. Wilde is projected to come in and compete for a starting spot in the Hilo line up. Incidentally, Wilde is the latest in a long line of Clackamas Cougars to earn basketball scholarships to schools in the Hawaiian Islands. He follows Mark Campbell ('01) and Michael Kuebler ('02) who starred at the University of Hawaii, and Nate Block ('01), Marvin Noble Jr. ('02) and Alex Swerzbin ('04) who all played at Hawaii Pacific University.
May 07, 2009
Oregon City, Ore. - Zach Wilde became the third Cougar off this year's championship team to accept a full ride basketball scholarship. The Cougars' 6' 7" freshman post, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Hawaii Hilo University. Wilde, from Snohomish High School, stared all 32 games on this season' s 29-3 team and was named to the all-freshman team in the Southern region. He averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, and 23 minutes for the year.
NWAACC Basketball Coaches raise money for American Cancer Society Message from Clif Wegner OREGON CITY, OR - Thanks again to all the NWAACC basketball coaches who participated in last January's Coaches vs. Cancer national event. 100% of the men's coaches and many of the women's coaches dressed in solidarity for cancer awareness. Money was also collected and donated by several NWAACC schools, so a special thanks goes to Skagit Valley, Pierce, Bellevue, Mt. Hood, and Clackamas colleges. Checks totaling $1320 was recently sent to the American Cancer Society. Additionally, Skagit Valley raised an extra $300 for the memorial scholarship (cancer victim) Jim Worden, former NWAACC basketball coach. Next year's Coaches vs. Cancer national event is scheduled for February 12-14, 2009.
May 06, 2009
Snow takes helm of Treasure Valley Men's Basketball Ontario, Ore. - Russ Snow has been selected to lead the Chukar Men’s Basketball team as head coach at Treasure Valley Community College. Snow returns to TVCC after spending the past four seasons as the first assistant for The College of Idaho Women’s basketball Program. While there the team averaged over 20 wins a season, advanced to the NAIA national tournament, and finished the 2008-09 season ranked 15th nationally. Snow started his coaching career at TVCC as an assistant basketball coach with the men’s program from 2002 through 2005. A native of Lamar, Arkansas, Snow is a 1994 graduate of Middleton High School, in Middleton. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College, Cum Laude. Russ is currently completing his Master of Arts degree in Athletic Administration from Idaho State University. Snow is also an Operation Iraqi Freedom II veteran, where he served with the 1058th AF Gun Truck Company, attached to the 232nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. He is currently a traditional guardsman with the Idaho Air National Guard, serving as a Staff Sergeant with the 124th Logistical Readiness Squadron. “I am incredibly excited by the opportunity to return to Treasure Valley Community College,” Snow said. “The facility is one of the best in the NWAACC and TVCC’s Athletic Director, Ed Aronson, is very committed to building a winning program.” Snow also said he is appreciative of the opportunity to come back to a place that gave him his start. “TVCC has been the springboard that changed my entire life. As a former student here and also the place where I began my coaching career the lessons learned here have opened doors I never imagined,” Snow said. “We are extremely pleased to get the opportunity to bring back Coach Snow as the head coach for men’s basketball at TVCC,” Aronson said. “Not only does Coach Snow have a tremendous amount of coaching experience, he also does an excellent job of recruiting. Our philosophy on recruiting starts in this local valley, from Eastern Oregon to Southwest Idaho,” Aronson added. “Coach Snow has the necessary network with the local high schools and coaches to recruit the type of student-athletes necessary to compete in the NWAACC and the type of students that we want to be a part of Chukar athletics.”
April 30, 2009
Russ Snow named head coach for TVCC men’s basketball
Clackamas' Dunn Accepts Basketball Scholarship to Central Washington University Dunn, from Mountain View High in Vancouver, WA, led the 2009 Cougar team to an NWAACC championship, an all time school best 29-3 record, and a Southern Region (13-1) title as well. He was also named to the Southern Region 1st team and the NWAACC tournament first team. In 2008, Dunn was selected to the Southern Region 2nd team while helping that Cougar team to a 2nd place finish in the region. As a freshman, he averaged 19.9 ppg. This year, he fashioned a stellar season in which he developed into one of the top all around NWAACC guards. He finished among the NWAACC leaders in scoring and assists both seasons he played at Clackamas. Said Coach Wegner: "Austin had a sensational career at CCC and has really developed as an excellent all around college guard. He's a scorer with a nice skill package, is versatile enough to play all three perimeter spots effectively, and he can defend and rebound at championship level. I really think he is the most underrated and under-appreciated guard in the Northwest; he's so consistent and steady. He was absolutely pivotal in leading us to the title. At the NWAACC tournament, he was sensational all four games; he just kept making big play after big play. We're proud of him thrilled for him; he deserves it. It's a really nice scholarship that will cover virtually all of his education for his bachelor's degree." Dunn was actively recruited by more than 20 colleges at the NAIA and NCAA levels because of his play at CCC. At Central Washington, Dunn will continue to play with JC Cook, his Cougar backcourt mate at Clackamas. Together, they will combine with former NWAACC stars Toussaint Tyler and Chris Sprinkler (Tacoma CC), Chris Scott (South Puget Sound CC), and Brandon Foote (Whatcom CC). It should make for a pretty strong NWAACC flavor in Ellensburg! Central Washington has been one of the top Division II schools on the west coast, with a consistently proud competitive tradition of excellence that dates back 50 seasons. They have also finished 2nd in the conference each of the past two seasons and have qualified for the Western Regionals in three for the last four years.
April 28, 2009
Oregon City, Ore. - All Star guard Austin Dunn, the Cougars' 6' 3" sophomore, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Central Washington University.
Clackamas' JC Cook signs with Central Washington Basketball April 16, 2009 Cook, from Canby, led the 2009 Cougar team to an NWAACC championship, an all time best 29-3 record, and a Southern Region (13-1) title as well. He was also named the Southern Region MVP and on the NWAACC all tournament team. In 2008, he was selected to the Southern Region 1st team while helping his team to a 2nd place finish in the region. As a freshman, he was one of the top scorers in the NWAACC, averaging 21.7 ppg, then backed it up by averaging 19.1 ppg as a sophomore. He also finished among the NWAACC leaders in steals and assists both seasons. Said Coach Wegner: "JC is one of the most exciting and explosive players to ever play at CCC. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching him and watching him play. He lays it out on the line every game; he is a warrior. He has always played like a champion for us; I was thrilled for him and his team mates this season because that championship is forever. Hopefully, he will be able to help take Central to a title as well. It's a great scholarship, covering all his education and costs. He deserves it; he's worked really hard in the gym, the classroom, and the weight room to get there. They are getting a great player who is also a great kid. He will be missed here; that's for sure. The entire Cougar family and community wishes him well and looks forward to watching him continue his playing career." Cook was actively recruited by more than 20 Division I and Division II schools. At Central, he joins a program that has been one of the top Division II schools on the west coast. The Wildcats have a consistently proud competitive tradition of excellence that dates back 50 seasons. They have also finished 2nd in the conference each of the past two seasons and have qualified for the Western Regionals in three for the last four years. At CWU, he will join former NWAACC stars Toussaint Tyler and Chris Sprinkler (Tacoma CC), Chris Scott (South Puget Sound CC), and Brandon Foote (Whatcom CC.)
April 16, 2009
Cook Signs With Central Washington University
Oregon City, Ore. - JC Cook, the Cougars' 6' 1" sophomore guard, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Central Washington University.
NWAACC Basketball Coaches of the Year Announced Clackamas' Clif Wegner Named NWAACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year Lane's Greg Sheley Named NWAACC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year Coach Wegner and Coach Sheley will be formally honored at the 2009 Hall of Fame Banquet being held in Pasco, WA May 28.
March 23, 2009
NWAACC Basketball Coaches of the Year
Clackamas men's basketball Head Coach Clif Wegner was voted the NWAACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year for his team's outstanding season. This is the second time Coach Wegner has been named Coach of the Year by his peers. The Cougars needed double overtime against defending NWAACC Champs Yakima Valley and a single overtime against Lower Columbia to claim the 2009 NWAACC Championship. The Cougars finished the season 29-3 and was ranked #1 for the majority of the season. The 2008-09 season wasn't without hardship for Clackamas. In December, longtime coach with the Cougars, Jim Worden passed away from cancer and the team dedicated the season to Worden.
After winning this year's NWAACC Women's Basketball Championship, Greg Sheley has been voted the 2008-09 Women's Coach of the Year. Sheley won his third NWAACC championship in four years. During his ten years as the Lane Titan coach, Sheley has accumulated a 243-73 record. The 2008-09 season marks his eighth straight season with 20 wins or more. After finishing second in the South Region, the Titans rolled through the NWAACC Tournament. This year is Sheley's third time being named NWAACC Coach of the Year.
This Weekend on ISPN
March 20, 2009
The ISPN Sports Show with Kevin Mac and NWAACC baseball Double Header broadcast. Starting at 8am on www.ispnsports.com
Featured guests, Cliff Wegner, head coach of the 2009 NWAACC mens basketball champions Clackamas Cougars, Greg Sheley head coach of the womens 2009 NWAACC champions Lane Titans. Live baseball double header broadcast starting at 1pm Pierce Raiders vs. OC Rangers.
www.ispnsports.com
Treasure Valley alum Vander Esch named to NAIA All-American Team 3/18/2009 SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- College of Idaho's Christon Vander Esch, the CCC's Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2008-09, has been named a second team NAIA Division II All-American, the national office announced. Three other Cascade Collegiate Conference players also were recognized with All-America citations: Southern Oregon's Jacki Speer, Concordia's Rebecca Gimeno and College of Idaho's Nicole Gall. Speer and Gimeno were third-team selections, and Gall was an honorable mention choice. Related Article: 2008-09 All-CCC Team
March 19, 2009
Vander Esch, 3 Others Named NAIA D-II Women's All-Americans
Sophomore All-Star Tournament MVP Selections Women Lane's Sheena Cole led the South women to a 87-67 win over the North All-Stars. Cole had 19 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds. Treasure Valley's Hope Williams was one of three East all-stars to record 14 points, but it was her work on the boards that made her stand out as she collected 13 rebounds to lead the East over the West 82-63. In Men's action, Whatcom's Ryan Sweet had a double-double as he ripped the nets for 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for the North in a tight 84-82 win over the South All-Stars. Walla Walla's Tyler Bollman was 7 of 15 from three point range as he tallied 21 points to lead the East over the West 103-97.
March 16, 2009
Sophomore All-Star Tournament MVP Selections
South-North: Sheena Cole
, Lane
East-West: Hope Williams, Treasure Valley
Men
North-South: Ryan Sweet
East-West: Tyler Bollman, Walla Walla
2009 NWAACC Basketball Championships All-Tournament Teams 2009 NWAACC BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS MEN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM SECOND TEAM MOST VALUABLE: MOST INSPIRATIONAL: WOMEN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM SECOND TEAM MOST VALUABLE: MOST INSPIRATIONAL:
March 09, 2009
FIRST TEAM
Austin Dunn, Clackamas
Coby Gibler, Highline
Nico Sandoval, Yakima Valley
Ryan Sweet Whatcom
Marice Toliver, Lower Columbia
J.C. Cook, Clackamas
Duntae Jones, Olympic
Earl Jones, Mt Hood
Alex King, Lower Columbia
Rahiti Marere, Bellevue
Chehalis Tapscott, Clackamas
Jeray Key, Lower Columbia
FIRST TEAM
Kourtney Parks, Lane
Keri Arendse, Skagit Valley
Katie Isham, Walla Walla
Miranda Holenstein, Umpqua
Rylee Peterson, Clackamas
Kaitlyn McBride, Yakima Valley
Sheena Cole, Lane
Brittany Duerr, Centralia
Brittney Janz, Skagit Valley
Brooklyn Bahme, Mt Hood
Jennifer Kimbrow, Lane
Alyssa Koller, Skagit Valley
2009 NWAACC Basketball Championships: Game Summaries SUNDAY MARCH 08 It took double overtime for the Clackamas Cougars to make the championship game and it took overtime for the Lower Columbia Red Devils to head to the final challenge, so it came as no surprise that it took overtime to determine a winner between the two teams vying for the 2009 NWAACC Championship. Heading into the 2009 NWAACC Men’s Championship game, the Clackamas Cougars had a number one ranking in the Horizon Air poll; the Southern Region MVP, J.C. Cook; the Southern Region coach of the year, Clif Wegner; and Southern Region all stars Chehales Tapscott, Austin Dunn and Jeff Dorman. The Lower Columbia Red Devils had Western Region all star Alex King and the region’s fourth seed coming into the tournament. Both teams had difficult victories last night – Clackamas finally established control in the second overtime, winning 108-101 against Yakima Valley. Lower Columbia suffered the overtime curse as well, squeaking through 79-77 over Highline. Cougar Zach Wilde pump faked and went under his opponent to post the first points of the game a minute thirty in. While Lower Columbia looked for someone with a hot hand, Clackamas built a 12-point lead only 10 minutes in. The Devils woke up and responded with 12 unanswered points to tie the game. The score remained locked as they headed into the locker room at the half and was locked again at 63 when time expired, sending the game into overtime. The Cougars quickly established control in OT, going up by five, a margin they held with two minutes to go. However, the Devils fought back and were within two with fifteen seconds on the clock. Red Devil Marice Tolliver missed a fader and the ball and win seemed destined to Clackamas. However, Ryan Freeman fought and pulled down the ball as the whistle sounded, giving Lower Columbia one more shot with .6 seconds on the clock to inbound and shoot. However, King had no chance for a good look at the basket as shot hit wide to the right. The clock sounded with a Cougar victory, 71-69. Dunn and Tapscott came up big for the Cougars with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Tapscott added 16 big boards. Key posted high points for the Saints, 21, and King had 15 of his own with 13 rebounds. Rolliver came down with 15 rebounds in the game. The 2009 NWAACC Champion Clackamas Cougars close out their season 29-3. The Red Devils return home with a second place trophy and a 19-12 record. WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Lane 81, Skagit Valley 54 [box score] It was a blow from which the Cardinals would not recover. Although gritty defensive play in the second half from Alex Love showed Skagit Valley kept heart, the Titans were never in danger and the ladies from Lane went on to win the 2009 NWAACC Basketball Championship, 81-54. The Lane domination was spread out, with five players in the double digitts. High scorer was first team Southern Region all star Sheena Cole with 15. Second team all star Carmen Williams had 14 with a few beautiful shots in the paint and Jennifer Kimbrow also had 14. Sarah Whitfield had the game’s only double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The team shot 42% from the field. The shining star for the weary Cardinals was first team Northern Region all-star Keri Arendse who was responsible for 19 points. Teammate and Northern Region MVP Brittany Janz shot 0-for-8 in the first half but finished the game with 14. Overall, the Cardinals shot 24% from field goal range. This is the third championship in five years for Lane Community College, who finish the season 27-5. The Cardinals return home with second place finish in the NWACC tournament and a 27-2 season. MEN: Yakima Valley 81, Highline 73 [box score] Yak Nico Sandoval had an impressive 23 points and 12 assists. Teammate Jody Johnson had a double-double of his own with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Rico Wilkins rounded out the high scoring starters with 18. The Thunderbirds were led by Kelly Edwards with 16. Dan Young only played 15 minutes but had a valuable 14 of his own. Stedman Richardson had 12 rebounds. The third place Yaks complete their season 25-7. The sixth place Thunderbirds wrap up their season 22-9. WOMEN: Umpqua 81, Clackamas 68 [box score] Miranda Holenstein was the outstanding scorer for the Riverhawks with 25 points and nine rebounds. Kristi Fallin added 16 and Cassandra Tiggett posted a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. For the Cougars, Rylee Peterson dropped in 19 and Dayle Powell contributed 16. Shayla Fetters had 13. The Riverhawks win third place in the tournament and close out their 2008-2009 season with a 29-3 record. The Cougars finish the tournament in sixth with a 21-9 record. MEN: Bellevue 90, Olympic 80 [box score] For the victorious Bulldogs, David Maddock dropped in 20 points. Sam Cartmell had 17. Curron Singleton had 13 and Rahiti Marere added 11. The Rangers were led by Tysaih Curry’s 19 points and 12 rebounds. Duntae had 17 points and L.P. Neloms contributed 15. Justin Artis rounded out the double digit scorers with 13. With their fourth place finish, the Bellevue Bulldogs complete their season 27-6. The Olympic Rangers take seventh place in the tournament with a 21-8 season. WOMEN: Walla Walla 72, Yakima Valley 54 [box score] Kati Isham lead the storm for the Warriors, scoring 12 in the first half and 22 in the game. Nancy Johnson had 15. Kayla Hutcheson shot six for eight for 12 points. Yak Kaitlin McBride and Christina Gough were the point leaders for their team with 8 points. The Walla Walla Warriors win fourth place in the NWAACC Championship, ending their season 21-7. The Yakima Valley Yaks finish 25-6. MEN:Whatcom 82, Mt. Hood 75 [box score] Leading the Orcas were Ryan Sweet with 22 points and 12 rebounds and Don Perconti and Zac Andrus with 14 points each. For the Saints, Earl Jones contributed 21 points while Cody Mortenson had 15 and Chris Weitzel had 13. The Orcas take fifth place in the 2009 NWAACC Basketball Championship, closing out their season 22-8. The Saints end up in eighth place and a record of 22-8. WOMEN:Mt. Hood 64, Centralia 61 [box score] Leading scorers for the Saints were Jacki Cunningham with 21, Alexandra Melonson with 16 and Katie Smith with a 10-10 double-double. For the Lady Blazers, Brittany Duerr had 25 points, playing nearly the entire game. Stevie Isaac had 10. The Mt. Hood Saints take 5th place in the 2009 NWAACC Basketball Championship with a 19-12 season record. The Centralia Lady Blazers claim eighth place and end their ’08-’09 season 25-5. SATURDAY MARCH 07 The teams traded baskets in the first half as the Thunderbirds out-rebounded the Red Devils on offensive rebounds 13 to 6, using their height advantage to the fullest. However, the Red Devils had the hot hand, shooting 51% versus 34%. Encouraged by a set of quick threes by Conrad Richie, Lower Columbia finished the first half with a 39 to 33 lead. The threes continued to make the difference for Lower Columbia as they pulled ahead by as many as 12. But, Highline refused to panic and whittled away the lead, finally tying the game at 24.5 seconds left on the clock. Lower Columbia took the last shot, missing it and sending the game into OT. With the score 77-76 and Highline in the lead with 28 seconds to play, Red Devil Marice Tolliver ran down the clock and snagged a three with 12 seconds left, giving the Devils the lead 79-77. At the end of the court, the Red Devil shot was swatted out of bounds by Tolliver with 2.1 seconds on the clock. There was time for one more shot from Thunderbird Julian Fernandez but it missed the mark as the Red Devils triumphed 79-77. For the Red Devils, Tolliver carried the team with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Jeray Key stepped it up for 15 points and 10 rebounds. For the Thunderbirds, Coby Gibler lead the charge with 21 points and 16 huge rebounds. Shedrick Nelson had 17 points and Kelly Edwards kicked in 11 with 12 rebounds. The Lower Columbia Red Devils fight for the 2009 NWACC Championship tomorrow at 7 p.m. against the Clackamas Cougars. The Highline Thunderbirds will see Yakima at 2 p.m. with their quest for third. WOMEN: Skagit Valley 82, Umpqua 72 [box score] The victorious Cardinals’ leading scorer was Keri Arendse with 18, plus 12 rebounds. Brittany Janz contributed 21. Shante Scott included 14, plus 15 boards. For the Riverhawks, Kristi Fallin and Miranda Holenstein had 13 each. Cassie Scheffelmaier and Casandra Tiggett added 10 apiece, with 14 rebounds from Tiggett. Skagit Valley will advance to tomorrow’s 4:30 p.m. championship game against the Lane Titans. Umpqua will return to the court at 2 p.m. to square off against the Clackamas Cougars for third place. MEN: Clackamas 108, Yakima 101 2 OT [box score] With 3:40 to play, the Cougars briefly regained a one point lead. Although they couldn’t keep it, they kept at the Yaks heels and when the time expired, the Yaks and Cougars were all tied at 79, sending the game into overtime. The teams battled through the five minutes of overtime. A missed three-pointer by Cougar Austin Dunn as time expired found the teams locked in at 86, sending it into double OT. A three pointer from the Yaks kicked off the second OT. However, the Cougars responded and momentum changed with 2:11 to go when S. Fife snagging the ball and ran ahead of the Yaks team for an unchallenged layup, giving the Cougars the largest lead they’d had in the game. With a little over a minute to play, Fife threw the ball to a jumping Chehales Tapscott for a tap in. JC Cook followed with a fader and the Yaks’ hopes of continuing to the championship game disappeared. For the Cougars, Tapscott posted the double-double with 18 rebounds and 23 points on the board. Dunn contributed 22, going 10 for 11 at the line under pressure. Cook had 21. The Yaks leading scorers were Rico Sandoval and LeMar Anglin with 19. Rico Wilkins had 18 and Jody Johnson added 16. Johnson and Sandoval had 11 boards each. With the loss, the Yaks will look to fight for third place at 2 p.m. tomorrow against the loser of the 8 p.m. competition between Lower Columbia and Highline. The Cougars will see the winner of the same game at 8 p.m. to square off for the NWAACC 2009 Basketball Championship. WOMEN: Lane 57, Clackamas 50 [box score] With only two minutes to play, a field goal from Dayle Powell brought the Cougars within a basket. However, a series of missed shots under the baskets kept the Cougars from getting any closer and the Titans pulled away. Titan Jennifer Kimbrow posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Sarah Whitfield had big boards, pulling down 10. Kourtney Parks added 13 points to the mix. Three Cougar women added double digit points: Bryanna St. Paul had 14, rylee Peterson had 12, plus 11 rebounds, and Shayla Fetters had 11. With the win, Lane will keep an eye on the 8 p.m. game between Skagit Valley and Umpqua to determine who they will face in tomorrow’s 4:30 p.m. NWAACC Championship. Clackamas will see the loser of the same game at 2 p.m. for a fight over 3rd place. MEN: Olympic 81, Chemeketa 79 [box score] A foul on Duntae Jones sent Landon Boucher to the line for Chemketa to make two. After a missed shot by the Rangers, Danny Berger answered with two points in the paint, making the score 79-75. Seeing the danger, Ranger L.P. Neloms answered with a three at the top of the key, bringing Olympic within one, at a score of 79-78 with a little over a minute to play. Aggressive defense from Olympic forced Chemeketa player D. Berger to turn it over. Ranger Justin Artis put it back in the basket after a missed shot by his teammate, making the score 80-79 with 44 seconds on the clock. Berger missed a subsequent three that bounced over the backboard and into Olympic hands. A foul sent Ranger Glenn Perkins to the line to make one of two. A successful rebound grab by Storm player D. Berger returned the ball to Chemeketa hands with 23 seconds to play. However, a turnover quickly gave the ball back to the Rangers, who missed a layup and gave the Storm one more chance at the basket with 2.8 seconds on the clock. On the inbound pass, Ranger Artis grabbed the ball, ending the Chemeketa tournament hopes with a score of 81-79. Leading Ranger scorers were Jamil Moore with 16 and Neloms with 15. The Storm had five players in the double digits including D. Berger with 18, and Suquan Gary with 17.. John Berger added 15. As the winner, the Rangers competes for fourth place in the 2009 NWAACC Basketball Championship on Sunday at 12 p.m. against the Bellevue Bulldogs. The losing Chemeketa Storm team go away with a 16-12 record for the 2008-2009 season. WOMEN: Walla Walla 60, Lower Columbia 47 [box score] Leading the Warriors were Nancy Johnson with 20 points and Kati Isham with 18. Holly Weston was the only Red Devil in double digits with 12. The Walla Walla Warriors will see Yakima Valley Yaks on their quest for fourth place tomorrow at 12 p.m. The Lower Columbia Red Devils finish the tournament and their season with a 17-13 record. MEN: Bellevue 75, Tacoma 60 [box score] The teams kept in close in the first half, but a better shooting percentage and more opportunities for the net let the Bulldogs pull away in the second twenty minutes. In a bizarre turn of events, the Titan coach left the game and did not return after receiving a technical foul. The Titans bench also received another technical. For the victorious Bulldogs, Rahiti Marere lead the charge with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Josiah Brensdal had 14, David Maddock added 11 and Matt Lapasin contributed 10. The leading scorers for the Titans were Darious Walker with 16, Derrick Davis with 14 and Kevin Dancer contributed 11 with 10 rebounds. The Bulldogs will face the winner of today’s 4 p.m. matchup between Olympic and Chemeketa tomorrow at 12 p.m. as they fight for fourth place. The Titans complete their season 26-5. WOMEN: Yakima Valley 71, Columbia Basin 56 [box score] Sophomore Chelsey Nill pushed the Yaks forward with 22 points. Nicole DeRosier pushed another 18. Jordan Brown and Lauren Rada each had 13 points for the Hawks. Yakima Valley Yaks will look for fourth place in the tournament in tomorrow’s competition against the winner of today’s 4 p.m. game between Walla Walla and Lower Columbia. The Hawks finish their season.18-12. MEN: Mt. Hood 88, Spokane 80 [box score] Spokane is knocked out of the tournament with a loss, 88-80. Leading the triumphant Saints was Jeremy Jones. His hot hand went eight for 10 for 22 points. Teammates Jamar Johnson had 21 and Earl Jones contributed 18 with 10 assists. The Sasquatch had three players in the double digits – after an explosive game last night, Zach Humphrey had 13, while teammate Griffon Jones contributed 16. Derek Gianukakis lead the team with 18. Mt. Hood will battle for fifth place tomorrow against the Whatcom Orcas. Spokane exits the 2009 NWAACC Championship with a 20-8 season record. Topping the scoring board for the Saints were Shawnelle Campbell with 17, Alexandra Melonson with 16 and Brooklyn Bahme with 15. Alisha Love was the standout performer for the Bulldogs, responsible for 24 of their points. The Mt. Hood Saints continue their tournament run and will fight for fifth place on Sunday at 10 a.m. against the Centralia Lady Blazers. The Bellevue Bulldogs wrap up their season 17-14. MEN: Whatcom 75, Clark 55 [box score] Orca Ryan Sweet was unstoppable, dropping in 15 of 19 for 32 points and 10 boards. Teammate Zac Andrus shot six of eight for 17 of his own. For the weary Penguins, Ryan Anderson put 13 on the scoreboard. Brandon Jones added 12. The Orcas will try for fifth place in the 2009 NWAACC Championship tomorrow at 10 a.m., facing off against the winner of today’s noon Mt. Hood/Spokane match-up. Clark ends the season 18-11. WOMEN: Centralia 69, Peninsula 56 [box score] Leading the Lady Blazer charge were Deanna Riffe and Brittany Duerr with 18 and 17 points, respectively. For the Pirates, Brittany Bridges went five of eight behind the three point line for 15 points while teammate Brooke Helpenstell had the hot hand with eight of 12 for a total of 19 points. Centralia continues their quest for fifth place in the NWAACC Championship tomorrow at 10 a.m. They’ll face the winner of the noon Mt. Hood vs. Bellevue game. The Pirates complete their season 19-11.
March 07, 2009
MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Clackamas 71, Lower Columbia 69 OT [box score coming soon]
After an unsuspected domination over Umpqua last night, Skagit Valley hoped for a repeat against favored Lane. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the Titans jumped out to a 22-0 lead to start the game and left the bewildered Skagit Valley team scoreless for the first 7.5 minutes, heading into the locker room down by 29 points.
Today’s battle for third place in the 2009 NWAACC Basketball Championships was a fierce one through the first half of the game and the Highline Thunderbirds and Yakima Valley Yaks entered intermission with only two points between them. However, the Yaks went on the offensive, outscoring the Thunderbirds 41-31 for the win, 81-73.
In their quest for third place in the 2009 NWAACC Basketball Championships, the Umpqua Riverhawks took charge early over the Clackamas Cougars and never let go, winning 81-68.
Despite a strong comeback from the Olympic Rangers to overcome a 14-point deficit and bring the score within four with under three minutes to play, the Bellevue Bulldogs fought them off to pull away to win fourth place in the 2009 NWAACC Basketball Tournament with a 90-80 victory.
The Walla Walla Warriors lead the Yakima Valley Yaks by 7 heading into the half and never looked back in their quest for fourth place, winning 72-54.
As the Mt. Hood Saints women charged back from a large deficit next door, the men’s team was busy blowing a 15 point lead, getting outscored 53-35 in the second half for a Whatcom Orca victory, 82-75.
Despite a lead by the Centralia Lady Blazers by as much as 12 during the first half, the Mt. Hood Saints refused to give up, charging ahead to take the lead in the second half and keeping it all the way to the buzzer, winning 64-61.
MEN: Lower Columbia 79, Highline 77 OT [box score]
Ranked number two in the Horizon Air poll heading into the tournament, the Highline Thunderbird’s appearance in tonight’s semifinal matchup was no surprise. However, after squeaking into the competition as the West fourth seed, the Lower Columbia Red Devils were expected to be anywhere else.
Scoring an average of 90 points per game, the Umpqua Riverhawks entered the NWAACC tournament with the first place ranking in Horizon Air poll. In their first two games of the tournament, the Riverhawks won by convincing margins of 28 points or more. But, when the fifth ranked Skagit Valley Cardinals went on a 20-2 run to open the game, it was a blow from which the Riverhawks would never recover. Cardinals win, 82-72.
There was never a comfortable lead for the defending NWAACC champions, the Yakima Valley Yaks. Although they led most the game, it was never by much, and aggressive play from the Clackamas Cougars would keep in close.
In a game that was much closer than the game implied, the Lane Titans defeated the Clackamas Cougars 57-55 in a 2009 NWAACC basketball championship semi-final game.
With two minutes to play, the physical and inspired Olympic Ranger and Chemeketa Storm teams were all tied up at 75.
Heading into halftime, the Walla Walla Warriors held a 10 point lead over the Lower Columbia Red Devils. They only extended their lead in the second half, triumphing 60-47.
The loss of starting point guard and West region all star Toussaint Tyler to yesterday’s injury showed in today’s game as the Bellevue Bulldogs fell to the Tacoma Titans, 75-60.
Although they entered halftime with a seven point deficit, the Yakima Valley Yaks outscored the Columbia Basin Hawks 2-to-1 in the second half to come away with the win, 71-56.
Ranked fifth in the Horizon Air poll heading into the tournament, the Spokane Sasquatch’s first round loss to the hard-charging Lower Columbia Red Devils came as a surprise. However, their loss to seventh ranked Mt. Hood might be a tougher pill to swallow as the Sasquatch ran out of time as they fought back from a 23 point deficit, bringing it within 7 with just under a minute to play.
WOMEN: Ht. Hood 71, Bellevue 68 [box score]
While their men ran away with the game next door, the lady Mt. Hood Saints found themselves in a hard battle with the determined Bellevue Bulldogs. However, the Saints managed to stay one step ahead of the Bulldogs the entire time and staved off overtime on a missed shot by rushed Bulldog Tiffany Shen as time expired to win 71-68.
The Clark Penguins came back once from a 10+ point deficit in the first half against the storming Whatcom Orcas, only to see the Orcas pull away again. With under eight minutes to play, the Penguins went on a run, drawing the score within six. However, that was as close as Clark would get, ultimately falling 75-55.
After battling back and forth for most of the first half, the Centralia Lady Blazers pulled away cleanly from the Peninsula Pirates in the second, finishing the game on top, 69-56.
FRIDAY MARCH 06
WOMEN: Bellevue 68, Treasure Valley 52 [box score]
While the Treasure Valley Chukars got off more shots, the Belleve Bulldogs shot an impressive 55.6% to finish with a commanding lead, 68-52.
For the Bulldogs, Phyllea Francis lead with 12 points. Tiffany Shen and Sharonda Palmer gave another 11 and 10, respectively.
For the Chuckers, Alla Dzhidzhiyeshvili and Hope Willams scored 14. Nicole Tolman added 10.
The Bellevue Bulldogs live to fight another day tomorrow against Mt. Hood at 12 p.m. The Treasure Valley Chuckars finish the season 15-13.
MEN: Spokane 67, Skagit Valley 64 [box score]
After losing in a blowout against fourth conference seed Lower Columbia in yesterday’s game, Spokane fought to show Skagit Valley why they’re ranked fifth in the Horizon Air Poll with a win over the Skagit Valley Cardinals, 67-64.
The turning point in the game came with 8:30 to play, when a three pointer allowed the Sasquatch to pull away by six. While the Cardinals kept it close until the third minute, a quick unraveling allowed Spokane to pull ahead by 10 with under two minutes to play. However, the Cardinals refused to allow the Sasquatch an easy win and scored nine straight, pulling within one after Andrew Beatty’s on-the-line three made the score 65-64 with 30 seconds to play.
A forced foul sent Sasquatch player Zack Humphrey to the line for two, bring the score to 67-64. Beatty’s for-the-tie three hit the rim, sending the ball out of bounds with 1.4 seconds and without another Cardinal chance.
Chas Kok lead the Cardinals with 20 points. Trent Leach and Brad Balch added 12 each.
For the Sasquatch, Zach Humphrey showed the way with 24. Kevin Bond had 10.
The Spokane Sasquatch continue their tournament dreams on Saturday at 12 p.m. against Mt. Hood. The Skagit Valley Cardinals wrap up their 2008-09 season 16-12.
WOMEN: Umpqua 89, Lower Columbia 61[box score]
The number one ranked team in the league, the Umpqua Riverhawks continued their easy wins with a 89-61 victory over the Lower Columbia Red Devils.
The Riverhawks team revealed the depth of their bench with five players in the double digits, including two with 20 points or more in Kristi Fallin and Miranda Holenstein.
Heidi Jackson lead the lady Devils in scoring and rebounds with 23 and eight, respectively.
Umpqua will look for domination tomorrow against Skagit Valley at 8 p.m. Lower Columbia hopes to avoid elimination with their 4 p.m. match up with Walla Walla.
MEN: Lower Columbia 74, Chemeketa 57[box score]
The Lower Columbia Red Devils can continue to boast they’ve never trailed in this tournament with the first points on the board and a final score of 74-57 over the Chemeketa Storm.
Alex King was the standout performer for the Red Devils, sinking nine of 11 and both free throws for 20 points and pulled down 16 boards. Jeray Key added 17 points and Conrad Ritchie contributed 14.
For the Storm, John Berger lead the charge with 19 points. Suquan Gary had 11.
The Red Devils continue their quest to the championship tomorrow at 8 p.m. against Highline. Chemeketa will see Olympic at 4 p.m.
WOMEN: Clackamas 63, Yakima Valley 57 [box score]
While their male counterparts fought tooth and nail next door, the lady Cougars charged ahead of the Yakima Valley Yaks for a 63-57 win.
Rylee Peterson dominated for the Cougars with nearly half of their points – 28 – and 13 rebounds. Teammate Bryanna St. Paul included an impressive 20 of her own.
For the Yaks, Chelsey Nill had the hot hand on the threes, dropping down four of five with a total of 14 points. Kaitlin McBride added 11 and 7 boards.
Clackamas returns to the court against Lane at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Yakima Valley will see Columbia Basin at 2 p.m.
MEN: Clackamas 71, Tacoma 60 [box score]
The Clackamas Cougars first place rank heading into the tournament didn’t scare the third-ranked Tacoma Titans in a scrappy back-and-forth game that only had clarity in the final two minutes as the Cougars pulled away two win 71-60.
After starting the second 20 minutes ahead, the Cougars lagged close behind by five points or less for heart of the second half. An ankle injury removed Titan Toussaint Tyler from the field with a little more than 10 minutes to play. Two points from Cougar Austin Dunn with 5:48 to play returned Clackamas to the lead, 56-55.
From there, the big cats toyed with the Titans, scraping out another four points as the Titans went 1-for-6 at the line. However, as the clock ticked over to two minutes, the Titans surged, fueled Anthony Enriquez’ successful free throw and second shot put back by Kevin Dancer, bringing the score to 60-59.
It was as close as Tacoma would get. The team from Oregon City took control, spreading out baskets between Dunn, JC Cook, Jeff Dorman and an enthusiastic, dominating basket by Chehales Tapscott to finish it off.
The Titans were lead by injured Tyler with 19 points, and Dancer’s 17, plus 12 rebounds. The Cougars’ points leader, Dunn, offered up 27 points, while teammate Cook added another 20. Tapscott contributed 12, with 13 rebounds.
Clackamas faces Yakima tomorrow at 6 p.m. Tacoma will see Bellevue at 2 p.m.
WOMEN: Lane 68, Columbia Basin 59 [box score]
The third-ranked Lane Titans were never in serious trouble as they defeated the seventh-ranked Columbia Basin Hawks by a score of 68-59.
Lane was paced by Theresa Brown's 8 of 9 shooting from the field and 6 of 6 shooting from the line for 22 points. She also dominated the boards for 10 rebounds and a pair of blocks.
Lauren Rada and Jordan Brown combined for 35 points for the Hawks.
Lane advances to the semifinals against the winner of the Clackamas - Yakima Valley game tomorrow at 6pm. The loss drops Bellevue into the 4th/7th place consolation bracket again the loser of the Clackamas - Yakima Valley game tomorrow at 2pm.
MEN: Yakima Valley 79, Bellevue 67 [box score]
The sixth-ranked Yakima Valley Yaks took a 17-15 lead at 11:05 in the first period and never gave up the lead as they defeated the fourth-ranked Bellevue Bulldogs by 12, 79-67. The Bulldogs made several strong attempts to catch the Yaks, but couldn't find enough. fire power.
Rico Wilkins was on fire for the Yakima Valley with 12 for 20 shooting from the field, including 8 from beyond the arc, for 35 points. Jody Johnson was huge on the boards with 18 rebounds to go along with his 5 assists and 3 steals.
Matt Lapasin led the Bulldogs on 5 of 7 from the field for 13 points.
The win moves the Yaks into the semifinals against the winner of the Clackamas - Tacoma game tomorrow at 6pm. The loss drops Bellevue into the 4th/7th place consolation bracket against the loser of the Clackamas - Tacoma game tomorrow at 2pm.
WOMEN: Skagit Valley 69, Walla Walla 63 [box score]
The sixth-ranked Walla Walla Warriors and fifth-ranked Skagit Valley Cardinals battled a tight contest for three quarters of the game that featured 11 lead changes. The Cardinals took the lead with less than 10 minutes remaining and held on the rest of the way for a seven point win.
Keri Arendse and Brittany Janz combined for 37 points and 15 rebounds to pace the Cardinals.
Nancy Johnson led the Warriors with 17 points while Kati Isham and Jeni Gabriel combined on another 27.
The win moves Skagit Valley into a semifinal match with either Umpqua or Lower Columbia tomorrow at 8pm. Walla Walla will move into the 4th/7th pace consolation bracket and take on the the loser of the Umpqua - Lower Columbia game tomorrow at 4pm.
MEN: Highline 95, Olympic 78 [box score]
The eighth-ranked Olympic Rangers sputtered on both side of the court and found themselves in a 24-4 hole in the first seven minutes of the game against the second-ranked Highline Thunderbirds. The Rangers got back on track and narrowed the gap to 39-30 by the half, but Highline again opened the gap and cruised to a 18 point win.
Five Thunderbirds scored in double digit figures with Coby Gibler leading the way on his game high 18 points. Gibler, Shedrick Nelson and Kelly Edwards dominated the boards with 7 rebounds apiece as Highline out-rebounded the Rangers 51-30.
Tysaih Curry scored 15 points and 9 rebounds to lead Olympic while Brandon Thompson and Duntae Jones combined for another 27 points.
The win propels Highline into a semifinal match-up with either Lower Columbia or Chemeketa tomorrow at 8pm. Olympic drops into the 4th/7th place consolation bracket against either Lower Columbia or Chemeketa at 4pm tomorrow.
WOMEN: Peninsula 86, South Puget Sound 55 [box score]
The South Puget Sound Clippers hung with the Peninsula Pirates for the opening six minutes but a series of three pointers by Dena Houser and Brittany Bridges opened up a double digit lead as the Clipper offense began to sputter.
Houser led a quartet of double digit scorers with a game high 22 points. Sam Flett had 16 points and 9 boards while Brittany Bridges notched 14 points, eight rebounds and a pair of blocks.
Marissa Magalei and Kaitlin Nielsen combined for 34 of the Clippers 53 points. Nielsen and Alicia Richardson collected a combined 16 rebounds.
The win moves Peninsula into a consolation bracket game verses eighth-ranked Centralia tomorrow morning at 10am. The loss ends South Puget Sounds season with a record of 15-13.
MEN: Whatcom 82 Blue Mountain 80 [box score]
The Whatcom Orcas lead most of the way, but Blue Mountain timberwolves hung close until they made a run that tied the game at 69 to send the contest into overtime. With Whatcom up 81-77, Sam Grogan buried a huge three pointer to bring the Timberwolves to within one, but they couldn't find any more as the Orcas advance on a 82-80 overtime victory.
Ryan Sweet had a monster game as he led the Orcas with 29 points and 12 rebounds while Zac Andrus and Sean Green netted 11 apiece for another 22.
Blue Mountain's Jamar Ransome poured in 24 points and Sam Grogan grabbed 11 boards to go with his 18 points.
The win moves Whatcom into a match up with Clark in the consolation bracket. Game time set for tomorrow at 10am. The loss ends Blue Mountain's season with an overall record of 15-15.
WOMEN: Centralia 63, Whatcom 39 [box score]
The Whatcom Orcas stayed within five of the Centralia Trailblazers for most of the first half until just before the half when the Blazers push out the an eight point advantage, 27-19. Centralia controlled scoring in the paint during the second half and finished off the Orcas 63-39.
Courtney May led the Blazers with 16 points followed by Megan Peabody with 13 and Deanna Riffe with 10. Riffe also pulled down 8 boards for Centralia.
Tara Visser had a double-double for the Orcas scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds along with 5 blocked shots.
The win moves eighth-ranked Centralia into a consolation bracket match up with the winner of the South Puget Sound - Peninsula contest tomorrow at 10am. The loss ends the season the the Orcas who finished the year with a 15-11 record.
MEN: Clark 64, Linn-Benton 59 [box score]
The Linn-Benton Roadrunners pulled out to a 13 point lead with 3:35 left in the first half, but went flat for a long period while the Clark Penguins turned up the heat and regained the lead six minutes into the second half. Clark went up by 13 with 9:48 remaining to play. The Roadrunners fought back but could not close the gap as Clark took a 64-59 victory.
The Penguins were led by Brandon Jones' 20 points and 8 rebounds. Zack Walder, Travis Garrison and Arman Kalan each finished with 8 points.
Tyson Christie and Scott Teutsch combined to score 31 for Linn-Benton. Teutsch also tallied 11 boards for the contest.
The win moves Clark into a consolation bracket match-up with the winner of the Whatcom - Blue Mountain game tomorrow at 10am. Linn-Benton finishes the 2008-09 campaign with a 12-16 overall record.
WOMEN: Mt Hood 83, Highline 64 [box score]
The Highline Thunderbirds and Mt Hood Saints traded leads until mid-way through the
first half when the Saints began to pull ahead and maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way.
Brooklyn Bahme went 7 for 11 from the field and 7 of 7 at the line for 21 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds. Alexandra Melonson and Katie Smith combined on another 30 points. Smith also controlled the middle pulling down 13 boards while Bahme picked the Thunderbird pockets for 5 steals.
Highline's Jazzmn Montgomery and Ariassa Wilson scored 14 apiece while Tera McCann-Soushek and Dani Carlman combined for another 23. Tera McCann-Soushek ripped down 13 boards for the Thunderbirds.
The win moves Mt Hood into a match up with the winner of the Bellevue - Treasure Valley tomorrow at 12pm. Highline's loss ends their season with a 16-14 overall record.
MEN: Mt Hood 78, Columbia Basin 70 [box score]
The Columbia Basin Hawks led most of the way until the Mt Hood Saints seized the lead with 14 minutes remaining in the second half and held on for an eight point margin of victory.
Four players scored in double digit numbers for the Saints led by Mike Wohlers' 17. Cody Mortenson (13) and Jeremy Jones (10) tallied 23 boards as Mt Hood out rebounded the Hawks 55-29.
For the Hawks, Skylar Montoya busted out for 28 points while Andy Maxwell and Morgan Hyslop combined for 23 more.
The win pits Mt Hood against the winner of the Spokane vs. Skagit Valley game tomorrow at 12pm. The loss ends the season for Columbia Basin with an overall record of 16-10.
THURSDAY MARCH 05
MEN: Chemeketa 84, Skagit Valley 61
The Chemeketa Storm took an early lead in the contest and built it into a 28 point lead by the second half before putting away the Skagit Valley Cardinals by 23, 84-61.
Four players scored in double digit figures for the Storm led by Danny Berger's 19. Landon Boucher (17 pts), John Berger (15 pts) and Danny Derry (10 pts) combined for another 42. Derry and Seiji Blume controlled the boards combining for 17 rebounds. Blume also swatted 3 Cardinal shots and swiped 3 others.
Andrew Beatty led the way for Skagit Valley with 16 points and 5 rebounds.
For the Storm, the win sets up a match up of with Lower Columbia tomorrow at 8pm. The loss sends the Cardinals into a 10pm consolation bracket match up with fifth-ranked Spokane.
WOMEN: Lower Columbia 74, Treasure Valley 66
It was a tight match between the Lower Columbia Red Devils and the Treasure Valley Chukars in the first half which resulted in a 27-27 tie at the break. The Red Devils came out of the locker room and established a lead they never relinquished.
The Devils were led by Holly Weston's 20 points and Sadie Salte's 17. Weston also led in rebounds with 7 and assists with 4.
Alla Dzhidzhiyeshvili, Nicole Tolman and Hope Williams combined for 48 points led by Dzhidzhiyeshvili's 20.
The win propels Lower Columbia into a match with top-ranked Umpqua tomorrow at 8pm. Treasure Valley will take on Bellevue in the consolation bracket at 10pm.
MEN: Lower Columbia 69 Spokane 43 [box score]
The fifth-ranked Spokane Sasquatch got more than it could handle as the Lower Columbia Red Devils pounced early and never let off the gas in a 69-43 surprise.
the devils were paced by a trio of double digit scorers as Marice Tolliver (15 pts), Alex King(12 pts) and Ryan Freeman (11 pts) combined for over half of the Red Devil points. Marice Tolliver lead the team on the boards with 7 rebounds while Tolliver and Tim Roffler combined for 10 assists.
Derek Gianukakis led the way for Spokane with 14 points and 7 rebounds.
Lower Columbia will play the winner of the 10pm game (Skagit Valley - Chemeketa) tomorrow at 8pm while Spokane will take on the loser of that game in the consolation bracket at 10pm.
WOMEN: Umpqua 101 Bellevue 53 [box score]
Top-ranked Umpqua Riverhawks put on an awesome display of offense and defense as they cruised past the Bellevue Bulldogs 101-53.
Kristen Fallin nailed 7 of 12 three points en route to scoring 25 points. Another trio of Riverhawks tallied double digit figures as Cassie Scheffelmaier got 17, Miranda Holenstein 13 and Kirsten Strawn 11. The Umpqua defense collectively got 14 steals with Mykiea Russell leading the way with 4 to go along with her 8 assists. Cassandra Tiggett controlled the middle pulling down 16 boards and blocking a pair of shots.
Amanda Harms was the bright spot in the scoring rotation for Bellevue as she shot 4 of 8 from the beyond the arc, scoring 14 points.
The win advances Umpqua against the winner of tonight's Lower Columbia - Treasure Valley game tomorrow at 8pm. Bellevue will take on the loser of that game at 10pm tomorrow evening.
MEN: Clackamas 76 Whatcom 72 [box score]
Top-ranked Clackamas Cougars edged the Whatcom Orcas in a contest that featured sixteen lead changes throughout the entire game.
Four Cougars finished in double figure scoring led by Chehales Tapscott 21 followed by JC Cook's 17 pts, Austin Dunn's 14 and Zach Wilde's 11. Tapscott also led in rebounds with 9 and Shane Fife got 3 steals.
Ryan Sweet led the Orcas with 22 while Zac Andrus and Sean Green each got 14 points. Sweet was huge on the boards with 14 rebounds.
The win sets up a meeting of top-ranked Clackamas and third-ranked Tacoma tomorrow at 6pm while Whatcom faces Blue Mountain in the consolation bracket at 12pm.
WOMEN: Yakima Valley 58 South Puget Sound 45 [box score]
The South Puget Sound Clippers gave second-ranked Yakima Valley Yaks all the game they could handle through 3/4 of the game - Then the Yaks cranked up their intensity on both offense and defense and took over the contest rest of the way.
Kaitlin McBride paced the Yaks with 18 points and Nicole DeRosier dumped in another 13. Kaiti Harris was big in the middle with 9 points and 9 rebounds while McBride created havoc for the Clipper ball handlers with 8 steals.
Kaitlin Nielsen led the Clippers with 12 points and Whitney Moser pulled down 9 boards while Kiara Honore dished four assists.
The win pits Yakima Valley against fourth-ranked Clackamas tomorrow at 6pm while South Puget Sound will meet Peninsula at 12pm in the consolation bracket.
MEN: Bellevue 76, Linn-Benton 53 [box score]
Linn-Benton challenged the fourth-ranked Bellevue Bulldogs for half of the first period, then hit long scoring drought and never recovered from a 27 point deficit.
The Bulldogs were led in scoring by Matt Lapasin's 15 points and David Maddock's 14. Rukari Austin had 10 boards and 2 blocks.
The Roadrunners' Tyson Christie notched 21 points and 7 rebounds.
The win sends Bellevue into a match up with sixth-ranked Yakima Valley tomorrow at 4pm. Linn-Benton will meet Clark tomorrow at 10am in the consolation bracket.
WOMEN: Columbia Basin 59, Centralia 58 OT [box score]
Columbia Basin took the early lead until mid-way through the first half when Centralia took over and built an eleven point lead mid way through the second half. The Hawks then nearly held the Trailblazer offense scoreless for the last half of the second period to tie the score 55 all and send the game into overtime where the Hawks prevailed 59-58.
Jordan Brown sparked the Hawks with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Caitlin Dill added eight points along with her team high 9 rebounds while Lauren Rada added another 9 points.
Brittany Duerr had a big game for Centralia as she scored 26 points with Deanna Riffe contibuting 15 of her own. Riffe also had a game high 11 rebounds.
The win advances seventh-ranked Columbia Basin in a match up with third-ranked Lane tomorrow at 4pm. Eighth-ranked Centralia will meet Whatcom at 10am in the consolation bracket tomorrow morning.
MEN: Highline 73, Columbia Basin 65 [box score]
Second-ranked Highline jump out to a eight point half time margin over the hometown Columbia basin Hawks and never relinquished the lead. The Hawks pulled to within two late in the game but couldn't catch the Thunderbirds as they again increased the margin.
The Thunderbirds were led by Kelly Edwards (19 points), Vaughn Gaines (15 pts) and Coby Gibler (14 pts). Gibler also pulled down 13 boards while Gaines led the team in assists with 10.
Skylar Montoya was the Hawks high scorer with 19 with Andy Maxwell and Morgan Hyslop combining for another 25. Travis Iverson ripped down 11 boards and Morgan Hyslop had 4 steals.
The Thunderbirds advance to play eighth-ranked Olympic tomorrow at 2pm. The Hawks will take on seventh-ranked Mt Hood at 8am in the consolation bracket.
WOMEN: Skagit Valley 79, Mt Hood 72 [box score]
Fifth-ranked Skagit Valley took a 37-33 half time lead and built it into a 23 point lead in the second. Mt Hood then began to hit from beyond the arc to cut the lead in the last few minutes, but couldn't catch the Cardinals before the final buzzer.
The Cardinals were led Brittany Janz with 25 points and Keri Arendse with 20. Janz and Arendse also grabbed most of the boards for Skagit Valley as they combined on 25 rebounds. Alex Love picked the Saints pockets for 4 balls in the game.
Brooklyn Bahme and Chelsey Ramos were the scoring leaders for the Saints. Bahme had 17 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists while Ramos tallied 11 points.
The win sends Skagit Valley into a 2pm match up with sixth-ranked Walla Walla tomorrow afternoon. The Saints will take on Highline in the consolation bracket at 8am.
MEN: Tacoma 83, Blue Mountain 65 [box score]
The Blue Mountain Timberwolves led for much of the first half, but the third-ranked Tacoma Titans grabbed the lead with 4 minutes to play in the the half and never looked back.
Kevin Dancer enjoyed a huge game with 31 points on 12 of 23 shooting and 7 of 10 at the charity stripe. Dancer also grabbed a game high 18 rebounds and 5 blocks while Darious Walker and Anthony Gittens combined for 15 more. Glittens also scored 10 points and Toussaint Tyler scored 17 more.
Four Timberwolves scored in double figures led by Roshun Wynne's 14. Team mates Sam Grogan (14pts), Jamar Ransome (11pts) and Khabir Muhammad (10pts) combined for another 35 for Blue Mountain. Ransome pulled down 11 boards and Roshun Wynne hasd 6 assists.
Tacoma will meet the winner of Clackamas vs. Whatcom game tomorrow at 6pm while Blue Mountain will take on the loser of that game at 12pm.
WOMEN: Clackamas 65 Peninsula 51 [box score]
The fourth-ranked Clackamas Cougars and the Peninsula Pirates traded leads until near halftime when Clackamas pulled ahead and never trailed the rest of the way. The Pirates managed to keep it a close contest but the Cougars finally pulled away with less than three minutes remaining.
Rylee Peterson ripped the nets for 24 points, pulled down 17 boards and blocked 5 shots to lead the Cougars. Dayle Powell and Brittany Duty both hit double figure scoring combining for 25 points.
Sam Fett lead the Pirates in scoring with 17 points while Brooke Helpenstell added 13 more along with her 12 rebounds. Britney Yamane and Krystal Tolliver had 3 steals each.
The win moved the Cougars into a macthup with the winner of Yakima Valley vs. South Puget Sound tomorrow at 6pm. Peninsula will take on the loser of the Yakima - S. Puget Sound game at 12pm.
MEN: Yakima Valley 67, Clark 39 [box score]
Sixth-ranked Yakima Valley jumped out to a big first half lead and never looked back as the Clark Penguins struggled to get their offense going.
The Yaks were led by Rico Wilkins' 16 points with Nico Sandoval and LeMar Anglin combining on another 21. Anglin led the team with 10 rebounds and Mario Allen picked the Penguins for 5 steals.
The Penguins were led by Grant Ziegler's9 points and Brandon Jones 8. Arman Kalan was huge on the boards with 10.
Yakima Valley will advance to meet the winner of the Bellevue vs. Linn-Benton game tomorrow at 4pm while Clark will play the loser at 10am.
WOMEN: Lane 78, Whatcom 61 [box score]
Third-ranked Lane got a work-out from Whatcom, the North's third seed, but the Titans proved to be too much for the Orcas as Lane moves on in the winner's bracket.
Lane was led by Carmen Williams' 17 points with Theresa Brown and Richan Modderman also scoring in double figures with 13 and 10. Brown pulled down a game high 15 rebounds.
Whatcom's Sarah Cicchitti ripped the nets for 19 points and grabbed a team high 7 rebounds while Brittney Finkbonner scored 11 more and Taria Cicchitti netted 9.
The win propels the Titans into a match up with the winner of the Centralia vs. Columbia Basin game tomorrow at 4pm while Whatcom will meet the loser at 10am.
MEN: Olympic 80, Mt Hood 75 [box score]
The Olympics Rangers were led by
Duntae Jones and
L.P.
Neloms who combined for 30 points as the eighth-ranked Rangers won their opener against the seventh ranked Saint of Mt Hood.
The scores remained relatively close throughout the game with Mt Hood leading most of the way until the mid-way point in the second half when the Rangers took the lead and held on for the victory.
The Saints were led by Mike Wohlers' 19 points and 6 assists. Jeremy Jones added 15 while Cody Mortenson (13pts) and Chris Weitzel pulled down a combined 21 boards. Earl Jones had 11 points to go with his 11 points.
The Rangers Jones and Neloms both scored 15 while Justin Artis added 12 and Patrick Lewis chipped in 10. Tysaih Curry led the team in rebounds with10. Artis and Jones picked up a combines 11 assists.
The Rangers advance to play the winner of the Highline vs. Columbia Basin tomorrow at 2pm while Mt Hood will take on the loser of that same contest tomorrow at 8am.
WOMEN: Walla Walla 73 Highline 50 [box score]
Sixth-ranked Walla Walla Warriors led by as much as 26 points as they cruised past West third seed Highline thunderbirds 73-50.
Nancy Johnson led the Warriors in scoring with 20 points and Kati Isham added 18 to go along with her game high 12 rebounds. Jeni Gabriel led the squad with 7 assists.
The Thunderbirds were led by Jazzmn Montgomery and Kameka Nolen who each scored 10 apiece.
Walla Walla advances to play the winner of Skagit Valley vs. Mt Hood tomorrow at 2pm while the Thunderbird will take on the loser of that game at 8am.
2009 NWAACC Men's Basketball All-Stars NORTHERN REGION First Team Second Team Most Valuable Player Coach of the Year EASTERN REGION First Team Second Team Most Valuable Player Coach of the Year WESTERN REGION First Team Second Team Most Valuable Player Coach of the Year SOUTHERN REGION First Team Second Team Most Valuable Player Coach Of The Year
March 07, 2009
Jesse Bean, Peninsula
Sam Cartmell, Bellevue
Duntae Jones, Olympic
Rahiti Marere, Bellevue
Ryan Sweet, Whatcom
Zac Andrus, Whatcom
Justin Artis, Olympic
Wil Bush, Seattle
Daniel Davidson, Skagit Valley
Stephen Waltman, Everett
Chris Grounds, Everett
Jeremy Eggers, Bellevue
Jody Johnson, Yakima Valley
Skyler Montoya, Columbia Basin
Damal Neil, Spokane
Jamar Ransome, Blue Mountain
Nico Sandoval, Yakima Valley
Greg Giese, Wenatchee Valley
Zack Humphrey, Spokane
Jeff Ranstrom, Big Bend
Ray Stout, Walla Walla
Roshun Wynne, Blue Mountain
Rico Wilkins, Yakima Valley
Lane Schumacher, Columbia Basin
Cory Gibler, Highline
Alex King, Lower Columbia
Shedrick Nelson, Highline
Derek Thurston, Clark
Toussaint Tyler, Tacoma
Ben Bennest, Pierce
Kelly Edwards, Highline
Brandon Jones, Clark
Nick Schultens, Grays Harbor
Jake Wilcox, Green River
Kevin Dancer, Tacoma
Che Dawson, Highline
Danny Berger, Chemeketa
Tyson Christie, Linn-Benton
Austin Dunn, Clackamas
Earl Jones, Mt. Hood
Chehales Tapscott, Clackamas
Landon Boucher, Chemeketa
Jeff Dorman, Clackamas
Jamar Johnson, Mt. Hood
Justin King, SW Oregon
Mike Wohlers, Mt. Hood
J C Cook, Clackamas
Clif Wegner, Clackamas
2009 NWAACC Women's Basketball All-Stars NORTHERN REGION First Team Second Team Most Valuable Player Coach of the Year EASTERN REGION First Team Second Team Most Valuable Player Coach of the Year WESTERN REGION First Team Second Team Most Valuable Player Coach of the Year SOUTHERN REGION First Team Second Team
March 06, 2009
Keri Arendse, Skagit Valley
Brittney Finkbonner, Whatcom
Samantha Flett, Peninsula
Brooke Helpenstell, Peninsula
Sherika Puckett, Seattle
Keena Hopkins, Everett
Ashley Housden, Everett
Alyssa Koller, Skagit Valley
Amy Rochowiak, Bellevue
Tiffany Tyler, Whatcom
Brittany Janz, Skagit Valley
Steve Epperson, Skagit Valley
Jordan Brown, Columbia Basin
Nicole DeRosier, Yakima Valley
Nancy Johnson, Walla Walla
Kelsay Stillar, Spokane
Hope Williams, Treasure Valley
Richelle Daily, Spokane
Lauren Daling, Wenatchee Valley
Megan Howerton, Big Bend
Kaitlin McBride, Yakima Valley
Chelsey Nill, Yakima Valley
Lauren Rada, Columbia Basin
Kati Isham, Walla Walla
Cody Butler, Yakima Valley
Alychia Colon – Pierce
Jazzmn Montgomery – Highline
Micha Pringle – Grays Harbor
Deanna Riffe – Centralia
Sadie Salte – Lower Columbia
Kiara Honore – South Puget Sound
Heidi Jackson – Lower Columbia
Randi Olson – Highline
Saundrea Polk – Green River
Mandy Wall – Clark
Brittany Duerr – Centralia
Gary Viggers - Centralia
Theresa Brown, Lane
Sheena Cole, Lane
Miranda Holenstein, Umpqua
Rylee Peterson, Clackamas
Cassie Scheffelmaier, Umpqua
Shayla Fetters, Clackamas
Alexandra Melonson, Mt. Hood
Dayle Powell, Clackamas
Siutiti Takai, Umpqua
Carmen Williams, Lane
Most Valuable Player
Kristi Fallin, Umpqua
Coach Of The Year
Dave Stricklin, Umpqua
Tri-Cities Gearing Up for NWAACC Basketball Championships The excitement is continuing to build for next week's NWAACC Basketball Championships! All of the teams are currently set with only a few seeding issues to be resolved Saturday. Several media outlets in the Tri-Cities are producing stories about the event, including a lead story on KEPR-TV 19.
February 27, 2009
Women's Basketball - Skagit Valley and Yakima Valley secure Region Championships Vancouver, WA - The Skagit Valley Cardinals and Yakima Valley Yaks have both secured their share of a 2009 Region Championship. In the North Region, Skagit Valley secured a share of the title by beating Peninsula on Valentines Day. With three games remaining, the Cardinals are three games ahead of the Pirates. Since the Cardinals swept Peninsula in league play, the Cardinals are guaranteed the number one seed in the North. In the East Region, Yakima Valley defeated defending NWAACC Champions Columbia Basin to win the East Region and claim the number one seed for the NWAACC Championships. Centralia and Lower Columbia both punched their tickets to the Toyota Center next month with decisive wins this past weekend. The two teams are tied atop the West Region and will face off in Longview, WA Wednesday, February 18th. The South remains a heated contest with three teams already qualified for the playoffs and still in contention for the regular season championship. Number one ranked Umpqua is tied with Lane while Clackamas is a game behind.
February 17, 2009
NWAACC Basketball Championship Brackets Vancouver, WA - The NWAACC finalized the 2009 NWAACC Basketball Championship brackets Monday. The basketball championships are being held at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, WA for the eighth consecutive year.
February 10, 2009
SVC women give Epperson win No. 700 - Skagit Valley Herald Skagit Valley blasts Edmonds 91-29 Trevor Pyle can be reached at 360-416-2156 or by e-mail at tpyle@ skagitpublishing.com By TREVOR PYLE Staff Writer
Mount Vernon — When the Skagit Valley College women's basketball team downed Edmonds 91-29 Saturday, it was more than another win. It was a milestone for head coach Steve Epperson. Brittany Janz had 27 points and seven rebounds to help lead the Cardinals to a big Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges North Division win. The win was coach Steve Epperson's 700th at the Skagit Valley Cardinals' helm. "We played the best 40 minutes we played all year. Not just scoring but playing hard all 40 minutes," Epperson said. "We maintained our intensity from start to finish." He is the only head coach in the program’s history, but was quick after the game to shift the spotlight to some of the others who he said have helped the program thrive, including longtime assistant Deb Castle. "You only accomplish (700 wins) with a great school, with recruiting the right kids, with great fans and with a terrific assistant coach," he said. "I'm just a part of it, and it takes all the parts." Epperson is 700-207 in his career, and has helped guide the Cardinals to four Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges championships, with Skagit winning the title in 1988, 1994, 1996 and 1998. The Cardinals have been to the championship game six times. Keri Arendse scored 18 points for the Cardinals (11-0 division, 19-1 overall), Alyssa Koller scored 17 and Alex Love had six points and seven assists.
February 10, 2009
Tacoma's Kevin Dancer commits to NCAA Div I for 2009-10 season Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Community College (TCC) Men's Basketball player Kevin Dancer, a 6'5 sophomore from Pasadena, CA has given California St. Northridge a verbal commitment to accept a full athletic scholarship to attend in the fall of 2009. Dancer is TCC's leading scorer at 17.9ppg & 2nd leading rebounder at 9.6 for the 19-2 Titans. He is the 2nd Titan to receive a full scholarship for next season, Toussaint Tyler signed during the early signing period with Central Washington University. "My main reason for choosing CSUN was the ability to make an impact right away and to be close to all my family & friends. Also, I really like the coaching staff, I have gotten to know asst. coach Sprinkle very well. Now I just need to focus on academics and lead us to an NWAACC Championship." Said Dancer. "I am very happy for Kevin and I really feel like Northridge is a great fit for him," said TCC Head Coach Carl Howell. "Coach Sprinkle and I have been close friends for years and he did a great job recruiting Kevin. They play very uptempo and Coach Braswell has always had his team near the top of the Big West conference. Kevin is definitely one of the better players I have coached here at TCC and I would expect great things from him at Northridge" Dancer is the 17th player to continue on to a NCAA Division I school during Coach Howell's tenure.
February 04, 2009
Cougars & Riverhawks continue to hold #1 in latest hoops poll Vancouver, WA - The Umpqua Riverhawks (7-1, 20-2) continue to hold the #1 ranking, as they have all season, but lost a couple of first place votes since the Jan 20th poll. The Yakima Valley Yaks (7-0, 15-5), on a nine game win streak, move into second with big wins over three teams in this week's top eight. The Yaks collected a first place vote while Clackamas (7-1, 16-4) dips a spot to third despite a pair of first place votes. On the men's side, the Clackamas Cougars (8-0, 20-2) picked up all eight first place votes to hold on to the top ranking. The Cougars have held the top spot since the January 6th poll. The Tacoma Titans (8-1, 19-2), who slipped to third in the Jan 20th poll, move back into second as the Olympic Rangers (6-1, 16-2) slips to third this week. Women's Basketball (prev) Men's Basketball (prev)
February 03, 2009
1. Umpqua (1)
2. Yakima Valley (3)
3. Clackamas (2)
4. Lane (4)
Complete poll
1. Clackamas (1)
2. Tacoma (3)
3. Olympic (2)
4. Yakima Valley (6)
Complete poll
NWAACC Alum Johnson snags third Player of the Week honor by: Jon Kasper of Big Sky Conference Montana State’s Divaldo Mbunga and Montana's Anthony Johnson have been selected as the co-Big Sky Conference men's basketball Players of the Week after both led their respective teams to victories over Eastern Washington and Portland State. Mbunga, a 6-foot-9, senior center from Angola, shot 75 percent from the field and averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game. Mbunga had seven offensive rebounds, including five against Eastern Washington. Mbunga recorded his third double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds in a 69-65 victory over Eastern Washington on Thursday. He made 7-of-10 from the field, and also registered three blocks and an assist. Mbunga tallied 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and pulled down eight rebounds with three assists and two blocks of an 85-82 upset of Portland State on Sunday. Johnson, a 6-2 junior guard from Tacoma, Wash., averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game as Montana moved to 7-3 in conference play and extended its home winning streak to nine games. Johnson scored 15 points with three assists in a 72-65 upset of Portland State on Thursday. Johnson made 4-of-6 shots from the floor, and went 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. Johnson netted a team-high 20 points with a career-high six assists, three rebounds and two steals in a 60-52 win over Eastern Washington on Saturday. Johnson was 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, and 6-of-12 from the field. Johnson has scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games, and is averaging a league-best 21.1 points per game in league play. This is Mbunga's first Player of the Week award this season, and the third of his career. Johnson has been named Player of the Week three times this season.
February 03, 2009
Monday, 2/2/2009 Updated: 2/2/2009 3:53 PM
NWAACC reaches near 100% participation for Coaches vs. Cancer Vancouver, WA - The NWAACC is pleased to announce that it has reached near 100% participation from all 34 schools for the Coaches verses Cancer movement this weekend. Some schools have also joined in with donations through collections and gate receipts for Saturday's games. If anyone would like to join the cause via donations in any form, please contact Clif Wegner, cwegner@clackamas.edu. From Fred Schnell, NWAACC Men's Basketball Commissioner: related article:
January 31, 2009
"Coaches, I just want to say how proud I am to be associated with all of you. Your response has been so generous, empathetic and professional. It speaks well of our organization. I would also like to publicly applaud Clif Wegner for being the force behind this and getting the ball rolling."
Coaches vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers set for Jan. 30-Feb 1
Coaches vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers set for Jan. 30-Feb 1 (updated) NABC Members Raise Awareness in Battle vs. Cancer Jan. 8, 2009 The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, invites you to join the team for the 2009 Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers awareness weekend January 30-February 1, 2009. The NABC is encouraging member coaches and their staff to wear sneakers with their suits at games held that weekend to show support for the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Suits and Sneakers will unite coaches from across the country in the common effort to raise cancer awareness in their communities. A Message From Coach Wegner, Clackamas CC Please join and support NWAACC men's and women's basketball teams this Saturday night as they unite with college basketball coaches around the nation in the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Clackamas CC will be donating half of the gate and all the donations collected at the game vs. Southwestern Oregon. We need all your help and support and generosity to defeat this opponent who doesn't fight fair. Both the men's and women's staffs from Clackamas and SW Oregon will be wearing Suits and Sneakers this weekend. We would also like you ask you to join coaches in the NWAACC and across the nation to help raise awareness for Coaches vs. Cancer by wearing white basketball sneakers with your suits for this weekend's games. We already have commitments from Clackamas, Southwestern Oregon, Highline, Peninsula, Mount Hood, Shoreline and Seattle to participate. We are striving for 100% participation throughout the NWAACC. Please join us. Everyone. If you want to donate, great! But just dressing and participating for awareness is great too. Peninsula Pirates Coach Peter Stewart comments: "We are all aware of someone that has been affected by cancer. Our basketball community was saddened in the passing of our friend and colleague Jim Worden. It is a small thing that we can do to help bring awareness to not only the terrible disease of cancer but also the need for healthier living amongst all of our communities."
January 28, 2009
Read more
Please join up with NWAACC in Coaches vs. Cancer!
Yakima Alumn Johnson earns second Big Sky Player of the Week by: Jon Kasper of Big Sky Conference Johnson, a 6-2 junior from Tacoma, Wash. [and former Yakima Valley star], averaged 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two assists per game as Montana won two games to move to 5-3 in conference. Johnson scored 21 points with five rebounds and three assists in a 63-50 road win over Eastern Washington on Wednesday. Johnson made 9-of-16 field goals, and went 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. Johnson scored 19 points, hitting 9-of-11 free-throws in a 68-59 win over Northern Colorado in Missoula on Sunday. Johnson had two rebounds and an assist. Johnson made 52 percent of his field goals, 50 percent of his 3-pointers, and 78.6 percent of his free throws in the two games. Read more
January 27, 2009
Sacramento State's Loren Leath and Montana's Anthony Johnson have been selected as the Co-Big Sky Conference men's basketball Players of the Week.
Clackamas & Umpqua hold top rankings the latest Horizon Air polls Vancouver, WA - The Clackamas Cougars (4-0, 16-2) hold the top spot in the men's Horizon Air/Coaches' Poll for the second consecutive poll while the Umpqua Riverhawks (4-0, 17-1) continue to sway the voters on the women's side. This marks the fourth consecutive poll that the Riverhawks have remained atop of the women's rankings. Both the Cougars and Riverhawks collected seven of eight first place votes. The Olympic men (6-0, 14-1) who jumped from fifth to second place this week garnered a first place ballot, while the second-ranked Clackamas women (4-2, 13-3) earned a first place vote in the ladies' poll. A pair of teams made their season debut in the polls. Highline men (5-0, 10-6) collected 31 votes to move into fifth and the Big Bend ladies earned nine votes to enter the poll in the eighth spot. Men (prev) Women (prev)
January 20, 2009
1. Clackamas (1)
2. Olympic (5)
3. Tacoma (2)
4. Spokane (6)
Complete poll
1. Umpqua (1)
2. Clackamas (2)
3. Yakima Valley (3)
4. Lane (4)
Complete poll
Several Wednesday basketball contests postponed due to weather Vancouver WA - Multiple game postponements have been reported due to weather conditions in Washington. Postponed games: All games will be rescheduled for a later date.
January 07, 2009
Lower Columbia vs. Green River - men & women
Grays Harbor vs. Highline - men & women
Clark vs. Pierce - men & women
Clackamas and Umpqua top latest Horizon Air Basketball Polls Vancouver, WA - A new number one tops the men's Horizon Air/Coaches poll this week while Umpqua still holds the top spot in the ladies' poll. Clackamas (12-2), with it's four point win over previously top-ranked Tacoma (11-2) last week, moves from fourth into the top spot this week while Tacoma slips to second. The Umpqua Riverhawks (13-1), on an eleven game win streak, have held the top ranking since the initial poll December 9th. Men's Poll (prev) Women's Poll
January 06, 2009
1. Clackamas (4)
2. Tacoma (1)
3. Yakima Valley (2)
4. Bellevue (3)
Complete Poll
1. Umpqua (1)
2. Clackamas (2)
3. Yakima Valley (3)
4. Lane (5)
Complete poll
Cougars top Titans at Clackamas Holiday Tournament Oregon City, OR - Fourth-ranked Clackamas handed top-ranked Tacoma it's first loss of the season 79-73 to capture the championship at the Clackamas Holiday Tournament [box score]. All-Tournament Team
December 31, 2008
J.C. Cook, Clackamas (MVP)
Chehales Tapscott, Clackamas
Kevin Dancer, Tacoma
Derrick Davis, Tacoma
Alex King, Lower Columbia
Jesse Bean, Peninsula
Trailblazers' BlazerDancers to perform at Clark College Tournament Vancouver, WA - The Portland Trailblazer's BlazerDancers [website] will perform at the U.S. Army / Clark College Holiday men's basketball tournament on Monday, December 29th at Clark College's O'Connell Gym. The dancers will perform from 3:30pm - 5:30 pm and will be on hand to sign autographs following the performance.
December 26, 2008
Clackamas Holiday Tournament postponed until Monday Dec 29th
December 26, 2008
Oregon City, OR - The Clackamas Holiday men's baskeyball tournament has been moved back a day for snow removal at Clackamas Community College. The Tournament was to begin on Sunday but will begin on Monday December 29th. All scheduled start times will remain the same.
Tacoma & Umpqua top latest Horizon Air basketball polls Vancouver, WA - The NWAACC has just released the December 23rd Men and Women's Horizon Air / Coaches' Poll. The Umpqua Lady Riverhawks (11-1) collected all eight first place votes and top the women's rankings for the second consecutive poll. The previously third-ranked Clackamas Cougars (8-1) scored a 17 point victory over last week's second-ranked Yakima Valley (7-4) to leap-frog the Yaks into second place in this week's rankings. On the men's side, the undefeated Tacoma Titans (9-0) scored a big win over last week's top ranked Bellevue Bulldogs 61-55 to move into the top spot this week. The Bulldogs (10-2) slipped to third place behind last season's league champions Yakima Valley (10-1) who hold in the two spot. Women's Basketball (prev week) Men' Basketball (prev week)
December 23, 2008
1. Umpqua (1)
2. Clackamas (3 tie)
3. Yakima Valley (2)
4. Spokane (3 tie)
view complete poll
1. Tacoma (4)
2. Yakima Valley (2)
3. Bellevue (1)
4. Clackamas (3)
view complete poll
Jim Worden Celebration of Life Memorial Service Oregon City, OR - The Jim Worden [former Clackamas Men's Basketball Associate Head Coach] Celebration of Life will be held on December 30th, 2008 in the gymnasium at the old Oregon City High School campus at 1306 12th Street in Oregon City at 3:00 pm. Family, friends, coaches, and players will gather to pay tribute to the lifetime of a man who touched so many lives. All are invited to come and celebrate Jim's life and share the memories. Rememberances may mailed to The Worden Family at 18835 S. Rose Road, Oregon City, 97045. Contributions may be made out to The Jim Worden Memorial Scholarship Fund.
December 23, 2008
Men's Southern Division Crossover All-Tournament Team Coos Bay, OR - Fourth-ranked Tacoma defeated top-ranked Bellevue 61-55 to win the Men's Southern Division Crossover host by Southwestern Oregon on Sunday. The tournament was the only one, of eight scheduled, that made it to day three due the snow and ice experienced in the Pacific Northwest this past weekend. All-Tournament Team
December 23, 2008
Darious Walker, Tacoma (MVP)
Curron Singleton, Bellevue
Blake Pankow, Bellevue
Jamar Ransome, Blue Mountain
Justin King, Southwestern Oregon
Kevin Dancer, Tacoma
South Puget South Crossover halted due to weather
December 20, 2008
The remaining scheduled games for Sunday at the women's Western Region Crossover hosted by South Puget Sound have been canceled due to weather conditions.
Men's crossover in Yakima Valley halted due to weather
December 20, 2008
The remainder of the Men's Eastern Region Basketball Crossover Tournament at Yakima Valley has been canceled due to the increasing poor weather conditions occurring in the Northwest.
Crossover Schedules Updated The weather has impacted nearly all of the NWAACC Basketball Crossover tournaments happening this weekend. Several are playing with fewer teams while one was canceled entirely. Olympic College canceled the women's tournament they were supposed to host starting today due to the weather. The schedule has been updated with information the NWAACC office has received as of 2:00 p.m. Friday. Further updates are expected for the Crossover tournament being held at Chemeketa.
December 19, 2008
Inclement NW weather affecting weekend basketball tournament schedules Vancouver, WA - Several changes have and continue to occur to this weekend's basketball crossover tournaments due to inclement weather. The NWAACC will gather the schedule updates and alter the men and women's crossover tournaments accordingly.
December 18, 2008
Clackamas Men's Basketball Coach Jim Worden Passes Away Worden, 64, coached basketball for 38 years in California and Oregon high schools and colleges, including the last 10 at Clackamas Community College, where he was the associate head coach for men's basketball and part time PE instructor. He leaves behind a loving family and many, many friends throughout the Northwest. Around the NWAACC, he will be deeply missed, where his coaching legacy will be the gold standard he lived: his consistently uncompromised professionalism and his ethical model of how coaches should treat their players, and each other. At Clackamas, the entire Cougar community will grieve his passing.
December 17, 2008
Oregon City, OR - Long time NWAACC basketball coach Jim Worden passed away December 17, 2008 after a year long battle with cancer.
"Border Clash" to be televised on Fox Sports Northwest The annual "Border Clash" men's basketball game, featuring Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) vs. North Idaho College (NIC), will be televised regionally on Fox Sports Northwest. The game is 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Gonzaga University's McCarthey Center in Spokane. The game will be televised via tape delay on Fox Sports Northwest at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. This is the first time that a Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) game has been televised regionally. The game also will be carried live locally on Gonzaga University Television, Comcast channel 15. Over 4,000 tickets for the event have been sold to date. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the bookstores at Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St., or Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive. Advance tickets can also be purchased by contacting Scott Kramer at (509) 533-7445. Ticket prices are $5 for individual tickets or $40 for groups of 20. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $5. For ticket information, contact: For information regarding the venue and details of the television broadcast contact:
December 09, 2008
In all, Border Clash features three basketball games:
4 p.m., high school boys’ game: West Valley High School vs. Post Falls High School
6 p.m., college women's game: CCS vs. NIC
8 p.m., college men's game: CCS vs. NIC
Scott Kramer, 509-533-7445 SMKramer@scc.spokane.edu
Dan Garrity, 509-313-6689 garrity@gonzaga.edu
Initial 2008-09 Horizon Air/Coaches' basketball polls have been released Vancouver, WA - The initial 2008-09 Men & Women's Horizon Air/Coaches' Poll have been released. Bellevue (7-0) takes the top spot for the men. The Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by an average margin of 25.7 points per game including a convincing 16 point win over this week's number two team Yakima Valley (7-1). Umpqua women head the ladies' poll. The Riverhawks (6-1) are on a four-game winning streak in including a nine point win over #3 Clackamas (6-1). The only blemish on their record was a five point loss to second-ranked Yakima Valley. The #2 Yaks (4-3) are coming off a very tough non-conference tournament where they suffered three losses, two against nationally ranked NJCAA squads. Men's Poll Women's Poll
December 09, 2008
1. Bellevue
2. Yakima Valley
3. Clackamas
4. Tacoma
Complete Poll
1. Umpqua
2. Yakima Valley
3. tie Clackamas
3. tie Spokane
Complete Poll
Weekend Basketball Tournament All-Stars & Champions Clackamas Thanksgiving Tournament (Women) Lower Columbia Red Devil Classic (Men) Pierce Thanksgiving Tournament (Men) Skagit Valley 35th annual Turkey Tournament (Men)
December 01, 2008
Champions: Umpqua, 2nd: Clackamas, 3rd: Mt. Hood
All-Tournament Team:
Cassie Scheffelmaier Umpqua (MVP)
Kristi Fallin, Umpqua
McKenzie Meyer, Clackamas
Rylee Peterson, Clackamas
Alexandra Melonson, Mt. Hood
Sam Flett, Blue Mountain
Champions: Yakima Valley, 2nd: Lower Columbia, 3rd: Clackamas
All-Tournament Team:
Rico Wilkins, Yakima Valley (MVP)
Jody Johnson, Yakima Valley
Clint Burgoyne - Lower Columbia
Alex King - Lower Columbia
Chelales Tapscott, Clackamas
Chris Grounds, Everett
Champions: Bellevue, 2nd: Whatcom, 3rd: Pierce
All-Tournament Team
Rahiti Marere, Bellevue (MVP)
Sam Cartmell, Bellevue
Chris Grove, Pierce
Stephan McCall, Shoreline
Will Sharp South Puget Sound
Ryan Sweet, Whatcom
Champions: Skagit Valley, 2nd:Green River, 3rd: Wenatchee Valley
All-Tournament Team:
Chas Kok, Skagit Valley (MVP)
Trent Leach, Skagit Valley
Giovanni Lee, Green River
Jamaal Thomas, Green River
Kellen Drake, Wenatchee Valley
Joel Wollenberg, Quest University of Canada
NWAACC in the News Commitments Continue as Two More Ink with Women's Basketball Wolves' volleyball wins to claim first GNAC title
November 14, 2008
University of Mary - Bismarck,ND,USA
The lone college player of the 2008 U-Mary recruiting class, Alicia Richardson earned NWAACC All-Conference first team honors in 2008 as a freshman. ...
Statesman Journal - Salem,OR,USA
The Storm will play at the NWAACC championships at Mt. Hood Community College next weekend. Its first game is at 4:30 on Thursday against the fourth-place ...
CBC roundup: Volleyball gets No. 4 see; Liniger signs with Indiana ...
Mid Columbia Tri City Herald - Kennewick,WA,USA
By the Herald staff PASCO -- The Columbia Basin College volleyball team is headed back to the NWAACC tournament for the third straight season. ...
Men's Basketball - NWAACC Jamboree Scrimmages Nov 1 The 15th Annual NWAACC Jamboree Scrimmage will be held November 1, 2008 @ Clackamas Community College [map]. This year's field includes Olympic, Clackamas, Lane, Linn-Benton, Mount Hood, Portland, Blue Mountain, Centralia, and Clark. These are all programs that feature outstanding and recruitable athletes. Teams will begin play at 10 am and conclude at 3 pm.
October 27, 2008
Del Sandberg takes charges of Grays Harbor Men's Basketball Aberdeen, WA – Grays Harbor College announces the hiring of Del Sandberg and assistant Jonathon Hubbard to run the Chokers' men's basketball program. Sandberg comes to the "Harbor” after coaching 25+ years in the Thurston County area. He has coached Basketball at Capital, Black Hills and Rainier High Schools. He has been also been an assistant coach at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma the past couple of years. He also assisted the men's program at The Evergreen State College in Olympia. Sandberg also coached baseball at Capital High School and led the Cougars' baseball team to a state championship in 1989. He played baseball and basketball at Spokane Falls Community College. He then went on to star at W.S.U. and played catcher on their World Series team in 1976. Hubbard, a 1998 standout for the Chokers' basketball team is coming back to be Sandberg's assistant. After leaving Grays Harbor College, Hubbard went on to star at Seattle Pacific University. In 2000 he led the Falcons with a field goal percentage of .509 and in 2001, was the leading scorer for SPU with a 19.3 average. He was also named all-district and all-conference in 2001 for the Falcons. Hubbard has coached basketball locally at Taholah and Wishkah High Schools. He was also an assistant two years ago at Grays Harbor College. "We were extremely happy to get both of these gentlemen to lead our Men's basketball program" said Grays Harbor Director of Athletics Ken Waite. "With the recent exit of our former basketball coach, we feel very fortunate to land guys of this caliber, at this late date. It's nice to have coaches that have played in and are familiar with the NWAACC."
September 08, 2008
2008 Basketball Golf Tournament Wrap-Up The Third Annual NWAACC Basketball Tournament Golf Event was held Saturday, August 18, at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, WA. Approximately 135 golfers battled through a grueling 107 degree temperature day to enjoy themselves and help raise operating funds to support the 2008 NWAACC Basketball Championships, to be held in March 5-8, 2009 in Kennewick. George Gee Nissan of Pasco, which is part of the George Gee Automotive network located in Couer d' Alene, Spokane, and Tri-Cities, was our major sponsor for the golf event, providing a generous cash donation, Nissan gear to give away, and two cars offered as prizes for a hole-in-one. George Gee is a rabid basketball fan and committed to athletic and community philanthropy—we couldn’t be happier with their support of NWAACC basketball. More information about the George Gee Foundation can be found at http://www.goseegee.com. Thirty teams competed in two divisions. The Fowler LLC Team, led by major basketball tournament supporter Rob Marshall of Richland, won the Tiger Woods Division, carding a 16-under par score in the full scrambler format. NWAACC Executive Director Dick McClain was a member of the winning team. The Flour and the Cartmell/Guajardo teams tied for second two shots back at 14-under par. The Tin Cup Division was won for the second time by the Hanford High School coaches, at 9-under par. The tournament was again well-supported by many coaches and athletic directors. More schools were represented by teams playing and/or holes sponsored than in previous years, which was a testament to the commitment of the member schools to making the basketball tournaments better. Coaches in attendance: Mark Poth (Big Bend), Clif Wegner (Clackmas), Jim Martineau (Clackamas), Kayla Steen (Clackamas), Rolando Garcia (CBC), Evan Woodward (Hanford HS), Che Dawson (Highline), Rob Nielson (Mt. Hood), Jeff Reinland (Walla Walla), Jimmy Hill (Wenatchee), Carl Howell (Tacoma), Kevin Collier (Portland), John Lee (Portland). Also in attendance were athletic directors Fred Schnell (Mt. Hood), Ray Funk (Yakima), Scott Rogers (CBC), Ed Aronson (Treasure Valley), Dick Magruder (Portland), and John Dunn (Highline). It should also be recognized that the tournament has grown enough that we had two school presidents play. Rich Cummins, new president of CBC, came out with two teams of golfers and worked with Athletic Director Scott Rogers to have 5 members of the defending champion CBC Hawk Women's Basketball team on hand to support the cause. John Turner from Blue Mountain CC also made the trip up from Pendleton to play. Their support was important both operationally and symbolically, and further shows the commitment to the student-athletes that makes the NWAACC special. Many NWAACC schools once again provided athletic apparel and gifts to be distributed to the golfers. Douglas, the new member from north of the border, was exceptionally generous for the cause, donating a lot of Adidas gear which was a big hit. Those donations were much appreciated, and give this tournament that special touch that separates it from the usual fundraising events. The tournament committee wanted to recognize the non-local schools and organizations whom have supported this tournament, understanding the time and financial commitment necessary to travel to Kennewick in the summer to play. Highline, Walla Walla, and Wenatchee have joined CBC to play all three years. Mt. Hood, Clackamas, Tacoma, the NWAACC South Officials, and Big Bend have all traveled to play the last two years. Portland CC and Treasure Valley made long inaugural trips to join in the festivities this year. We also received hole sponsorship support from Everett and Bellevue for the third consecutive year. Whatcom, South Puget Sound, and Centralia sponsored holes this year, despite not being able to make the trip. Support from schools was dramatically up, which will translate into a better basketball event in March. The tournament will be held again next year on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Canyon Lakes in Kennewick. Our goal is to have 30 schools participate either playing golf or supporting via hole sponsorship. The event is growing in size and prestige, and we look forward to the 4th annual event next year.
September 03, 2008
Grays Harbor men's basketball coach Swanson departs for NCAA Aberdeen, WA - George Swanson has stepped down as the head men's basketball coach at Grays Harbor College. He has taken a job as the top assistant basketball coach at NCAA Div. III, Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene Texas. "We're happy for George to get this opportunity to move up in the college ranks. Getting a full time job will be a better situation for both himself and his family," said GHC Athletic Director Ken Waite. "At this late in the year, it kind of puts us behind the eight ball trying to find a coach. We are looking at several possibilities for a replacement for George. We'll be looking at local coaches, both active and retired to see if they can help us on an interim basis this year. We'll be opening the job it up to see what kind of bites we get there also. Everything is up in the air right now, but we will get the best replacement we can for the circumstances we're dealing with."
August 27, 2008
Freshour takes charges of Chemeketa Women's Basketball Salem, OR - Lynn Freshour recently joined Chemeketa Community College as its new women's basketball coach. Freshour most recently served as athletic director at North Salem High School, but the chance to return to coaching was too tempting to pass up. "Coaching at the college level has always been a dream of mine," said Freshour. "It's also an exciting time to be part of Chemeketa as we head in new directions under President Cheryl Roberts." Athletic scholarships provided by Chemeketa should help attract some of the area's top talent, and Freshour sees talent as key to his plans. "I want to build a Chemeketa dynasty within the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges," he said. "The high schools in our area produce fantastic players who have the skill to take Chemeketa to the top of the division." Freshour is a former coach of girls basketball teams at North Salem and West Salem high schools. As head coach at Amity High School, Freshour led nine girls basketball teams to the state tournament. Cassie Belmodis, Chemeketa athletic director, is eager to see Freshour's vision come to life on the court. "He brings an excitement and passion to the game of basketball that we are sure, will carry over to the women's basketball program. His years of success and experience as a coach, athletic director, and involvement in community sports will be an asset to his team and the Storm Athletic Department," she said. For more information about the women's basketball program, contact Freshour at 503-399-5053, or Cassie Belmodis at 503.399.5159 or cassieb@chemeketa.edu.
August 06, 2008
Collier to lead PCC Panther Hoops in 2008-09
August 04, 2008
Portland, OR - Portland Community College has appointed Kevin Collier as the interim Head
Coach for the PCC Men's Basketball team. The appointment came after recent
resignation of Head Coach Wayne Mendezona, who has taken the head coaching
position at the Muharraq Club in Bahrain. Collier, who is thirty five years
old, is heading into his fourth year of collegiate coaching where he has
served as an Assistant Coach during the previous three seasons at PCC.
Coach Collier is optimistic about leading the Panthers into the 2008-09
season after a 4-26 record last year. Coach Collier's vision and
expectations are to turn PCC's team into an immediate winner.  He Credits
Coach Mendezona for being an excellent mentor and coach. He further states that the influence of Mendezona has definitely prepared him for
success in this position. Coach Collier's main points of emphasis are
academic excellence, playing hard, playing smart, and having fun!
Guerra takes reins of Linn-Benton Women's Basketball Coach Guerra has been the Head Varsity Coach for the Lakeview High School Girls Basketball team for the last 3 years. Her first year coaching record was 18-6 and 2nd round play-offs. Second year saw a record of 12-12 and 2nd round play-offs. In her third year, Teresa coached her team to a 14-13 record and made an appearance at the 2A State Tournament. Teresa herself played Junior College basketball for 2 years in California – one year at De Anza Junior College and 1 year at Foothill Junior College. Teresa took her own playing career to the next level when she played 1 year at Eastern Oregon University. Teresa earned a Masters of Teacher Education from Eastern Oregon University and a Bachelor of Science, Physical Education/Health from Eastern Oregon University. Teresa was previously employed as a Physical Education Teacher for grades 7-12 at Lakeview High School, Oregon.
June 05, 2008
Albany, OR - The Linn-Benton Community College's athletic department is pleased to announce the appointment of Teresa Guerra as the Head Women's Basketball Coach.
Stewart returns to head Peninsula Women's Basketball Port Angeles, WA - Julie Stewart returns to the helm where she directed the Pirates to the only North Division women's basketball championship in school history. Stewart, who coached at Peninsula from 2003-2005 before stepping down to be home with her young children, was named women's basketball head coach, as announced by Athletic Director Rick Ross. "Julie is a great basketball coach, and a great mom, and we're very pleased she worked out a plan to do both," Ross said. "We're lucky to have her back." Stewart said she carefully weighed the impact on her family vs. her love of the game of basketball in making her decision. "Although my decision was made in a week's time it was done with thoughtful consideration," she said. "I love coaching basketball and it has become a lifestyle for my family. Being a college student-athlete is an exciting time for these young ladies and I look forward to being the head coach for the Peninsula Pirate Women." Stewart's Pirates went 13-12 her first year as head coach in 2003-04 and then went 21-10, 12-4 in conference play, to win the North Division championship her second year. It was a memorable night in Peninsula College history when she was at one end of the gym, cutting down the net with her players, while her husband Peter and his players were at the other end, cutting down the other net, in celebration of a conference championship of their own. She returns to the Pirate helm with six years of high school, collegiate and professional coaching experience and nine years of experience running basketball camps and clinics in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Malaysia and China. A basketball and track and field standout at the University of North Dakota from 1986-1991, Stewart has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Stewart replaces Tiffany Darling, who coached the Pirates through two seasons before resigning in March. In addition to coaching basketball, Stewart will teach part time.
June 03, 2008
Brent Hermanson takes helm of Bellevue Women's Basketball For the second time in as many years, the BCC Women's Basketball program will be headed up by a former assistant coach. Athletic Director Bill O'Connor named Brent Hermanson, an assistant coach last season, as the successor to Steve Lowe, who has stepped down to pursue a coaching opportunity at NCAA Division II Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. Lowe described his decision to leave BCC as "bittersweet", stating that "On one hand I'm very sad to leave Bellevue and the friends I've made here. On the other hand, I'm getting a chance to coach at a four year institution. Coach Tom Webb and Cameron University have given me an opportunity to do something that I'm truly passionate about; coaching the game of basketball full time." Lowe took the reins at Bellevue in June of 2007, replacing Cheryl Sorenson who moved on to take an assistant coaching position at NCAA Division I Eastern Washington University. As an assistant under Sorenson from 2004-2007, he helped accomplish a remarkable turnaround, taking the team from 4-22 record in their first season to the best season in school history with a 26-5 overall record in 2006-2007, and a runner-up finish at the NWAACC Championships. Last season, BCC finished 18-13 overall, 12-4 in the Northern Region, and qualified for the NWAACC tournament for the third year in a row. "I want to thank Bellevue Community College, the athletic department, and everyone that played for the women's program during my time" he said. "I've met a lot of great people during my tenure here and I have nothing but great memories." O'Connor did not have to look far in finding a replacement for Lowe, naming Hermanson head coach after his first season as an assistant at BCC. "We have had outstanding coaches, but also two coaching changes in two years" said O'Connor. "I am excited to be able to turn to a quality individual such as Brent, who will add a measure of stability to the program and will continue our recent tradition of having excellent coaches in Women's Basketball." In his first act as Head Coach, Hermanson has announced a pair of adjustments to the coaching staff. Paulette Martin, an assistant on last year's team alongside Hermanson, has been named as Associate Head Coach, and Dan Toblin has been promoted from Strength and Conditioning Coach to an Assistant Coach position. "It was important to continue to build on what Coach Lowe started, so retaining the coaching staff was a critical step" said Hermanson. "Bellevue has consistently competed at a high level in the NWAACC and with the recruiting class that has been assembled by Coach Lowe for the 2008-2009 season, I expect to continue the tradition of excellence that has been established within the Women's Basketball program." Hermanson has been a mainstay in the girls' youth basketball circuit over the last 10 years, having worked with both the Redmond Select and Flight AAU basketball programs. Last year was his first season coaching in the college ranks. "I am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach at Bellevue Community College" he said. "I believe we will compete again this year to win the Northern Region, and return to the NWAACC Tournament."
May 30, 2008
Schooler takes reins of Edmonds women's basketball program Edmonds Community College has named Jennifer Schooler as the new head women's basketball coach and Trisha Terhar as the lead assistant coach. Both coaches achieved academic goals while playing college basketball and aim to share that experience with players. Schooler has played point-guard at both the community college and collegiate level at Wenatchee Valley College from 1998-2000 and then on scholarship at the University of Idaho from 2000-2002. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Idaho and a Master's in education and technology. She is currently working toward a second Master's in sports psychology. Previously, Jennifer coached at Deer Park High School and was an assistant at Evergreen State College. As head coach she will focus on encouraging hard work and creating a strong team experience for student-athletes. "Athletes are students first," Schooler said. "The great thing about basketball for me was that it paid for my education. I want Edmonds Community College to be a pathway for student-athletes to get a great education that prepares them to further their education." Terhar joins Schooler as assistant coach. She is an Edmonds Community College alumna who played on the basketball team in 2004-05 when the team went to the playoffs. She then played at Pacific University from 2005-2007 where she earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology and made the Northwest Conference All-Academic team and the All-Tournament team at Menlo College Thanksgiving Classic.
May 13, 2008
NMHU Names Tiffany Darling New Head Women's Basketball Coach New Mexico Highlands University is pleased to announce that Tiffany Darling is their new Women's Basketball Coach. Darling accepted the position earlier this week and is set to begin her first day of work at Highlands on June 2.
Darling, 29, comes to NMHU from Peninsula College, a junior college in Port Angeles, Wash. In two seasons at Peninsula, Darling compiled a 24-26 record, including a 15-17 record in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges. Read More...
May 13, 2008
Grays Harbor announces new women's basketball coach Grays Harbor College names Derrick Pringle as their new Head Women's Basketball coach. Pringle comes to the harbor with many years of coaching basketball, at all levels. He's coached at Timberline, River Ridge, Chief Leschi and Northwest Christian High Schools. Pringle has also coached several area AAU teams from the Thurston County area. He is already familiar with the NWAACC. He earned his Associate's Degree from Pierce College in Tacoma and was an assistant basketball coach at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. Pringle earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. Before taking this job, he was an assistant coach for The Evergreen State College women's basketball team.
April 28, 2008
Coaching Legend Carl Howell Returns to TCC Men's Basketball Team Carl Howell is resuming leadership of the Tacoma Community College men's basketball team as head coach while retaining his position as Athletic Director. Head of the TCC men's basketball program from 1992-2003, Coach Howell retains the title of TCC's all-time most winning basketball coach. While leading the Titans to a 239-82 record, Howell sustained a 74.5 winning percentage over 11 years. In addition the Titans were 138-26 ( 84.1%) in Howell’s last five seasons. He coached the Titans to four straight NWAACC (Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges) Western Regional Championships (1999-2002), and led TCC to the NWAACC championship game in 2001 and 2002, winning the NWAACC Championship in 2002. Howell is only the third coach in NWAACC history to achieve four straight regional titles and have two thirty-win seasons. Fifteen of Coach Howell's players from TCC teams have advanced to Division I basketball programs. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Howell was once named Coach of the Year by the NWAACC. He also achieved recognition as Western Region Coach of the Year four times, and served five times as Head Coach of the NWAACC All-Star Game. Howell returned to TCC as Athletic Director in 2007 after four seasons as Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Eastern Washington University, where the Eagles advanced to the NCAA tournament in the first year of his leadership. As men's basketball coach he replaces Arvin Mosley, who resigned on February 26th to pursue other opportunities. Mosley coached the Titans from 2003-2008, and compiled a record of 46-88 . TCC looks forward to a dynamic and successful men's basketball program under Howell's direction, while the athletic department continues to thrive under his leadership as athletic director. "I'm really excited to again be the men's basketball coach at TCC," said Howell. Dave Pelkey, Dean of International Student Services and Programs, believes that Howell will provide strong leadership for the men's basketball program. "Carl has a demonstrated history as a coach at TCC, and we believe the program is in good hands. We look forward to having Coach Howell back on the court representing TCC," said Pelkey.
April 07, 2008
Burns and Holden named basketball coaches of the year In his first year the helm of the men's basketball program at Community Colleges of Spokane, Mike Burns built a dominating team that was ranked number one in the NWAACC Coaches Poll for the entire 2007-08 season. The Spokane Sasquatch won 30 games during the season and ended the regular season with one loss. The Sasquatch were a perfect 14-0, winning the Eastern Region title by four games. The Hawks dominated their opponents all season long with tough defense and solid execution on offense. CBC ended the season with a 28-3 record.
April 03, 2008
NWAACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year
Mike Burns, Spokane
Spokane Head Coach Mike Burns has been voted the NWAAACC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year.
NWAACC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year
Cheryl Holden, Columbia Basin
Columbia Basin Head Coach Cheryl Holden put together a squad that was perfect in Eastern Region play and was ranked number for much of the year and won their second NWAACC Championship in four years.
Butch Estes announced as new men's basketball coach at Shoreline Estes graduated from the University of North Carolina, where he played freshman basketball and was a student assistant coach under the legendary coach, Dean Smith. He was a graduate assistant coach while he earned his master's degree in administrative education at The Citadel. After completing his degree in 1973, Estes took assistant coaching positions at East Carolina and Rice universities and moved into head coaching positions at Presbyterian College (92-63 record) and Furman University (135-122 record). In the mid 1990s, Estes left the court for five years to work for Fox Sport Net as a basketball analyst, eventually taking head coaching jobs at Guilford College and Miami-Dade South Community College. He did a brief tenure at the University of Miami as assistant coach in 2006, and in 2007, he moved to the Seattle area to support his wife's career (she is an executive producer at a local TV station) and accepted an assistant coach position at Seattle University. Estes holds a 338-267 record as a head coach and is an eight-time Coach of the Year nominee. "Butch Estes is an established professional with a long and successful coaching record," says Doug Palmer, athletic director at Shoreline Community College. "We are very fortunate to have him lead our basketball team." Coach Butch Estes Coaching History: 2007-08 Assistant Coach, Seattle University
2006-07 Assistant Coach, University of Miami
2003-06 Head Coach, Miami-Dade South Community Coll., Record: 69-22
1999-03 Head Coach, Guilford College, Record: 43-58
1994-99 Basketball Analyst, Fox Sport Net
1985-94 Head Coach, Furman University, Record: 135-122
1980-85 Head Coach, Presbyterian College, Record: 92-63
1977-80 Assistant Coach, Rice University
1973-77 Assistant Coach, East Carolina University
1971-73 Graduate Assistant Coach, The Citadel
1968-71 Student Assistant Coach, North Carolina Education:
1973 Master’s Degree in Administrative Education, The Citadel
1971 Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, University of North Carolina
For more information about sports programs at Shoreline Community College, check out the web site at http://www.shoreline.edu/athletics/.
Shoreline Community College is located at 16101 Greenwood Avenue North, just north of Seattle city limits and west of Aurora Avenue.
April 02, 2008
Shoreline, WA — The Athletic Department at Shoreline Community College is pleased to announce that Butch Estes has been hired as the men's basketball coach. Estes has more than 30 years coaching experience at the college/university level; most recently as assistant coach at Seattle University.
Spokane's Burns accepts coaching position at University of Idaho Spokane, WA - Coach Mike Burns, who lead the Sasquatch to a 30-2 record this past season has accepted a job as an assistant coach, joining the new staff at the University of Idaho Men's Basketball Team. view press release
April 02, 2008
Spokane Hires Hull to lead the Men's Basketball Program Spokane, WA. - The Community Colleges of Spokane is proud to announce that Clint Hull has been hired as the new men's basketball coach effective immediately. Hull takes over the reins from Mike Burns who has taken an assistant coaching position on the new staff at the University of Idaho. Hull spent last year as a Sasquatch assistant coach and before that he was on the coaching staff at Irvine Valley College in southern California. Hull started his playing career at Eastern Washington University and completed his eligibility and academics at Concordia University in Irvine California. During his senior year of college Hull earned All-American Honorable Mention honors on the court and was a two-time NAIA Scholar All-American majoring in Biology. "Clint Hull is a great addition to our coaching staff and we are very excited about having him lead our men's basketball program for years to come. Coach Hull is a bright young man that has great personal & professional skills and we are lucky to have him as part of our family" stated CCS Athletic Direct Ken Burrus.
April 02, 2008
Former Olympic basketball coach directs Portland State to March Madness Ken Bone, the former men's basketball coach at Olympic College, has guided Portland State University to its first ever NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championships. Bone took over the Portland State program in 2005-06 season when his team finished 12-16 overall. In the following season, he led the Vikings to a 19-13 record and a fourth place finish in the Big Sky Conference Tournament. This season, the Vikings are 23-9, the best in school history, and recently won the Big Sky Conference Tournament with a win over Northern Arizona to earn an automatic berth into the NCAA tournament. Bone began his head coaching career at Cal State Stanislaus in 1984-85, then took the helm at Olympic during the '85-86 season before moving on to an assistant and head coaching position with Seattle Pacific. In 2002, Bone took an assignment as an assistant with the University of Washington until PSU contacted him about taking over the program at Portland. Bone's NWAACC connections began in the late 1970's when he played basketball at Edmonds CC and Shoreline CC prior to playing for Seattle University in 1980-82. His staff also includes other NWAACC connections; assistant coach Eric Harper was the head coach at Yakima Valley before joining PSU for the 2005-06 season and associate head coach Tyler Geving played for Highline in the early 1990s.
March 14, 2008
Umpqua's Stricklin to be inducted into California Hall of Fame In eight seasons at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, CA, Stricklin compiled an almost unbelievable record of 259-27, reaching the 200 win plateau as fast as anyone in community college history. While winning seven league championships in eight seasons, including seven trips to the California Final Four, two California State Championships and one runner-up, Stricklin's teams averaged over 32 wins and only three losses a season. During his tenure, Stricklin's teams went undefeated in every game played at Golden West, winning 88 straight home games. At Umpqua, Stricklin's teams have won two NWAACC Championships and have also earned two third place finishes and one fourth place finish. His combined overall won-loss record is 586-112.
March 10, 2008
Umpqua women's basketball head coach Dave Stricklin will be inducted into the California Community College Women's Basketball Hall of Fame at a banquet on March 12. The event will take place at the California Men's and Women's Final Four being held at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA.
Basketball All-Star Games Broadcast
March 06, 2008
This year's games will be broadcast on the College Channel, BCC's local cable access television station. The games can be watched live on channel 28 in the east king county region, and will also be available for free replay for Comcast Digital Cable subscribers in Washington State via the company’s On Demand service.
NWAACC basketball all-star games The 2008 men and women's basketball sophomore all-star games will the held at Bellevue Community College [driving directions] on March 9th.
March 06, 2008
Yakima Yaks win the 2008 NWAACC Men's Basketball Championship While the Sasquatch fans might've been outnumbered by the hometown Columbia Basin crowd at the women's championship game, they came out in force - and with sound - to cheer on the favored Spokane team as they took on the Yakima Yaks in the 2008 NWAACC Men's Basketball Championship game. However, even their fans couldn't protect Spokane from amazing performance of future tournament MVP Anthony Johnson. For the Sasquatch, starting were first team Eastern region all-star guard Mathew Door, second-team all stars, guard Jon Clift, guard Eric Beal and guard Jordan Gregg, and forward Robert Lippman. Kicking off the game for the Yaks were guard Jody Johnson, guard Nico Sandoval, Eastern MVP guard Anthony Johnson, forward Mario Allen and forward LeMar Anglin. The first points of the game highlighted the ongoing struggle of both teams to provide defense without giving up fouls. From the line, LeMar Anglin knocked down one of his two free throws to give the Yaks the first score of the game. On the other end of the court, Spokane came on the board after Robert Lippman drilled down both of his free throw shots when a foul forced him to the line for the Sasquatch. With both teams in the double bonus with more than five minutes to play in the first half, the Yaks outperformed on the free throw line, adding to their lead. However, Matt Dorr gave the Sasquatch an invigorating lift as he nailed a three at the buzzer, sending the teams into the locker room with a score of Yaks 37, Sasquatch 31. Robert Lippman once again scored the first points of the half for the Sasquatch from the line. Jordan Gregg added another two for Spokane and a quick trade of baskets between the Yaks and Jon Clift found the Sasquatch only a field goal down, two minutes into the half. Two minutes later, a spinning basket from Lippman tied the score and a fast break lay-up from Dorr put Spokane ahead for the first time since the early part of the game with fifteen minutes still to play and a score of 43-41. The teams proceeded to trade baskets, and with under 8 minutes to go, it was all tied up at 53. After a foul, the Sasquatch added one more. Matthew Door grabbed his own rebound from a three to drive it to the basket for two - and did it again after a score by the Yaks on the other end of the court. Anthony Johnson fought back for the Yaks, making most of his chances at the line and matching whatever Spokane had to offer. Neither team could shake the other and with 2:35 remaining, the game was again a dead heat at 61 all when a foul sent Lippman to the line to shoot two. Matthew Dorr's foul on Anthony Johnson saw him make the first basket and miss the second. A steal by Jody Johnson gave the ball back to the Yaks and Sandoval charged hard, adding two give the Yaks the lead with under 1:30 to play, 64-63. A beautiful layup by Clift from the side of the basket retuned Spokane to the top, 65-64. However, he pushed off of Anthony Johnson on the other end, sending the MVP to the line to drop in two. With a score of 66-65 and 35 seconds on the clock, Spokane inbounded the ball after the time out. Clift headed to the basket, sending LeMar Anglin to the ground and was chared with the offensive foul, ending his game and turning the ball over to the Yaks. However, the Sasquash stole the ball with 16 seconds on the clock and had one more chance. Under heavy coverage, Matthew Dorr's last second shot bounced off the rim, sending the Yakima Yaks home with the championship in a score of 66-65. Spokane ends their season 30-2 and with a second place trophy. Yakima finishes 25-7. Leading scorers for the Spokane Sasquatch were Jon Clift with 18, Robert Lippman with 14, including 10 from the line, and all tournament team player Matthew Dorr with 9 points and 5 rebounds. For the Yakima Yaks, leading scorers included tournament all-team player Jody Johnson with 11 points and 10 rebounds and tournament MVP Anthony Johnson with 29. All-Tournament Team
First Team: Zach Henefin, WCC; Kenan Dizdarevic, UCC; Clay Greenland, PeC; Jody Johnson, YVCC: Jordan Gregg, CCS.
Second Team: Nico Sandoval, YVCC; Emmanuel Olekaibe, SOCC; Stephen Waltman, EVCC; Josh Monagle; Matthew Dorr, CCS.
Most Valuable Player: Anthony Johnson, YVCC
Most Inspirational Player: Robert Lippman, CCS
March 02, 2008
Columbia Basin Hawks win the 2008 NWAACC Women's Basketball Championship Columbia Basin Hawks win 2008 NWAACC Women's Basketball Championship In front of a vocal hometown crowd for Columbia Basin and a slightly more subdued group of Spokane fans, the Lady Hawks took on the Sasquatch in the 2008 NWAACC Women's Championship game. The starting lineup for Spokane included point guard Ren Mallory, guard Eleaya Schuerch, guard/forward Liz Beardslee, Eastern region all-star guard Kelsey Stillar and forward Kellee Neal. Eastern region MVP Nikki DePeel started for the hometown Hawks, after taking a hard hit to her nose yesterday against the Walla Walla Warriors. She was joined by guard Alexandria Allen, forward Lindsey Begaii, guard Karli Thomas and forward Brittany Cherry. East first team all-star Brittany Cherry drew the first blood for the Hawks, while DePeel caused the first foul. The Sasquatch's first points went to Kelsey Stillar who took the three from the top of the key. Kellee Neal followed it up with another three 10 seconds later at the same spot. The Hawks played the inside aggressively, forcing the Sasquatch to take their early shots - unsuccessfully - from the outside. A series of traveling calls, thrown away balls, fouls and poor shooting resulted in a low scoring game and double bonus shots as the time wound down in the first half. Hawk Dora Brings Yellow took the final shot in the first half, missing and sending the teams into the locker room for halftime with a score of Spokane 22, Columbia River Basin 19. Coming out of halftime, Hawk Nikki DePeel tied it up with the first score of the second half and Hawk Kellie Neal - who shot 100% from the line, the three and the inside for the first half and contributed 8 of Spokane's 22 points - was pulled out of the game one minute in for garnering her fourth personal foul. A field goal shot from the Sasquatch rattled around the basket and dropped in, giving Spokane back the lead. It was short-lived, however, as DePeel was fouled on next her next successful drive to the basket. Quick scores from Lindsay Begaii and another from DePeel grew the lead to six. The Hawks worked to keep the lead with a steal and a score by Rondelle Guthrie and a driving layup by Alexandria Allen. Spokane fought back with rebounds and jumpers from Ren Mallory, despite back to back traveling calls on Richelle Daily to bring it back within three with under ten minutes to play. DePeel took control again of the game for the Hawks, scoring another six points, and the Hawks hustling defensive play gave them the chance to kill the clock while extending their lead. The Sasquatch found themselves down by 11 with under four minutes to play, having not scored a point for six minutes. Ren Mallory broke the cold spell with a jumper in the paint to diminish the Hawk's lead to the single digits with 3:13 left in the game. That was as close as they would get, however, as the Hawks' Brittany Cherry responded with two of her own on a fading jumper and the Hawks continued to pull away with baskets from Begaii and successful foul shots from DePeel. The Columbia Basin Hawks win the 2008 NWAACC Basketball Championships 49-37 and complete a successful season with a 28-3 record. Second place Spokane closed out their season 22-8. Tournament MVP Nikki DePeel was the highest scorer of the game with 18 points for the Hawks. For the Sasquatch, Liz Beardslee had 9 while Mallory and Neal each had 8. All-Tournament Team
March 02, 2008
First Team: Andrea Blodgett, YVCC; Kayla Bennett, NSCC; Mercedes Alexander, Lane; Kellee Neal, CCS; Brittany Cherry, CBC
Second Team: Amanda Atcheson, CENC; Kristina Schumacher, EVCC; Brittany Toone, WWCC; Liz Beardslee, CCS; Alexandria Allen, CBC
Most Valuable Player: Nikki DePeel, CBC
Most Inspirational Player: Ashlee Michelson, CCS
2008 NWAACC Men's Basketball Championship All-Tournament Team MVP First Team Second Team Most Inspirational Player
March 02, 2008
Anthony Johnson, Yakima Valley
Zach Henefin, Whatcom
Kenan Dizdarevic, Umpqua
Clay Greenland, Peninsula
Jody Johnson, Yakima Valley
Jordan Gregg, Spokane
Nico Sandoval, Yakima Valley
Emmanuel Olekaibe, Southwestern Oregon
Stephen Waltman, Everett
Josh Monagle, Bellevue
Matt Dorr, Spokane
Robert Lippman, Spokane
2008 NWAACC Women's Basketball Championship All-Tournament Team MVP First Team Second Team Most Inspirational Player
March 02, 2008
Nikki DePeel, Columbia Basin
Andrea Blodgett, Yakima Valley
Kayla Bennett, Seattle
Mercedes Alexander, Lane
Kellee Neal, Spokane
Brittany Cherry, Columbia Basin
Amanda Atcheson, Centralia
Kristina Schumacher, Everett
Brittany Toone, Walla Walla
Liz Beardslee, Spokane
Alexandria Allen, Columbia Basin
Ashlee Michelson, Spokane
NWAACC Championship Game Broadcasts & Scores Sunday, March 02 Men's Championship Women's Championship Tournament Box Scores & Stats: Men :: Women 3rd/6th Place Games 4th/7th Place games 5th/8th Place Games
March 02, 2008
Spokane 66 Yakima Valley 65
Columbia Basin 49 Spokane 37
Updated Brackets: Men :: Women
Game Recaps: Sunday :: Saturday :: Friday :: Thursday
Women Lane 63 Walla Walla 58
Men Umpqua 84 Southwestern Oregon 81
Women Yakima Valley 84 Centralia 66
Men Peninsula 60 Bellevue 44
Women Seattle 80 Everett 50
Men Whatcom 86 Everett 72 OT
NWAACC Championships - Game Recaps Sunday, March 2 7 p.m. Men's Championship Game: 1st Place Yakima Yaks 66, 2nd Place Spokane Sasquatch 65 While the Sasquatch fans might've been outnumbered by the hometown Columbia Basin crowd at the women's championship game, they came out in force - and with sound - to cheer on the favored Spokane team as they took on the Yakima Yaks in the 2008 NWAACC Men's Basketball Championship game. However, even their fans couldn't protect Spokane from amazing performance of future tournament MVP Anthony Johnson. For the Sasquatch, starting were first team Eastern region all-star guard Mathew Door, second-team all stars, guard Jon Clift, guard Eric Beal and guard Jordan Gregg, and forward Robert Lippman. Kicking off the game for the Yaks were guard Jody Johnson, guard Nico Sandoval, Eastern MVP guard Anthony Johnson, forward Mario Allen and forward LeMar Anglin. The first points of the game highlighted the ongoing struggle of both teams to provide defense without giving up fouls. From the line, LeMar Anglin knocked down one of his two free throws to give the Yaks the first score of the game. On the other end of the court, Spokane came on the board after Robert Lippman drilled down both of his free throw shots when a foul forced him to the line for the Sasquatch. With both teams in the double bonus with more than five minutes to play in the first half, the Yaks outperformed on the free throw line, adding to their lead. However, Matt Dorr gave the Sasquatch an invigorating lift as he nailed a three at the buzzer, sending the teams into the locker room with a score of Yaks 37, Sasquatch 31. Robert Lippman once again scored the first points of the half for the Sasquatch from the line. Jordan Gregg added another two for Spokane and a quick trade of baskets between the Yaks and Jon Clift found the Sasquatch only a field goal down, two minutes into the half. Two minutes later, a spinning basket from Lippman tied the score and a fast break lay-up from Dorr put Spokane ahead for the first time since the early part of the game with fifteen minutes still to play and a score of 43-41. The teams proceeded to trade baskets, and with under 8 minutes to go, it was all tied up at 53. After a foul, the Sasquatch added one more. Matthew Door grabbed his own rebound from a three to drive it to the basket for two - and did it again after a score by the Yaks on the other end of the court. Anthony Johnson fought back for the Yaks, making most of his chances at the line and matching whatever Spokane had to offer. Neither team could shake the other and with 2:35 remaining, the game was again a dead heat at 61 all when a foul sent Lippman to the line to shoot two. Matthew Dorr's foul on Anthony Johnson saw him make the first basket and miss the second. A steal by Jody Johnson gave the ball back to the Yaks and Sandoval charged hard, adding two give the Yaks the lead with under 1:30 to play, 64-63. A beautiful layup by Clift from the side of the basket retuned Spokane to the top, 65-64. However, he pushed off of Anthony Johnson on the other end, sending the MVP to the line to drop in two. With a score of 66-65 and 35 seconds on the clock, Spokane inbounded the ball after the time out. Clift headed to the basket, sending LeMar Anglin to the ground and was chared with the offensive foul, ending his game and turning the ball over to the Yaks. However, the Sasquash stole the ball with 16 seconds on the clock and had one more chance. Under heavy coverage, Matthew Dorr's last second shot bounced off the rim, sending the Yakima Yaks home with the championship in a score of 66-65. Spokane ends their season 30-2 and with a second place trophy. Yakima finishes 25-7. Leading scorers for the Spokane Sasquatch were Jon Clift with 18, Robert Lippman with 14, including 10 from the line, and all tournament team player Matthew Dorr with 9 points and 5 rebounds. For the Yakima Yaks, leading scorers included tournament all-team player Jody Johnson with 11 points and 10 rebounds and tournament MVP Anthony Johnson with 29. All-Tournament Team
March 02, 2008
First Team: Zach Henefin, WCC; Kenan Dizdarevic, UCC; Clay Greenland, PeC; Jody Johnson, YVCC: Jordan Gregg, CCS.
Second Team: Nico Sandoval, YVCC; Emmanuel Olekaibe, SOCC; Stephen Waltman, EVCC; Josh Monagle; Matt Dorr, CCS.
Most Valuable Player: Anthony Johnson, YVCC
Most Inspirational Player: Robert Lippman, CCS
4:30 p.m. Women's Championship Game: 1st Place Columbia Basin Hawks 49, 2nd Place Spokane Sasquatch 37
In front of a vocal hometown crowd for Columbia Basin and a slightly more subdued group of Spokane fans, the Lady Hawks took on the Sasquatch in the 2008 NWAACC Women's Championship game.
The starting lineup Spokane included point guard Ren Mallory, guard Eleaya Schuerch, guard/forward Liz Beardslee, Eastern region all-star guard Kelsey Stillar and forward Kellee Neal.
Eastern region MVP Nikki DePeel started for the hometown Hawks, after taking a hard hit to her nose yesterday against the Walla Walla Warriors. She was joined by point guard Nikki DePeel, guard Alexandria Allen, forward Lindsey Begaii, guard Karli Thomas and forward Brittany Cherry.
East first team all-star Brittany Cherry drew the first blood for the Hawks, while DePeel caused the first foul.
The Sasquatch's first points went to Kelsey Stillar who took the three from the top of the key. Kellee Neal followed it up with another three 10 seconds later at the same spot. The Hawks played the inside aggressively, forcing the Sasquatch to take their early shots - unsuccessfully - from the outside.
A series of traveling calls, thrown away balls, fouls and poor shooting resulted in a low scoring game and double bonus shots as the time wound down in the first half. Hawk Dora Brings Yellow took the final shot he final shot in the half, missing and sending the teams into the locker room for halftime with a score of Spokane 22, Columbia River Basin 19.
Coming out of halftime, Hawk Nikki DePeel tied it up with the first score of the second half and Hawk Kellie Neal - who shot 100% from the line, the three and the inside for the first half and contributed 8 of Spokane's 22 points - was pulled out of the game one minute in for garnering her fourth personal foul.
A field goal shot from the Squash rattled around the basket and dropped in, giving Spokane back the lead. It was short-lived, however, as DePeel was fouled on next her next successful drive to the basket. Quick scores from Lindsay Begaii and another from DePeel grew the lead to six.
The Hawks worked to keep the lead with a steal and a score by Rondell Guthrie and a driving layup by Alexandria Allen. Spokane fought back with rebounds and jumpers from Ren Mallory, despite back to back traveling calls on Richelle Daily to bring it back within three with under ten minutes to play.
DePeel took control again of the game for the Hawks, scoring another six points, and the Hawks hustling defensive play gave them the chance to kill the clock while extending their lead. The Sasquatch found themselves down by 11 with under four minutes to play, having not scored a point for six minutes.
Ren Mallory broke the cold spell with a jumper in the paint to diminish the Hawk's lead to the single digits with 3:13 left in the game. That was as close as they would get, however, as the Brittany Cherry responded with two of her own on a fading jumper and the Hawks continued to pull away with baskets from Begaii and successful foul shots from DePeel.
The Columbia Basin Hawks win the 2008 NWAACC Basketball Championships 49-37 and complete a successful season with a 28-3 record. Second place Spokane closed out their season 22-8.
Tournament MVP Nikki DePeel was the highest scorer of the game with 18 points for the Hawks. For the Sasquatch, Liz Beardslee had 9 while Mallory and Neal each had 8.
All-Tournament Team
First Team: Andrea Blodgett, YVCC; Kayla Bennett, NSCC; Mercedes Alexander, Lane; Kellee Neal, CCS; Brittany Cherry, CBC
Second Team: Amanda Atcheson, CENC; Kristina Schumacher, EVCC; Brittany Toone, WWCC; Liz Beardslee, CCS; Alexandria Allen, CBC
Most Valuable Player: Nikki DePeel, CBC
Most Inspirational Player: Ashlee Michelson, CCS
Men 2 p.m. 3rd Place Umpqua Riverhawks 84, 6th Place Southwestern Oregon Lakers 81
In a game fought tooth and nail, the Riverhawks and the Lakers dragged the drama out to the end.
With 45 seconds to go, and the Lakers down by two, they stole the ball and headed downcourt. In the ensuing fracas under the basket, a foul and an the errant ball nailed South second team all-star Jarrad Childs in the nose, sending him out of the game and South first team all-star Emmanuel Olekaibe to the line to shoot - and sink - two.
With the game tied 81-81 with 28 to go, Umpqua ran down the time on the clock, finally handing the ball off to first team all-star Joseph Foster who shot a three as time almost expired, finding the net with .8 seconds left on the clock and boosting the Riverhawks over the Lakers, 81-64.
All-stars Olekaibe and Joseph Foster lead the Lakers in scoring with 16 points. Matt Dance fielded 11 rebounds.
Riverhawk Kenan Dizdarevic brought home 30 points, but the leading scoring title went to on-fire Tyler Barnes who made 13/15 from the field and 100% of his five free throws for a total of 31 points.
After capturing first place in the Championship, the Riverhawks finish their season 25-7. The Lakers end competition in 6th place with a 22-11 record.
Women 2 p.m. 3rd Place Lane Titans 63, 6th Place Walla Walla Warriors 58
After Saturday's brutal battle against Columbia Basin, a battered Warrior team took to the court against the winningest team in the regular season without Eastern region all-star, Layne Tucker, who exited the game yesterday with a broken finger, and starter Allie Dreadfulwater, who left the same game with an injured knee. However, Warrior Sydney Gossard stepped up, keeping the team close with a series of three-pointers and the team headed into hafltime down by one and even garnered a lead of 5 in the early minutes of the second part of the game.
South MVP, Titan Mercedes Alexander, showed why she's earned the honor by keeping her team in the game, making key shots and putting Lane up for the first time in 15 minutes with under two to play.
With a Lane leading 57-55, Gossard turned the ball over to the Titans. Her subsequent foul on Sheena Cole’s successful drive to the basket put Cole on the line. Although she missed her free throw, the Titans recovered the ball and Alexander offered a hook to put Lane up 61-55 with under a minute to play.
Brittanie Toone responded with a nothing but 'net three from the top of the key, putting the Warriors back in striking distance with a score of 61-58.
On the other end of the court, Toone fouled Stephanie Stephens who made her shots to extend the lead to 63-58 with 17 seconds to play.
With the ball back in the Warrior hands, Toone tried again for the three, but the ball swished under the net and the Titans reclaimed the ball and the win.
Alexander lead the victorious Titans in scoring and rebounds with 24 points and 12 boards. She was supported by all-star teammate Stephanie Stephens and Sheena Cole's additional 14 points each.
For the Warriors, Eastern all-star Katie Strunk lead the charge with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Toone added 13 and Goassard contributed 12.
The Lane Titans win 3rd place in the 2008 NWAACC Basketball Championship game with a score of 63-58 over the Walla Walla Warriors, completing their season 29-4. The Warriors end their season 23-8 and with 6th place in the NWAACC tournament.
Men 12 p.m. 4th Place Peninsula Pirates 60, 7th Place Bellevue Bulldogs 44
In a game that was much closer than the score implied, the Belleview Bulldogs and the Peninsula Pirates battled fiercely until four minutes to play. With the Pirates up by 5, Peninsula drilled a three - and Bellevue's energy with it.
An ensuing series of sloppy play by the Bulldogs and inspired scoring by the Pirates drove the score up as the time wound down, earning the Pirates 4th place in the Championship and a season record of 25-8.
Pirates top scorers were Clay Greenland with 18, North all-star Dominick Lozano with 12 and Cody Smithson with 11. Jesse Bean set up his teammates well with 6 assists.
Bulldog North all-stars Josh Monagle and Steve Wiseley lead the Bulldogs in scoring with 12 and 8 points each. Michael Duty contributed 9 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bellevue Bulldogs end their season with 7th place in the tournament and a record of 22-10.
Women 12 p.m. 4th Place Yakima Yaks 84, 7th Place Centralia Trailblazers 66
After losing to Lane on Friday, the Yaks rolled over the Red Devils from Lower Columbia on Saturday and continued their domination on Sunday against the Trailblazers, winning 84-66.
Yakima East all-stars Alex Moore-Porter, Tana Stickney and Andrea Blodgett lead the Yaks in scoring with 32, 23 and 11 points, respectively. Moore-Porter dragged down 13 rebounds and Blodgett set up shots with 6 assists.
Centralia starters Amanda Atcheson and Deanna Riffe shot the best for the Lady Blazers, with 27 and 10 points.
The Lady Blazers end their season with a 7th place finish in the tournament and a 25-8 record. The Yaks finish with a 4th place title and a 26-5 record.
Men 10 a.m. 5th Place Whatcom Orcas 86, 8th place Everett Trojans 72 OT
The Trojan met were able to muster enough energy to force the game into overtime, however, there they struggled, scoring only two points against Whatcom's 16 as the Orcas went on to win 5th place in the 2008 NWAACC Basketball Championship.
The Orcas were lead by Mike Bagby with 17 points and Steven Webb and Cory Hendricks, each with 13. Ryan Christensen posted 11 points of his own and pulled down 10 rebounds.
Chris Grounds drove the Trojans with 27 points. His teammates David Griffiths and Stephen Waltman included a dozen points of their own. Waltman also made some big rebounds, pulling down 16 in all. The Trojans finish the tournament in 8th place.
Women 10 a.m. 5th Place Seattle Storm 80, 8th Place Everett Trojans 50
While the Trojan men battled their way into overtime on the court next store, the Trojan women just worked to survive after heading into halftime down by 24. Unfortunately, the lead only grew in the second half of the game and the Seattle Storm whirled on to take 5th place in the 2008 NWAACC Basketball Championship.
Leading the Storm charge was Kayla Bennett with 24 points while Candace Grettenberger dropped in 14 and pulled down 10 boards. Also contributing were Sherika Puckett with 11 points and Chiaki Nakamura with 10, respectively.
For the losing Trojans, Kristina Schumacher offered up 14 points. Her teammate Bryna Trescott was close behind with 13, while Keena Hopkins had 10 of her own.
The Trojans finish the season in 8th place.
NWAACC Championships - Game Recaps Saturday, March 1 Men 8 p.m. Semifinal Spokane Sasquatch 81, Southwestern Oregon Lakers 64 Buoyed by the victory of the women's team in the semi-final match only minutes before, the Sasquatch men yellowed early and loud, encouraging their team to an 81-64 win. Southwestern Oregon's leaders came from Emmanuel Olekaibe's 17, and 10 each from Joseph Foster and Matt Dance. The Sasquatch saw 17 points from Matthew Dorr, 16 from Jon Clift, 14 from Eric Beal and 10 from Robert Lippman. The Sasquatch will go for the gold against the Yakima Yaks tomorrow at 7 p.m. The losing Lakers will face the Riverhawks at 2 on Sunday. The Hawks-Warrior semifinal match-up was a battle of tensions and injuries, with large, vocal crowds on both sides and equally animated benches. In the first half, Warrior starter Allie Dreadfulwater was carried off the court with an unspecified knee injury. Shortly thereafter, the Hawk star and Eastern region MVP Nikki DePeel left the game with a suspected broken nose. Before the half was out, Layne Tucker - a second team Eastern all-star - headed off the court with an obviously broken pinky finger. Away from the injuries, the Hawks held the Warriors to only 26 points in the first half, emerging from halftime with a 15-point lead. Nikki DePeel re-entered the game in the second half, helping the Hawks drive up a 19 point lead. However, the Warriors battled back, bringing it within 4 with under 5 minutes to play. However, the loss of two starters in the first half - and labored play of the injured Katie Strunk - were too much for the Warriors, and the Hawks pulled away again to secure the win with a score of 72-63. The Hawks will try for the championship against the Spokane Sasquatch tomorrow at 4:30. The Warriors will fight on for third place by taking on Lane at 2 p.m. Men 6 p.m. Semifinal: Yakima Yaks 89, Umpqua Riverhawks 79 The Yaks stomped over the Riverhawks on their way to the NWAACC Championship game tomorrow at 7 p.m. The Yaks lead early and never stopped working to extend their control over the game. Anthony Johnson contributed an eye-popping 38 points while Jody Johnson and Nico Sandoval had 15 and 10, respectively. For the losing 'Hawks, Tyler Barnes lead with 27 points while South MVP Edwin Richardson dropped in 19. All-stars Kenan Dizdarevic had 17 and Jarred Childs had 10. The Yaks will try to become the 2008 NWAACC basketball champions tomorrow at 7 p.m. They will face the winner of tonight's 8 p.m. contest between the Spokane Sasquatch and the Southwestern Oregon Lakers. The Riverhawks will challenge the loser of the same game to go for third place at 2 p.m. The battle between the Sasquatch and the Titans was fought a tooth-and-nail as each team worked to secure their role in the 2008 NWAACC Championship game. Supported by a vocal crowd, the Sasquatch garnered an early lead over the defending champions. However, an early lead means nothing if you can't hold onto it and with ten minutes remaining in the game, the Titans had returned to striking distance. With less than three minutes to play, the score was tied up at 50. Two quick baskets by the Sasquash, including one from Liz Beardslee, tuned the game into a 54-50 score. After a failed shot by the Titans, Mercedes Alexander proved her South MVP mettle by stealing the ball right out of a Sasquatch player's hands for a layup to bring the game to 54-52. After an official's time out for an injured all-star Titan Nicole Morgan, 'Squash's Beardslee ran it up the middle for two points in the paint and a score of 56-54. A foul by Titan Jennifer Kimbrow sent the game back down the court and 'Squash Richelle Daily sunk her free throw shots for two, making it a 4 point game with under thirty to play. A round of fouls added a point for each side, but the gap remained. Spokane defeats Lane 59-55. Titan all-stars Stephanie Stephens and Nicole Morgan had 21 and 10 points, respectively. Alexander contributed 16. Spokane high scorers included Kellee Neal with 15, Beardslee with 14 and Daily with 11. Spokane will see the winner of tonight's 8 p.m. match-up between Walla Walla and Columbia River Basin tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. as they try to become the 2008 NWAACC Basketball Champions. Lane will see the loser of the same challenge at 2 p.m. in hopes of securing third place. Men 4 p.m. Everett Trojans 72, Highline Thunderbirds 69 While the Trojan women ran away with - and then melted down - in their game that was taking place simultaneously on the other court, the Trojan men attempted shake off their Thunderbird competitors. Although Everett had a slight lead coming out of halftime, the two teams traded buckets throughout the second part of the game. The Trojans, however, always remained one step ahead of the Thunderbirds until a Highline score with 1:30 remaining gave them a one-point lead, 69-68. Everett responded, putting the ball in the hands of Jon Moe who proved his North all-star status with a beautiful layup, making the score 70-69 in favor of the Trojans. Thunderbird Kelly Edwards missed his subsequent shot, taken under pressure as the shot clock wound town. The quick foul took Jon Moe to the line for a 1 + 1, where he drilled both baskets to give the Trojans a three-point lead. With 13 seconds on the clock and the score of 72-69, Highline took possession of the ball. Josh Broussard tried for the game-tying shot as the clock expired, banging it off the rim and into the hands of the Trojans. Everett moves onto the battle for 5th place tomorrow at 10 a.m. against the Whatcom Orcas. Women 4 p.m. Everett Trojans 80, Umpqua Riverhawks 70 It was almost the comeback story of the 2008 NWAACC tournament. Down by 34 points, the Umpqua women fought back against the contented Trojans, bringing the score within seven with as many minutes to play. High scoring Trojan Keena Hopkins (16 points) fouled out of the game six minutes still on the clock. It was here, however, that the steamrolling Riverhawks stalled. Unable to get any closer to the elusive Tojans, the Everett team won 80-70. Leading the Umpqua charge were Deanna Tupai with 20 points, supported by Marissa Towry with 14, Cassie Scheffelmaier with 12 and Kristin Fallin's 10 points and 16 rebounds. For the Trojans, high scorers were Bryna Trescott with 26 points and a stunning 19 rebounds, Kristina Schumacher with 18 points and Brooke Russell with 11 points. The Lady Trojans will again battle at the same time as their men's team tomorrow at 10 a.m. The Trojans will face the Seattle Storm in their quest for 5th place. Men 2 p.m. Peninsula Pirates 88, Clackamas Cougars 84 With both teams coming off losses yesterday, the Pirates and the Cougars were eager to win and extend their time in the NWAACC basketball championship. Although Peninsula took the early lead and lead at the end of the first half, Clackamas narrowed the lead to two in the last quarter of the game. Peninsula realized the game was in danger and started running scared, pulling away with a series of unanswered points, adding onto their lead with a back-to-back three pointers. The Cougars continued to claw at the Pirates, drawing strength from a three point shot by JC Cook to bring it back within four with under 1:40 to play. After a scrambled ball lead to a turnover to Clackamas, JC Cook took a two-point shot that was swatted away as it arched to the basket. The goaltending charge brought the score to 84-82 with just under a minute to play. Peninsula successfully ran down the clock, scoring another 2 points with only 3 seconds remaining on their shot clock. Clackamas couldn't answer and was forced to foul, where two successful free throw shots extended the Pirates lead back to 6. A bucket inside the paint by the Cougars added another two to the board, but the team ran out of time. The games' leading scorer was JC Cook with 32 points for the Cougars. He was supported by the play of Adam Brickley with 21 points and 11 rebounds and Austin Dunn with 15 points. For the Pirates, Dominick Lozano pulled in 21 points and contributed 9 assists. Clay Greenland had 17 points of his own, with 13 rebounds. Chidi Antoinne's performance included 19 points and 14 rebounds. The Pirates win 88-84 and will try for fourth place in the tournament by playing Bellevue tomorrow at 12 p.m. The six-woman South Puget Sound team couldn't match the depth and breath of the blazing Centralia team in the 2 p.m. women's game but they certainly tried. At the half, the Lady Blazers had more than doubled the score of the Clippers team, 41-19. Still, the Clippers battled back, outscoring the Blazers by 12 in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the first half pressure. Leading scorers for the victorious Trailblazers were Amanda Atcheson with 14 points, Deanna Riffe and Ali Matisons, both with 11, and Jill Fuller with 10 points. Mandy McFadden brought down 10 from the boards. For South Puget Sound, the games' high scores were Alicia Richardson with 17 points and Megan Sanders with 10. The Trailblazers will go for fourth place at the championships by taking on Yakima at noon on Sunday. Men 12 p.m. Bellevue Bulldogs 70, Lower Columbia Red Devils 63 With a swath of Red Devil supporters dividing their attentions between the men's and women's games, and a number of Bulldog fans fresh from the loss of the Lady Bulldogs in their 10 a.m. contest, there was plenty of support on both sides for the Lower Columbia-Bellevue match-up. The Red Devils took the lead early on and carried the double-digit pillow into halftime, thanks to high scorers Issac Jimcoily (14 points) and Josh Troyer (10 points). The Bulldogs, however, refused to stop clawing and dragged themselves back into the game, finally taking the lead 56-55 with under 5 minutes to play, rallying around their game's scoring leaders Josh Monagle (19 points) and Michael Duty (18 points). A controversial goaltending call on Red Devil Alex King and Steve Wiseley's beautiful lob up while rising up over the center of the paint set the Bulldogs up for their first two-basket lead, 63-57, with under three minutes in regulation. The Bulldogs continued to stay one step ahead of the Red Devils as the clock wound down, sinking their free throws and forcing turnovers as the game disintegrated in the final seconds to a score of 70-63, Bulldog win. Lower Columbia ends its season. The Bulldogs will continue on to fight for 4th place in the tournament against the winner of the 2 p.m. fight between Peninsula and Clackamas. Although their men's team was unable to unseat the Yakima Yaks yesterday, the Lady Red Devils tried their best to redeem their school and eliminate the Lady Yaks from the tournament in today's 12 p.m. game. The Devils struggled from the beginning, shooting less than 30% from the field for the first half and getting buried by the 50% success rate of the Yaks on the three. Although they were able to match the Yaks shot for shot in the second half, it wasn't enough to dent Yakima's commanding lead. The Yaks defeat the Devils, 77-61. The Devils were carried by Nadra Evans' 20 points. The Lower Columbia star scored on 50% of her attempts. Revealing the depth of talent on their team, the Yaks had four players in the double digits, lead by Chelsey Nill's 16 points and Andrea Bladgett's 13. The Yaks will challenge the winner of today's 2 p.m. contest between Centralia and South Puget Sound at 12 p.m. on Sunday. Men 8 a.m. Whatcom Orcas 81, Big Bend 68 Lead by the Orca Zach Henifin's 23 points, Whatcom defeated the Big Bend Vikings today in the opening game of Men's play, 81-68. The Orcas lead by 17 points at halftime and extended their lead as large as 22 points. However, the Vikings continued to fight, spurred on by the 17 points from James York. The additional help of 13 points from teammate's Daley Landon and 11 from Brett Vriesman were able to bring the game with 13, but not enough to overcome the Orcas. Whatcom will continue on in the tournament to test their meddle against the winner of today's 4 p.m. contest between Highline and Everett to claim 5th place. Women 8 a.m. Seattle Storm 58, Bellevue Bulldogs 57 The game was all tied up at halftime and that's where it remained with less than two and a half minutes remaining in the first Women's game today. Chiaki Nakamura broke the dead heat by sinking a three for the Storm, putting Seattle up three with two minutes to play, 58-55. Bulldog Kaneshia Brooks answered with a long two of her own for Bellevue. A series of missed shots ensued as the time wound down to one minute. Seattle's time out laid out a plan, but not enough time for them to complete it – a shot clock violation turned the ball back over to Bellevue, who took a timeout of their own with 40 seconds remaining. Danielle Bue took a drive to the basket for the 'Dogs. She scored, but it was ruled no basket because traveling. With the score still 58-57, Candace Grettenberger took to the free throw line after being quickly fouled. She missed the shot, and knocked it out of bounds trying to snag the rebound. Bellevue worked the ball back down the court and took a shot that was rebounded by the Storm - who were then charged with a travel. With two seconds remaining on the shot clock, Bellevue had one last second chance for the win. It was left up to Briana Lewis to try for the jumper - a three point attempt that bounced off the back of the rim, ending the Bulldog Season. Leading the Storm to victory were Kayla Bennett's 19 points, followed by Katie Kirsch's 15. Candace Grettenberger pulled down 12 rebounds. For the losing Bulldogs, Alicia Tennyson lead in scoring with 12 points. Danielle Bue contributed 10. Seattle wins 58-57 and will play tomorrow at 10 a.m. for 5th place in the 2008 NWAACC basketball tournament. They will take on the winner of today's 4 p.m. matchup between Everett and Umpqua.
March 01, 2008
Women 8 p.m. Semifinal Columbia Basin Hawks 72, Walla Walla Warriors 63
Women 6 p.m. Semifinal: Spokane Sasquatch 59, Lane Titans 55
Women 2 p.m. Centralia Trailblazers 64, South Puget Sound Clippers 54
Women 12 pm. Yakima Yaks 77, Lower Columbia Red Devils 61
NWAACC Women's All-Stars NORTH ALL-STARS Second Team MVP: Kristina Schumacher, EVCC Coach of the Year: Chet Hovde, EVCC Second Team MVP: Nikki DePeel, CBC Coach of the Year: Cheryl Holden, CBC WEST ALL-STARS First Team Second Team MVP: Amanda Atcheson, CenC Coach of the Year: Dee Dee Horton, SPSCC SOUTH ALL-STARS Second Team MVP: Mercedes Alexander, Lane Coach of the Year: Dave Stricklin, UCC
February 29, 2008
First Team
Kayla Bennett, SCC
Marissa Bower, BCC
Megan Gilbert, OC
Oliana Seonoa, EVCC
Jessica Takara, SVC
Coty Ettl, OC
Sam Flett, PeC
Trisha Mallahan, WCC
Corinna Sharick, SVC
Jena Walentowski,ShCC
EAST ALL-STARS
First Team
Brittney Cherry, CBC
Andrea Blodgett, YVCC
Alexandria Allen, CBC
Tana Stickney, YVCC
Katie Strunk, WWCC
Jequela Warren, BMCC
Kim Bluff, BBCC
Kelsey Stillar, CCS
Layne Tucker, WWCC
Ashlee Michelson, CCS
Alex Moore-Porter, YVCC
Nadra Evans, LCC
Ashley Kitzman, Clark
Alicia Richardson, SPSCC
Sarah Sides, GHC
Heidi Jackson, LCC
Shavon Tate, TCC
Whitney Titus, SPS
Valerie Cook, HCC
Mandy McFadden, CenC
Katie Garcin, LCC
First Team
Stephanie Stephens, Lane
Rachel Copeland, CLCC
Deanna Tupai, UCC
Kristi Fallin, UCC
Brittney Wilson, CHCC
Nicole Morgan, Lane
Miranda Holenstein, UCC
Emily Irwin, LBCC
Katelyn White, LBCC
Monique Tribble, CLCC
NWAACC Men's All-Stars NORTH ALL-STARS First Team Second Team MVP: Clay Greenland, PeC Coach of the Year: Peter Stewart, PeC EAST ALL-STARS First Team Second Team MVP: Anthony Johnson, YVCC Coach of the Year: Mike Burns, CCS WEST ALL-STARS First Team Second Team MVP: Chris Scott, SPSCC Coach of the Year: Jim Roffler, LCC SOUTH ALL-STARS First Team MVP: Edwin Richardson, UCC Coach of the Year: Donell Morgan, UCC
February 29, 2008
Josh Monagle, BCC
Mike Bagby, WCC
Chris Grounds, EVCC
JaRon Brown, SHCC
Dominick Lozano, PeC
Ryan Christensen, WCC
Jon Moe, EVCC
Michael Duty, BCC
Steve Wiseley, BCC
Zack Henifin, WCC
Daley Landon, BBCC
Matthew Dorr, CCS
Shane Miller, TVCC
Mark Minarik, WWCC
James York, BBCC
Jordan Gregg, CCS
Eric Beal, CCS
Jon Clift, CCS
Bo Gregg, CCS
Brett Vriesman, BBCC
Chris Sprinker TCC
Alex King LCC
Orlandor Westbrooks Clark
Cody Theuringer HCC
Dave Massington GRCC
Josh Troyer LCC
Scott Halasz Pierce
Shedrick Nelson HCC
Emmanuel Jenkins TCC
Bryan Trask GHCC
JC Cook, ClCC
Joseph Foster, SOCC
Kenan Dizdarevic, UCC
Dominique Watson, Lane
Emmanuel Olekaibe, SOCC
Second Team
Cory Neal, ChCC
Austin Dunn, ClCC
Pierre Calloway, MHCC
Jarrad Childs, UCC
DeMarcus Branch, MHCC
Tyson Christie, L:BCC
NWAACC Championships - Game Recaps Friday, February 29 Men 10 p.m. Everett Trojans 92, South Puget Sound Clippers 86 Although the game was close going into the second half, it soon emerged that the 10 p.m. start time was past the Clipper's bedtimes as the Trojans out-shot, out-hustled and, most importantly, out-rebounded South Puget Sound for most of the second period. In the last minutes of the game, the Clippers woke up and fought back from a period high 15 point deficit, rallying behind Jonny Sarysz' gutsy and enthusiastic play after a series of hard falls. Key shots from Chris Scott brought South Puget South within 7 with two minutes to go. However, they could not stop the Trojans' 2-point response to almost every basket to close the gap. The day's scoring leader, Trojan Jon Moe, nailed down 36 points. His teammates Stephen Waltman and Brian Mason scored 14 and 10, respectively. The Clippers had six players in the double digits. Jonny Saryaz topped with 19, followed closely by Nigel Moore with 17, Chris Scott with 15, Michael Brumsey with 14 and finally Ramone Johnson and Gerad Moser with 11 and 10 points. The Trojans win the game 92 to 86. This is the end of Clipper's season. Everett will return to the court tomorrow at 4 p.m. to face Highline.
February 29, 2008
Women 10 p.m. Umpqua Riverhawks, Skagit Valley Cardinals
The combination of high scoring from Ashley Grater (18 points), Corrina Sharick (15 points), Caitie Newman (12 points), Alex Love (11 points) and Alyssa Hendrickson (10 points) was not enough for the Cardinals to overcome the Riverhawk's triple threat.
Miranda Holenstein lead the team to victory with 33 points. Her teammates Kristi Fallin and Cassie Scheffelmaier dropped in an extra 19 and 17, respectively.
The Riverhawks will continue on in the tournament and face Everett tomorrow at 4 p.m.
Men 8 p.m. Spokane Sasquatch 78, Clackamas Cougars 50
The Sasquatch came out shooting - and hearing the squish of the net. The team went up 14-4 in the early part of the game and continued to roll, going up by as much as 30 before finally settling on a 78-50 score. With the large lead and support of the crowd, the Sasquatch sharpened its shot for tomorrow and pleased its fans with some flashy shots as well. Clackamas continued to fight for the ball until the end, however, with extensive double team support provided by Cougar Jeff Sego.
Top scorers for the Cougars were JC Cook with 13 points followed up by Austin Dunn and Adam Brickley with 11. For the Sasquatch, Jordan Gregg knocked down 16 while Jon Clift added 12 and 6 assists. Matthew Dorr and Kyle Turpin supported with 10 points each.
Spokane will return tomorrow at 8 p.m. against Southwestern Oregon. Clackamas will see Peninsula at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Women 8 p.m. Columbia Basin Hawks 58, South Puget Sound Clippers 43
In a game dominated by Columbia Basin Hawks, the team's leading scorer, Brittany Cherry, knocked down 11 points. Her teammate, Karli Thomas, contributed 10.
South Puget Sound, playing with only six team members, had Whitney Titus' 18 points for the game's strongest showing. Dre Castanea and Alicia Richardson both topped double digits with 11 points.
Columbia Basin continues on in the winner bracket and will take on Walla Walla tomorrow at 8 p.m. South Puget Sound will face Centralia at 2 p.m.
Men 6 p.m. Yakima Yaks 70, Lower Columbia Red Devils 66
In-your-face play dominated the Lower Columbia - Yakima match-up. The number one ranked team in the West, the Devils tried not to disappoint in front of a vocal crowd of support. Although they lead early in the second half, the Yaks whittled away at the numbers on the scoreboard and with 45 seconds on the clock, the Devils found themselves down by one.
Yak guard Anthony Johnson took to the line after being fouled while driving in the lane, scoring two, and stetting up a score of 69-66. A bobbled ball sent Lower Columbia's chances into the backcourt. Full coverage by the Red Devils and an errant three point attempt resulted in no points for Lower Columbia and another foul put Yakina back on the line with 6 seconds remaining. The Yaks only made one of the baskets, but that's all they needed to convince the Devils the last six seconds weren't worth playing.
The combined forces of Red Devils leading scorers - Josh Troyer with 15, Alex King with 13 and Robert Edwards with 12 - weren't enough to overcome the highest scoring player of the game, Yak Anthony Johnson and his teammate Jody Johnson.
The Yaks win 70-66 and will face Umpqua tomorrow at 6 p.m. Look for Lower Columbia to try to beat Bellevue at 12 p.m.
Women 6 p.m. Spokane Sasquatch 60, Lower Columbia Devils 35
In front of a boisterous crowd, the Devils worked to whirl away from the Sasquatch. However, Spokane's might was too strong and the Sasquatch established a commanding lead that grew throughout the game.
Proving the depth of their bench, the Sasquatch had ten players on the scoring board. Kellee Neal lead with 11 points while Ashlee Michelson added 9. For the Red Devils, Rene Evans lead her team in scoring with 13 points.
The Sasquatch win 60-35 and will play again tomorrow at 6 p.m. against the defending champions, Lane. The Red Devils will get another chance to play in front of the hometown crowd at 12 p.m. against the Yakima Yaks.
Men 4 p.m. Umpqua Riverhawks 80, Bellevue Bulldogs 73
Although both teams furiously tried, neither the Bulldogs nor the Riverhawks could shake their rival hard enough for more than a one-basket lead for most of the game.
With under five minutes left in the game, the Riverhawks capitalized on the Bulldogs lax play. A half-court pass resulted in a layup for the hustling 'Hawks and a thrown-away ball gave Umpqua another chance to extend their lead to 67-60.
Dueling baskets increased the score by two on both ends and missed plays continued until 10 Umpqua took to the line to put two through the net.
Facing a nine point deficit with less than two minutes remaining, the Bulldogs turned to fouls and three point attempts to save time. However, it only delayed the inevitable.
For the Bulldogs, high scorers were Steve Wiseley with 19 points and Josh Monagle with 15. For the Riverhawks, Jarrad Childs scored the match high 22 points while Edwin Richardson knocked in 20.
The Umpqua Riverhawks advance by winning with a score of 80-73 and will play Saturday against either Lower Columbia or Yakima at 6 p.m. The Bulldogs will try to defeat the loser of tonight's game between Lower Columbia and Yakima tomorrow at 12 p.m.
Women 4 p.m. Lane Titans 78, Yakima Valley Yaks 75
The Yaks and the Titans met today at 4 p.m. for a heated rematch of last year's semifinal game. At the half, the Yaks had a five-point lead, however, the Titans struck first in the second part of the game to make up the difference and more. However, neither team was able to amass a large lead and with 4 minutes remaining in the game, the score remained tied.
A three point score from Lane, and the Yaks two-point response, put Lane up by one. A traded series of lay-ups and jump shots resulted in a 74-73 Lane score with 40 seconds left in the game. Yak Kaiti Harris threw the ball out of bounds as her receiving player ducked, giving the ball to Lane with 30 seconds to go.
A foul brought Nicole Morgan to the line to shoot two for the Titans and increase their lead to three. With 20 seconds left, the Yaks missed their shot and sent Mercedes Alexander to the line to maximize time.
Alexander responded by sinking her first shot, but missing her second. She attempted to get the rebound but fouled Kylie Shaw, who made both of her free throws to return to a one point game, 76-75 Lane.
Sloppy play by the Yaks resulted in a score by the hard driving Titans and the resulting series of fouls couldn't stop the clock or Lane from winning.
The Yaks were lead by the scoring of Andrea Bladgett with 21 points and 5 assists, and Alex Moore-Porter and Donjanique Baker with 11 points each.
The Titan's Mercedes Alexander scored 24 points with 5 assists. Valerie Meyer and Stephanie Stephens each contributed 15.
Lane wins 78-75 and will play again at 6 p.m. tomorrow against the winner of the Lower Columbia-Spokane match-up. The Yaks will try to unseat the loser of the same match-up Saturday at noon.
Men 2 p.m. Southwestern Oregon Lakers 89, Peninsula Pirates 84
The North division champion Peninsula Pirates versus the third-ranked team from the East, the Southwestern Oregon Lakers, resulted in a game fought tooth and nail from the beginning.
With the score close at halftime, both teams looked to come out blazing for the second twenty minutes of game time. Southwestern drew the early - and deepest - blood, taking a commanding nine point lead with as many minutes remaining in the game.
The physicality of the game resulted in foul outs on both sides with more than six minutes remaining. Feeling the pressure of the winding down clock, the Pirates capitalized on their opportunities by scoring threes and dropping their free throw shots through the net. With 1:30 left to play in the game, the score was 82-81, closer than it had been all night. On the line after a foul, Laker Matt Dance dropped one of his free throws through the net.
Peninsula's next possession resulted in a shot clock violation with 41 seconds on the clock. The quick fouls on Dance and Joseph Foster put them back on the line for four more quick points
The Pirates pulled themselves back into the game with a fantastic three point shot from the corner. However, in the resulting game of fouls, Dance sealed the deal with another two from the free throw line to extend the Lakers' lead.
Both teams pulled high baskets from multiple players. Emmanuel Olekaibe lead the Lakers and the game with 24. His teammate Joseph Foster racked up 19 points, and Kevin Reynolds contributed 15. Bobby Williams had the game’s only double-double with 10 points and 11 assists.
For the Pirates, Clay Greenland contributed 23 points, while his teammates Dominick Lozano and Christian Harris offered up 16 and 15, respectively. Jesse Bean had 10 points.
The Lakers upset the Pirates 89-84 and will play tomorrow at 8 p.m. against the victor of tonight's 8 p.m. game of Spokane versus Clackamas. The Pirates will continue their season against the loser of the same game at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Women 2 p.m. Walla Walla Warriors 68, Centralia Trailblazers 54
The Walla Walla Warriors had a lead over the Centralia Trailblazers going into the half. Thanks to the vocal support of their fans and shared high scoring play, the Warriors were able to both hold, and extend, their lead, maintaining a minimum 10 point lead for most of the second half.
The Warriors' scoring was lead by Brittanie Toone with 21 points, AJ Hawk with 18 points, including 12 from the line, and 10 from Allie Dreadfulwater.
The Lady Blazers high performers were Laci Mitchell with 13 and Deanna Riffe with 11 points.
The Walla Warriors win 68-54 and face the winner of tonight's 8 p.m. match-up between Columbia and South Puget Sound Saturday at 8 p.m.. Centralia will see the loser of the same game at 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Men 12 p.m. Whatcom Orcas 81, Lane Titans 76
The game started poorly for the Titans. Whatcom came out strong, scoring ten unanswered points before Lane finally came on the board five and half minutes in with a two point shot.
The Titans spent the next ten minutes redeeming their earlier play, tying the game on an aggressive slam dunk by Dominique Watson and taking the lead for the first time in the game with five minutes to go in the first half after a baseline score by Kyle Winkler.
Going into halftime, Whatcom scored a last second three to tie the game 38-38.
The second half was a battle of the baskets, resulting in a Whatcom lead by two with seven minutes to play. The fiercely aggressive game resulted in a knock against the basket that jarred the shot clock. Despite a valiant attempt at a temporary fix by a high-climbing game attendee, a more permanent solution was required and game play was suspended for ten minutes while the shot clock was re attached.
The teams took the time to refocus and Whatcom came out scoring, driving the lead to 7. Lane fought back, bringing the score within three before Whatcom dragged it back out to 7.
With under a minute and a half to play, Aric Wright scored a three to give the Titans hope with a score of 73-70. However, a series of forced fouls again extended the Orca lead, this time to 76-70.
With 30 seconds on the clock, Wright stepped up to the plate, sinking a three and once more reducing the lead to three, 76-73. Despite Whatcom'Lane s attempts to play keep away, they were quickly fouled and Zac Andrus came up to the line, scoring on the first free throw. The second rolled around the hoop before rolling off. Whatcom won the battle of the boards, and again took to the line, where solid free throw shooting let them keep and extend their lead in the last seconds of the game.
Lane's leading scorers were Dominique Watson with 23 points and Stephen Christensen with 10. Whatcom owes much of its success to Zach Henifin who was perfect on his 10 free throw attempts and 9/13 from field goal range for a total of 32 points. Zac Andus also added 17 points to the score.
Whatcom wins 81-75 and will take on Big Bend tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Women 12 p.m. Bellevue Bulldogs 83, Linn-Benton Road Runners 71
With five minutes remaining in the half, the Road Runners and Bulldogs were duking it out with a score tied at 26. However, a jump shot from Road Runner Emily Irwin, followed up by two points in the paint from her teammate Jessica Vorpahl and another two from the line, set Linn-Benton on a roll. Heading into halftime, Linn-Benton sat on top 37-31.
Coming out of the mid-game break, Bellevue took control, with a solid distribution of high scoring, pulling away in dominating fashion by the end of the game.
For the Road Runners, the leading scorers were Katelyn White with 20 points and Destiny Neuenschwander with 15. For the Bulldogs, Andrea Gansz lead with 20 points, followed by Danielle Bue's 17, Lyndsee Landon's 15, Marissa Bower's 12 and Kaneshia Brooks' 11 scores.
Bellevue wins 83-71 and will take on the Seattle Storm tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Men 10 a.m. Big Bend Vikings 75, Grays Harbor Chokers 70
The game between the Big Bend and Grays Harbor Chokers was within five with the same number of minutes to play. However, Big Ben scored rapidly, extending the score to 66-57 with minus three minutes to play. An aggressive layup by Grays Harbor brought the score to 66-59.
Nick Schultens nailed a three for the Chokers, bringing the point difference to four. Big Bend almost threw the ball away only to double dribble and turn the ball over to Grays Harbor.
Cameron Edison missed his two-point attempt. Big Bend snagged the rebound and called a timeout as Viking Daley Landon was falling out of bounds.
When time resumed, Viking Will Winn did his best to kill time. He drew a foul from Josh Hawks, missing the free shot. However, Grays Harbor swatted the ball out of bounds. Two more consecutive fouls on Grays Harbor brought Winn to the line where he sunk one to extend the lead 67-62.
Aggressive play by both teams resulted in yet another foul by Grays Harbor. A technical foul was then called on Schultens, who fouled out of the game with 15 points.
Landon made both technical free throws for the Vikings and one more point brought the score to 70-62 with only 35 seconds to play
Greys Harbor wasn't going to end their season without a fight, however, Edison drilled a three with 29 seconds to go. A forced foul sent Landon back to the foul line, where he added another point on the board.
The ball was put back into the hands of Edison, who responded with yet another three point shot with the score 71-68 and 20 seconds to go. Big Bend then scored two on non-aggressive play by Greys Harbor - possibly as the result of a coach calling time out, but with no whistle from the officials to end play.
Edison again took possession of the ball and was fouled while going for his hat trick of threes. After sinking two of the shots, he brought his team within 3.
Unfortunately, the time was against the Chokers and another foul brought Winn back to the line for the Vikings. His two points with 8 seconds in the game placed it out of Grays Harbor's grasp.
Edison lead the Chokers in points with 17. Courtney Breach contributed 14, along with 4 steals. For the Vikings, Daley Landon scored an impressive 24 points while James York and Winn each added another 10 to the board.
Big Bend wins 75-70 and advances to play the winner of the Lane/Whatcom matchup tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Women 10 a.m. Seattle Storm 99, Grays Harbor Chokers 46
After a disappointing loss yesterday, Grays Harbor had an equally difficult game today versus the Seattle Storm. Down by 23 at halftime, the Storm's lead only grew in the second half of the game.
Sarah Sides lead the Chokers with 9 points and 5 assists. For the Storm, four players were in double digits. Kayla Bennett was on fire, dropping down 9 of 12 from the field for 23 total points. Sherika Puckett added her own 20 and 11 assists. Chiaki Nakamura contributed 16 points while Amber Hering set up her teammates to make the shots with 12 assists and 9 points of her own. Hiroe Chiba also put 10 points on the board.
Seattle wins 99-46 and will play the winner of the Linn-Benton/Bellevue match-up tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Men 8 a.m. Treasure Valley Chukars 73, Highline Thunderbirds 63
The Treasure Valley Chukars at the Highline Thunderbirds kicked off the second day of the NWAACC basketball championship
The teams traded baskets throughout the first half, and we were within three points of each other going into halftime.
Both teams were willing to take risks to wrest control of the game, with plentiful three-point attempts. Highline was more successful finding the net, putting the pressure on Chukars and forcing Treasure Valley into sloppy play. Highline capitalized on the fouls with mixed results at the free throw line, slowly building their lead while the Chukars continued to turn over the ball and make desperate attempts to sink their own threes.
The Chukars were not able to close down the gap created by the steamrolling Thunderbirds. Mychal Harris scored 11 points for the Chukars while Shane Miller lead the team with 18 points. For the Thunderbirds, Steadman Richardson lead with 16 points, supported by Coby Gibler's 14 and Shedrick Nelson's 11.
Final score Highline 73, Treasure Valley 63. Highline advances to play Saturday, March 1.
Women 8 a.m. Everett Trojans 77, Clackamas Cougars 71
At halftime, the Trojans lead the Cougars by a seemingly insurmountable 16 points. However, the Cougars battled back to draw within two with under four minutes remaining in the game.
An Everett steal lead to a basket by Kristina Schumacher, putting the Trojans up by four with three minutes to go. Clackamas quickly responded with two points of their own to again bring the score within a basket, 71-67.
After an Everett timeout with 1:25 to go, Schumacher came out to sink a basket as the shot clock ran down.
Rachel Copeland toed the 3-point line while shooting her own two-point response and Clackamas quickly took a time out.
With 54 seconds remaining, Keena Hopkins entered back in the game, running a blitz play and killing time. Brooke Russell was able to drive in the paint and take her own basket. With the Trojans leading 75-71, Cougar Kelsey New was charged with an offensive foul. Schumacher sunk her two resulting free throws to extend the lead 77-71.
Clackamas' Copeland failed in her three-point attempt and the resulting rebound gave the ball back to Everett, who let the time wind down.
For the Cougars, Copeland lead the team with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, including 8 three-point shots. Monique Tribble scored 17 points.
For the Trojans, Schumacher was the top scorer with 22 points while Keena Hopkins nailed down 21. Brooke Russell and Bryna Trescott each contributed 12.
Everett wins 77-71 and advances to play tomorrow.
2008 NWAACC Championship Stats
February 29, 2008
NWAACC Championships - Game Recaps Thursday, Feb 28 MEN Clackamas 93 South Puget Sound 71 South Puget Sound held a two point edge at 41-39 during the intermission, but Clackamas outscored the Clippers 54-30 en route to a 93-71 victory. Clackamas' Austin Dunn and J. C. Cook combined on 51 points. Dunn was especially hot making 11 of 14 from the field and Cook picked up 8 points from the charity stripe. Jeff Sego also picked up double digits with 14 points and dished four assists. Adam Brickley and company controlled the paint as Brickley had 9 boards while three other Cougars finished with eight. Four Clippers tallied double digit scoring led by Jonny Saryaz who had 15. Michael DeRosier had 14, Chris Scott 13, and Michael Brumsey 12. Brumsey and Nigel Moore combined on 17 boards while Scott dished a game high eight assists. Clackamas advances to play top-ranked Spokane at 8pm on Friday while the Clippers will take on Everett at 10pm in a must win game for both squads. WOMEN S. Puget Sound 63 Umpqua 77 The Riverhawks took control midway through the first half and held 13 point half time lead 39-26. After the intermission the Riverhawks continued to lead until midway through the second when the Clippers turned on the heat to win the contest 77-63. The Clippers did so by outscoring the Riverhawks by 27 points in the half. Whitney Titus was the Clippers' leading scorer with 23 and Dre Castaneda added another 21. Titus and Megan Sanders gathered 6 boards apiece while Kiara Honore tallied four assists. Castaneda played strong defense and picked the Riverhawks for four steals. Cassie Scheffelmaier led the Riverhawks with 17 points and Kristi Fallin chipped in another 13 along with her game high 10 boards. South Puget Sound will advance and take on Columbia Basin at 8pm Friday evening while Umpqua will play Skagit Valley in the consolation bracket at 10pm. Lower Columbia turned up the gas in the second period and increased the margin to 16 at one point and sailed to a 74-61 win. Marice Tolliver led the Red Devils in scoring with 18 and Alex king and Robert Edwards combined for 22 more. Tolliver also paced the team in rebounds with nine and blocks with three. Robert Edwards dished out four assists. Dominique Watson was the game's high scorer with 19 and Brent Jones and Travon Mouton chipped in another 21 for the Titans. Watson also led in rebounds with nine and him and three steals. The win sends Lower Columbia into tomorrow's 6pm game against Yakima Valley while Lane will attempt to stay alive against Whatcom in a must win game for both clubs at 12pm. WOMEN Columbia Basin 85 Skagit Valley 63 Brittany Cherry had a dynamite game as she tallied 26 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals for the Hawks. Nikki Depeel and Monique Wickenhagen combined on 23 points and Depeel and Alexandria Allen had five assists apiece. For the Cardinals, Caite Newman, Britni Chalbot and Corrina Sharick were all in double digit scoring. Sharick also totaled 11 boards and Alysssa Hendrickson had four assists. The Hawks advance to play the winner of the Umpqua - S. Puget Sound match up at 8pm on Friday and Skagit Valley will be pitted against the loser of that game at 10pm Friday. MEN Spokane 76 Everett 63 Matt Dorr and Jordan Gregg ranked up 24 points apiece to lead the Sasquatch scoring. Gregg also had a big game in the paint as he finished with 19 boards along with Robert Lippman's 10. Dorr also collected five assists and four steals. Jon Moe lead the Titans with 26 points and Stephen Waltman added 12 more along with his 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Chris Gounds dished five assists and picked three steals. Spokane advances to play the winner of the Clackamas - South Puget Sound game on 8pm on Friday while Everett will take on the loser of that game at 10pm Friday. WOMEN Lower Columbia 81 Linn-Benton 59 Five Red Devils scored in double figures led by Katie Garcin with 19. Nadra Evens had an incredible game scoring 12 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, and seven steals. Rene Evans led LCC rebounders with seven boards and guard Jesse Hanna collected five assists and six steals. Jessica Vorpahl led the Roadrunner attack with 14 points, thirteen rebounds and three steals. Destiny Neunshcwander and Kati Quigley also chipped in 9 points apiece. The win propels Lower Columbia against Spokane at 6pm Friday while Linn-Benton takes on Bellevue in the consolation bracket at 12pm on Friday. MEN Umpqua 68 Grays Harbor 63 Umpqua kept Grays Harbor at bay until late in the contest when the Chokers made a surge to take the lead by three with less than 4 minutes remaining. The Riverhawks then went on another scoring spree to take a five point win 68-63. Kenan Dizdarevic, Tyler Barnes, Edwin Richardson and Jarrad Childs all finished with double figures for the Riverhawks; Dizdarevic lead the group with 21 points. Barnes and Richardson tag teamed the middle and collected a combined 26 rebounds. Jarred Childs robbed the Chokers for six steals. Cameron Edison scored 20 on 62.5 percent shooting for the Chokers while Brad Hodge and Nick Schultens added 13 apiece. Edison pulled down 10 boards and Courtney Beach dished 6 assists. Umpqua advances to take on Bellevue at 4pm on Friday while Grays Harbor will attempt to stay alive in the consolation bracket against Big Bend at 10am on Friday. WOMEN Walla Walla 66 Everett 64 The Warriors were lead by Katie Strunk's 18 points, Tabor's 14 and Toone's 10. Strunk was huge on the boards with 17 rebounds and four steals while Dreadfulwater dished five assists. Everett's Kristina Schumacher ripped the nets for 32 points and Oliana Seanoa grabbed 9 boards for the Trojans. Keena Hopkins distributed five assists and grabbed four steals. The Warriors (8-6, 22-6) will advance to play Centralia at 2pm on Friday while Everett will take on Clackamas in a must- win situation in the consolation bracket at 8am Friday. MEN Peninsula 88 Treasure Valley 70 The Pirates got things ironed out in the locker room and return to play with passion, outscoring the Chukars 49-26 to take a 88-70 win. Dominick Lozano led the Pirates with 23 points while Jesse Bean and Clay Greenland added 18 and 17 points each. Christian Harris dominated the key with 12 boards and Greenland grabbed nine more. Harris and Greenland also snatched four steals apiece. Treasure Valley's Shane Miller was the game's top scorer with 27 points on 10 of 17 shooting. Josh Smith and Kyle Hart combined to pull down 13 rebounds for the Chukars. Peninsula advances to play Southwestern Oregon at 2pm on Friday while TreasureValley and Highline will meet in the consolation bracket for a chance to stay alive in the tournament at 8am on Friday. Sheena Cole and Jennifer Kimbrow led the Titans scorers with 15 points each and Mercedes Alexander and Nicole Morgan combined for 23 more. Four Titans had six boards and eight had two or more steals in the contest. Kellie Read led the Chokers with 13 points and Sarah Sides collected six boards and three assists. Lauren Harris picked the Titans for three steals. Lane will advance to play Yakima Valley at 4pm Friday in a rematch of last year's championship game while Grays Harbor and Seattle will battle to stay alive in the Tournament at 10am on Friday.
MEN Yakima Valley 81 Whatcom 71 The second half was a back and forth affair as the two clubs traded leads until the 7:43 mark when the Yaks began to pull ahead and eventually sealed the win 81-71. Nico Sandovall and Anothony Johnson combined for 49 points as both shot 50% from the floor for the Yaks. Ben Wilson added 11 and LeMar Anglin 10. Jody Johnson had a monster game in the paint with 17 rebounds and three steals while Sandoval and Johnson collected six assists each and a combined seven steals. Zach Henifin and Ryan Christensen tallied 39 points for the Orcas. Christensen and Zac Andus pulled down six boards apiece and Henifin dished out six assists and four blocked shots. Yalima Valley will advance to meet the winner of the Lower Columbia - Lane game on Friday at 6pm. The Orcas will drop to the consolation bracket to play the loser of that contest at 12pm on Friday. WOMEN Spokane 58 Bellevue 47 The Bulldogs kept pace with the Sasquatch in the second but couldn't overcome the first half deficit in a 58-47 Spokane win. Michelson and Kellee Neal combined on 25 points to lead Spokane. Michelson also led the rebounders with 10 while Eleaya Schuerch and Liz Beardslee had four assists apiece. Marissa Bower led the Bulldogs with 14 on 6 of 9 shooting while Brianna Lewis and Ashanii Lewis combined for 23 more. Bower also led the team in rebounds with seven and Kaneshia Brooks tallied four assists. Lewis, Brooks and Alicia Tennyson combined on seven steals. With the win, Spokane advances to play the winner of the Lower Columbia - Linn-Benton game at 6pm on Friday. Bellevue moves on to the consolation bracket to face the Lower Columbia - Linn-Benton loser on Friday at 12pm WOMEN Yakima Valley 94 Seattle 69 The Yaks had four players in double digit scoring lead by Brittany Weaver's 21 points and Alex Moore-Porter's 16. Moore-Porter and Kylie Shaw tallied eight boards apiece while Chelsey Nill distributed six assists. Gena Woodke and Andrea Bladgett contributed on defense with four steals each. The Storm's Kayla Bennett was the game's high scorer with 27 points. Chiaki Nakamura and Sherika Puckett combined on another 22 points while Bennett and Candace Grettenberger pulled down 24 rebounds for the Storm. Nakamura also dished out five assists and stole five Yak balls. Yakima Valley will advance to meet the winner of the Lane- Grays Harbor game Friday at 4pm. Seattle moves to the consolation bracket and will meet the Lane - grays Harbor loser Friday at 10am. Men Bellevue 86 Big Bend 84 OT The Vikings performed a 180 degree turn around in the second and tied the contest at 78 when the final buzzer sounded. Michael Duty got the Bulldogs off to a great start with two buckets in the opening minutes of the five minute overtime and Bellevue held on to win 86-84. Duty led the Bulldogs with 24 points on 9 of 12 shooting. Josh Monagle added 19 and Steve Winsley 11. Duty was all over the floor for Bellevue pulling down 10 boards along with his four assists and three steals. Cameron Mero was top scorer for Big Bend with 26 on 7 of 13 shooting and three from beyond the arc. Daley Landon was also hot with 23 on 7 of 11 shooting and four 3 pointers. Kolby Secrist grabbed eight boards James York tallied five assists. Mero was also all over the Bulldog offense with five take-aways. Bellevue will meet the winner of the Umpqua - Grays Harbor game on Friday at 4pm while Big Bend will meet the loser in the consolation bracket at 10am.
Men The Lakers continued to hold the lead in the second, increasing the margin by 10 with 12 minutes remaining. Highline hung close and reduced the lead to two with four minutes left but couldn't contain the Lakers in a 72-64 decision. Joseph Foster led the Lakers scorers with 19 and Emmanuel Olekaibe added 16. Olekaibe had seven rebounds and Matt Dance chipped in another six. Bobby Watkins led the attack with seven assists. For Highline, Jesse Norris led the scorers with 13 while Cody Thueringer and Shedrick Nelson combined on 21. Stedman Richardson and Coby Gibler both had nine boards. Norris tagged two blocks in the contest. SW Oregon advances to play the winner of Peninsula - Treasure Valley tomorrow at 2pm while Highline will move to the consolation bracket to play the of loser at 8am. WOMEN Centralia 58 Clackamas 44 After holding a comfortable lead for much of the second period, the Cougars pulled back to within three, but that just re ignited Centralia as they ripped off another big lead to win 58-43. Atcheson was the scoring leader for Centralia with 18 while Megan Peabody tallied 12 of her own. Deanna Riffe was huge on the boards, pulling down ten and Mandy McFadden grabbed seven more. Atcheson and Alysha Kofstad dished four assist each. Rachel Copeland scored 18 for the Cougars and Monique Tribble chipped in 12. Jill Niebergall led the Clackamas rebounders with nine while Tribble and Ashley Cunningham combined on 13 more. The Trailblazers advances to take on the winner of the Walla Walla - Everett game at 2pm tomorrow while Clackamas will move to the consolation bracket to play the loser at 8am tomorrow.
February 28, 2008
It was a close game with several lead changes - nine to be precise, until there was 13 minutes left in the contest and the Clackamas Cougars (9-5, 18-12) got hot on the perimeter and Clippers (9-7, 14-14) couldn't keep pace.
South Puget Sound (13-3, 17-9) may not have the tallest team or the deepest bench, but they showed the South #2 seed Umpqua Riverhawks (11-3, 25-5) they came to win.
MEN Lower Columbia 74 Lane 61
West #1 seed Lower Columbia (14-2, 22-7) got a quick lead and steadily built on it over the course of the game. Lane (7-7, 16-14) kept the game close and only trailed the Red Devils by three at the half 31-28.
Top-ranked Columbia Basin (14-0, 25-3) got off to a fast start and never trailed North #4 seed Skagit Valley (11-5, 19-9). The Hawks built a 17 point lead at the half and cruised the rest of the way in a 85-63 win..
North #4 seed Everett (12-4, 20-9) hung close for a half then the top-ranked Spokane Sasquatch (14-0, 28-1) stole the show as they opened a serious lead in the second and maintained it for a 13 point victory.
The Lower Columbia Red Devils (14-2, 22-6) only trailed for a brief few moments in the opening minutes then proceeded to show why they were the West's top seed as they soundly defeated South #4 seed Linn-Benton (8-6, 16-13).
The West fourth seed Grays Harbor Chokers () had the South top seed Umpqua Riverhawks () on the ropes midway through the first period with a 10 point lead, but the Riverhawks stuck around to tie the contest at 37 going into the half.
There was only one lead change in the game - and it occurred in the last 18 seconds of the game. In what was arguably the biggest upset of the tournament so far, Walla Walla trailed the entire game until Ali Tabor sank a three-pointer that tied the game and got the Warrior crowd in a frenzy. Brittanie Toone then followed up with another field goal seconds later to seal the upset victory for the Warriors. Allie Dreadfulwater assisted on both winning shots.
The Peninsula Pirates (13-3, 23-7) came into the game a #1 seed and it looked for awhile that they were going to make an early exit to the consolation bracket. The Treasure Valley Chukars (6-8, 9-18), the East #4, seed was holding their own with the Pirates and were up by 13 at one point in the first half and were up 44-39 heading into the break.
WOMEN Lane 91 Grays Harbor 32
The two-time defending champion Lane Titans (14-0, 27-3) came out of the gates smoking and completely smothered the Grays Harbor Chokers (8-9, 9-18). The Titans possessed a 38 points half time advantage and increased that to 59 by the final buzzer.
The Whatcom Orcas (12-4, 20-8) held a small lead over the Yakima Valley Yaks (9-5, 21-7) for most of the first period and took a 31-29 advantage into the locker room at the half.
The Bellevue Bulldogs (12-4, 17-12) kept it a close game until midway through the first half when the Spokane Sasquatch (10-4, 20-7) began to increase the scoring margin between the two squads. Spokane took a comfortable first half lead of 34-23 on the hot hands of Ashlee Michelson who had 13 in the period.
The Yakima Valley Yaks (11-3, 24-5) jumped out quick, taking a 51-28 half time lead and were never threatened cruising to an easy 94-69 win over the Seattle Storm (12-4, 19-9).
The Bellevue Bulldogs (12-4, 21-8) established an early lead and took a 45-34 half time lead over the Big Bend Vikings (10-4, 21-7).
SW Oregon 72
Highline 64
The Southwestern Oregon Lakers (9-5, 21-9) and Highline Thunderbirds (12-4, 17-12) traded leads in the first half with Southwestern taking a four point lead into the locker room up 30-26.
It was a close contest until the Centralia Trailblazers (14-2, 24-6) began to gradually pull away from the Clackamas Cougars (9-5, 19-10) with just less than 11 minutes remaining in the first half. The Trailblazers took a 25-19 half time lead sparked by Amanda Atcheson's eight first period points.
2008 Basketball Brackets - Updated The 2008 NWAACC Basketball Championship brackets have been updated with first round pairings. See links below.
February 25, 2008
NWAACC Basketball Final Polls Spokane Men consensus top pick all season Big Bend (10-4, 21-6) holds in the fifth position and Highline (12-4, 17-11) makes their poll debut at number 6. A host of North Division squads occupy the final two spots; 2007 NWAACC Championship runner-up Bellevue (12-4, 20-8) reenters the poll in the seventh spot while Whatcom (12-4, 20-8) and Everett (12-4, 20-8) tie for eighth. [view poll] Lane grabs top votes from Columbia Basin Umpqua (11-3, 25-4) holds at number three while 2007 NWAACC Championship runner-up Yakima Valley (11-3, 23-5) remains in the number four spot. North Division Champion Everett (14-2, 21-7) and Spokane (10-4, 19-7) trade positions in the fifth and sixth spots. Centralia (14-2, 23-6) holds at number seven and Seattle (12-4, 19-8) enters the poll at number eight. [view poll]
February 24, 2008
Spokane (14-0, 27-1) have been the unanimous number 1 pick all season long in the Horizon Air/Coaches Poll. The only blemish on the Sasquatch's record was an early December six-point loss to #3 Peninsula. South Division Champion Umpqua (12-2, 22-6) holds their #2 ranking for the second consecutive week. After a dip to sixth last week, North Division Champion Peninsula (13-3, 22-7) rises back to third in the final poll. West Division Champion Lower Columbia (14-2, 21-7) drops a spot to round out the top four.
After a week as the consensus top pick, Columbia Basin (14-0, 24-3) gets some heat from the two-time defending NWAACC Champions Lane (14-0, 26-3). The Hawks collected six first place votes to remain the top pick for the third consecutive poll. The Titans tallied two top votes and remain in the second spot. In their only meeting this season, Columbia Basin won a 78-70 decision over Lane in a late December tournament.
NWAACC Basketball Tournament Ticket Prices The Toyota Center is selling tournament passes through TicketMaster this year. Tournament passes can be purchased prior through Wednesday, February 27 for $25 per tournament at TicketMaster, GI Joe and Fred Meyer locations in the Tri-Cities and at the Toyota Center ticket office. Here is the TicketMaster link Ticket Prices during the tournament Day Passes
February 21, 2008
4-Day Tournament Pass $31
$11 - Adults
$7 - Students/Seniors (60 and above)/Staff/Military
$5 - 7-12 years old
Free- 6 and under
Video Services at the Event (Game DVDs & more)
Do you have a Skillshow? Skillshow (www.skillshow.com) will be at the event filming ALL games! Subscribe to www.skillshow.com with a Basketball ACT System 'Level 3' account (Online athletic resume for $15.95/mo.) and get a FREE Game DVD! Just tell us your Athlete ID & choose the Game Film you want…its that easy! To order your DVD copies of the games, or to get a personalized 'highlight' video, from the NWAACC Championships, you can find the order form Link here. Complete the Order Form and present it at the booth or fax it to 206-343-6601 (Skillshow Seattle). DVDs can be available for pick up at the event for those players, parents, or others, or they can be mailed to you. Good Luck! Skillshow, Inc. 206-652-1288
February 19, 2008
NWAACC Winter All-Academic Teams Announced To be nominated athletes must meet the following requirements:
February 12, 2008
NWAACC Winter All-Academic Teams
Men's Basketball [print version]
Mike Bagby
3.95
Whatcom
Adam Brickley
3.46
Clackamas
Josh Broussard
3.60
Highline
Ryan Christensen
3.40
Whatcom
Jon Clift
3.63
Spokane
Ryan Goodwin
3.68
Treasure Valley
Scott Halasz
3.44
Pierce
Kenneth Rice
3.27
Chemeketa
Jeffrey Sego
3.61
Clackamas
Brett Vriesman
3.35
Big Bend
Bobby Watkins
3.80
Southwestern Oregon
Steven Willis
3.38
Tacoma
Rob Wood
3.26
Chemeketa
Women's Basketball
[print version]
Amanda Atcheson
3.50
Centralia
Whitney Beyerlin
3.49
Bellevue
Megan Borjesson
3.39
Green River
Alexa Breidenbach
3.78
Edmonds
Danielle Bue
3.36
Bellevue
Heather Burke
3.53
Big Bend
Lisa Busch
3.72
Lane
Rachel Copeland
3.70
Clackamas
Ashley Curley
3.84
Treasure Valley
Lindsey Duval
3.26
Linn-Benton
Jayme Estep
3.81
Seattle
Tammie Hilla
3.47
Highline
Kyoko Hirota
3.88
Edmonds
Megan Holmes
3.69
Lower Columbia
Kim Kishi
3.77
Whatcom
Kathleen Luce
3.58
Southwestern Oregon
Jessica Mansell
3.84
Portland
Denay Martin
3.46
Umpqua
Ashlee Michelson
3.75
Spokane
Nicole Morgan
3.81
Lane
Chiaki Nakamura
3.63
Seattle
Kellee Neal
3.56
Spokane
Kelsey New
3.86
Clackamas
Tiffany Powell
3.74
Blue Mountain
Kippy Powers
3.60
Clark
Ashley Sanders
3.79
Blue Mountain
Kristina Schumacher
3.68
Everett
Sarah Sides
3.65
Grays Harbor
Alicia Tennyson
3.92
Bellevue
Kerstin Torrescano
3.30
Highline
Monique Tribble
3.31
Clackamas
Katelyn White
3.26
Linn-Benton
Basketball: Spokane men and Columbia Basin women unanimous top picks Spokane tops men's poll for eighth consecutive week Big Bend (7-1, 18-3), who's only loss in their last fourteen games was to top-ranked Spokane, are fifth this week. Peninsula (7-2, 16-6) dropped a pair of league games recently and falls from second to sixth. A pair of newcomers, Everett and Clackamas, joins this week's top eight. Everett (8-2, 16-6) comes in at seventh while last year's league champion Clackamas (6-3, 14-10) makes its poll debut at eighth. [view poll] Columbia Basin takes sole possession of the women's top ranking Spokane (6-2, 15-5) moves up a spot to fifth while North Division leader Everett (8-2, 15-7) leaps from eighth to sixth. North Division leader Centralia (8-1, 17-5) holds in seventh position while Walla Walla (5-4, 18-4), who have gone 5-4 since jumping out to a 13-0 start, plummets from fourth to eighth this week. [view poll]
February 05, 2008
The top ranked Spokane Sasquatch (8-0, 21-1) have garnered every #1 vote this season and have been largely unchallenged during their current fifteen game winning streak. Umpqua (9-0, 19-4) moves up a spot to second. The Riverhawks are on a ten game win streak and appear to be on cruise control in the South Division. West Division leader Lower Columbia (9-0, 16-5) moves up three spots to number three and North Division leader Whatcom (9-1, 17-5), who was previously unranked, is fourth.
The Columbia Basin Hawks (9-0, 19-3), who are on a 16-1 run, are number one for the second consecutive poll. The Hawks only loss since December 13th was a two point loss to fourth-ranked Yakima Valley on the road. The Lane Titans (9-0, 21-3) move up a spot to second this week. The two-time defending champion Titans are on a 14-1 run with their only loss at the hands of top-ranked Columbia Basin at the tail end of December. Umpqua (7-2, 21-3) suffered a pair of league losses to Lane and Clackamas on the road and drops to third this week. Yakima Valley (7-2, 19-4), who's only losses have come against ranked opponents, is fourth.
Pre-order Official Tournament Merchandise If interested in order Official merchandise, contact cwarner@clark.edu.
An order form will be available Tuesday, February 5. Pre-ordered merchandise will be available for pick-up at the tournament. 2008 NWAACC Merchandise Pre-Tournament Order Form
February 02, 2008
Vancouver, Wash- Official merchandise for the 2008 NWAACC Championships will be available for pre-order. In four past years, merchandise has sold out at the tournament. Available for purchase will be full-zip hoodies, longsleeve t-shirts, beanies and drawstring backpacks.
(Forms must be received at the NWAACC office by Friday, February 22
Volunteers Needed at Tournament
February 02, 2008
Volunteers are needed at the 2008 NWAACC Basketball Championships. Positions that need to be filled include merchandise sales, cybersports personnel, public address announcers, hospitality room, VIP check-in and many others. If you are interested in watching great basketball and helping out, contact Charlie Warner at cwarner@clark.edu.
Polls: Spokane tops men; Columbia Basin and Umpqua tops women Spokane men runaway favorites in the Horizon Air/Coaches poll Columbia Basin and Umpqua dethrone Walla Walla in the ladies' poll
January 17, 2008
The Sasquatch (4-0, 17-1) are on a ten game roll and haven't been in danger of losing since second-ranked Peninsula (4-0, 13-4) gave them their only loss of the season December 5th, 75-69. The Pirates have their own six-game win streak and have been on cruise control during that run. Umpqua (4-0, 14-4) made the biggest leap in the polls going from eight to third this week. Big Bend also made a jump from seventh to fourth. Lower Columbia (4-0, 11-5) debuts in the top eight this week in the six spot while Grays Harbor (3-2, 12-4) and Southwestern Oregon (3-1, 11-8) come in at seventh and eighth. [view poll]
The Columbia Basin (4-0, 14-3) collected five first place votes and Umpqua three as both squads tallied 58 points to tie for top-ranking in this week's poll. The Hawks are on a four game East Division winning streak including a ten point win over previously top-ranked Walla Walla. Umpqua (3-1, 17-2) were riding a twelve-game winning streak until a loss last night to third-ranked Lane. Lane (4-0, 16-3) have won their last five games since a 78-70 loss to Columbia Basin. Walla Walla (2-2, 15-2), who suffered a couple of league losses since last poll, comes in at fourth. Yakima Valley (3-1, 15-3) drop a few spots to fifth, Spokane (2-0, 12-3) remains in sixth spot, Centralia (4-0, 13-4) moves up one to seventh, and Everett (4-1, 11-6) breaks into to the top eight for the first time this season. [view poll]
Sasquatch, Lady Warriors continue to top basketball polls Spokane continues to top men's poll Southwestern Oregon (11-4) moves up three spots to fifth; Grays Harbor (9-3) suffered a couple of losses and dips from second to sixth; Big Bend (11-2) holds at seventh; and Umpqua (10-4) re-enters the polls at eighth. [view poll] Top-ranked Lady Warriors remain perfect on the season Lane (12-3) dips a few spots to fifth; Spokane (9-3) holds at sixth; Big Bend (10-3) moves into the poll for the fist time this season at seventh; and Centralia (10-4) dips a spot from seventh to eighth this week. [view poll]
January 04, 2008
The East leading Spokane Sasquatch (13-1) again collected all eight first place votes to remain atop of the men's poll for the sixth straight week. The Sasquatch are outscoring opponents by nearly 20 ppg. Another East Division squad, Yakima Valley (12-2) moves up three spot to number two. The Yaks are on a four-game win streak and are winning games by an average of 10 ppg. Peninsula (10-4), the only squad to beat top-ranked Spokane, moves up a spot to number three. Last year's NWAACC runner-up Bellevue (9-4) are holding their own against stiff competition with their only recent loss coming at the hands on second-ranked Yakima Valley.
Walla Walla (13-0) continues to outpace opponents with a combination of tough defense and sound offense. The Lady Warriors only close contests have been against a talented Treasure Valley Alumni team and Lane, the two-time defending NWAACC Champions. Umpqua (14-1), on a nine game winning streak, moves up a spot to number two. The Riverhawks continue to blow away opponents with their overpowering offense including a 23 point blow-out of seventh-ranked Big Bend last week. Yakima Valley (12-2) are on a six game winning streak and move up a couple of spots from fifth to third while Columbia Basin (10-3) remains at fourth.
East Division squads top men's and women's polls Spokane men sweep top votes Bellevue (7-3), winners of three straight, also made a big leap moving up four spots to third. Yakima Valley (10-2) drops a spot to fifth while Whatcom (8-2) dips from second to sixth this week. Walla Walla moves past Lane for top spot Lane (10-2), continues to dominate opponents, but drops a spot to second with the loss to Walla Walla. Umpqua (11-1) has been manufacturing huge offensive numbers with their only loss coming at the hands of Salt Lake City CC, a tough NJCAA squad. Columbia Basin (8-2) drops a few spots from second to fourth and Yakima Valley (8-2) moves from third to fifth. Spokane (8-3), Centralia (7-3) and Linn-Benton (7-4) fill-out the top eight.
December 20, 2007
The Sasquatch (12-1), who reeled-off five straight wins since the December 9th poll, including a 30-point pounding of #4 Peninsula (7-4), grabbed all eight first place votes to remain number one. Grays Harbor (7-1) impressed the voters and shot up from eighth to second this week. Over the previous two weeks, the Chokers racked up quality wins over poll newcomers #7 Big Bend (8-2) and #8 Southwestern Oregon (9-4).
[View Poll]
This week's poll features all eight squads from the previous poll with minor adjustments in the top five. Walla Walla, perfect on the season at 10-0, jump from fifth to number one this week. The Warriors have handled most of their opponents with ease, and defeated previously top-ranked Lane by three en route to a championship at the Walla Walla Crossover.
[View Poll]
Crossover Champions and All-Tournament Teams Big Bend Men's Crossover All-Tournament Team Lane Men's Crossover All-Tournament Team Mt Hood Women's Crossover All-Tournament Team Shoreline Men's Crossover All-Tournament Team South Puget Sound Men's Crossover All-Tournament Team Tacoma Women's Crossover All-Tournament Team Walla Walla Women's Crossover All-Tournament Team Whatcom Women's Crossover All-Tournament Team
December 16, 2007
Champion: Grays Harbor
Runner-up: Lower Columbia
Josh Troyer, Lower Columbia
Daley Landon, Big Bend Community College
J.C. Cook, Clackamas
Justin Burns, Edmonds
Joseph Foster, SW Oregon
MVP: Quilar Marion, Grays Harbor
Champion: Bellevue
Runner-up: Peninsula
Justin Brown, Walla Walla
Chris James, Blue Mountain
Demetrick White, Clark
Brent Jones, Lane
Clay Greenland, Peninsula
MVP: Josh Monagle, Bellevue
Champion: Lower Columbia
Runner-up: Mt. Hood
Marissa Bower, Bellevue
Alex Melonson, Mt. Hood
Tamika Palmer, Green River
Nadra Evans, Lower Columbia
Kylie Roberts, Treasure Valley
MVP: Sammie Clark, Mt. Hood
Champion: Highline
Runner-up: Chemeketa
Parys Fox, Shoreline
Cody Thueringer, Highline
Colby Gibler, Highline
Cory Neal, Chemeketa
Anthony Valley, Yakima Valley
Scott Halasz, Pierce
Shane Miller, Treasure Valley
Mike Ragby, Whatcom
Champion: Spokane
Runner-up: Columbia Basin
Nuk-Chin Douglas, Seattle
Chris Scott, South Puget Sound
Jon Clift, Spokane
Matthew Dorr, Spokane
Robert Lippman, Spokane
MVP: Andrew Kilgore, Columbia Basin
Champion: Columbia Basin
Runner-up: Linn-Benton
Destiny Neuenschwander, Linn-Benton
Lindsey Begaii, Columbia Basin
Kayla Bennett, Seatlle
Britney Knotts, Chemeketa
Bryna Trescott, Everett
MVP: Nikki Depeel, Columbia Basin
Champion: Walla Walla
Runner-up: Lane
Mercedes Alexander, Lane
Stephanie Stephens, Lane
Amanda Atcheson, Centralia
Andrea Blodgett, Yakima
Kippy Powers, Clark
Co-MVP: AJ Hawk, Walla Walla
Co-MVP: Becky Jones, Walla Walla
Champion: Umpqua
Runner-up: Spokane
Rachel Copeland, Cl