Rogers’ electric quarterback Aaron Kinsey, pictured at the new downtown stadium, looks to keep the Pirates’ momentum going in 2023.
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
The Rogers football team hadn’t won a game in three years until an early-season matchup at Medical Lake last season. It’s been much longer since the program has made the playoffs or had any sort of state presence – as a team or for an individual athlete.
Aaron Kinsey wants to change all that.
When asked if the playoffs are a possibility for the Pirates this season, something that happened in 2015 with a losing record but not previously before that in 39 years, Kinsey answered quickly and without hesitation.
“Yes. 100 percent. No doubt.”
The Pirates finished 4-5 overall last year with two league wins and a 26-7 win over Ellensburg in the Week 10 crossover with the Central Washington Athletic Conference. In that game, Kinsey carried 28 times for 141 yards with three touchdowns.
So, playoffs are a lofty goal. But that the Pirates are able to think about that at all this season is a testament to how the program has grown the past couple of years. And Kinsey is at the center of that growth.
Pressed on why he feels Rogers is ready for the next step, the confident Kinsey –known as “Deon” to those in his orbit –deflected praise onto the rest of the program.
“With our coaching staff, and our defense and offense schemes this year, and the amount of focus that our coaching staff has actually put into us and committed to us, yes, playoffs for sure.”
Rogers first-year head coach Ryan Cole has been ingraining “practice makes perfect” with his crew since he took over earlier this year.
“We’ve been preaching all through summer, all through camp, we have to prepare for every game like it’s a playoff game,” he said. “Because those are our goals. If we practice and prepare every week like it’s a playoff game, once we get to playoffs we won’t be surprised.”
Most high school kids have trouble thinking back to previous generations, but as Kinsey surveyed the new downtown stadium last week, he thought about the generations of Pirates football players that didn’t have that opportunity and what his legacy at the school might mean.
“To be honest, it just makes me happy to think that it’s been so long that our school has been to the playoffs, and then if we’re
‘NO DOUBT’
Aaron Kinsey hopes to carry Rogers football back to playoffs
capable of bringing a playoff win or run to our school. So, it’s just the possibility that we can accomplish that as a team.”
He thinks about this being his last year of high school football. A lot.
“When I wake up in the morning. When I eat breakfast. When I go to sleep, at lunch. Every second of the day, to be honest.”
Rogers got off to a good start on Saturday. In a rematch with Medical Lake, which only dressed 22 for the game, the Pirates romped to a 35-0 win that was called with just more than 2 minutes left in the first half.
Kinsey, in his only offensive play of the game, took the direct snap and went 60 yards untouched for the final score of the game with just over 4 minutes left in the half.
“I saw his face though his face mask. He knew,” Cole said. “As soon as he saw that green, he hit the jets and was just calm-
FOOTBALL AT A GLANCE
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2023 Greater Spokane League and Northeast A football teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2022 season.
4A
Central Valley (4-6, 4-4, fifth): The Bears lost leader Brandon Thomas to graduation along with several other all-league performers, so Ryan Butner, in his eighth season as head coach and 27th in the program, has his work cut out. “Our defense should be very athletic but young,” Butner said. “Our offense has many new pieces, but a leader in (transfer QB) Bo Reisenauer and an offensive line that has the ability to be physical as the season progresses.” Gonzaga Prep (9-3, 7-1, second): The Bullpups return 26 letter-winners but just six starters from a team that won its state
first-round game before losing in a quarterfinal to eventual state champ
Lake Stevens last year. Coach David McKenna, in his 16th season, will lean on seniors DB Ryan Jackson and LB Hughes Niyonyishu. “We are green with little varsity playing time,” McKenna said. “We have wonderful team energy and a willingness to learn.”
Lewis and Clark (3-7, 3-5, sixth): Coach Joe Ireland, in his fourth season with the Tigers, has to replace a lot of his offense but had 30 letter-winners back to work with, including two QBs – Cooper Jeffries and Jack Paridon – both of whom will receive playing time. They’ll look to get the ball in the hands of WR Sam Toure. “We feel we have a stout defensive line anchored by Braiden Hall,” Ireland said. The defense will be led by Jeffries at safety and LB Bridger Cloninger.
3A
Cheney (3-7, 2-6, seventh): The Blackhawks have 22 letter-winners and 10 starters back for 10th-year coach Bobby Byrd. They’ll have to replace all-league QB Jakeb Vallence, but senior WR Kordell Laher, an all-league first-team pick,
faced about the whole thing. When that happens there’s no catching him. You’re not gonna get him.”
Kinsey finished third in the State 2A track meet in the 100-meter dash and anchored Rogers’ third-place finish in 4x100 relay. It’s speed and athleticism like that that have his coaches salivating – and other coaches in the Greater Spokane League 2A ranks quivering.
Cole knows Kinsey is a complete package.
“He’s a special athlete, a special person,” he said. “I’d say first and foremost, it’s his character. He’s a magnet. The guys want to follow him. He’s so charismatic. He’s lovable. He jumps around a lot. Sometimes he gets under the coaches’ skin, but the guys love it. They love him.”
Even though he’s a first-year head coach, Cole has been in the system for several years as the lifting coach.
“I’ve known him since freshman year,”
will give new signal-caller Sam Coffin someone to throw to. “The cores of both sides of the ball return so there is a lot of continuity,” Byrd said. “Kids are picking things up great, and we altogether have a more intentional focus.”
Ferris (1-9, 0-8, ninth): New coach Jerrall Haynes inherits a program with room to grow. Junior QB John Olson and sophomore RB Arjay Melton-Kinghorn are a couple of pieces to start with. Senior receiver Fareed Lawal is dangerous in open space. Mead (8-3, 6-2, third): The Panthers qualified for state last year, falling in a first-round matchup on the road. Fourth-year coach Keith Stamps has seven starters – three on offense, four defense – to run it back. “We have a talented roster, but very inexperienced,” Stamps said. “Replacing 15 starters is always a challenge.” Senior WR/DB Max Workman will be a leader while things gel.
Mt. Spokane (9-2, 8-0, first): The Wildcats won their first outright GSL title last year and lost in a state round-of-16 game. Coach Terry Cloer, in his ninth season, has 22 letter-winners back to try to defend the league title, led by senior tandem QB TJ Haberman and WR Bode Gardner. “Our offensive skill positions
Kinsey said. “My sophomore year, he came on the coaching staff of varsity and we got to know each other more. Then (head coach) just was a cherry on top.” Cole inherits a program on the rise but knows there’s much work to be done. In a program that has functioned on the margins for so long, losing Kinsey after this season will have an impact on and off the field.
“He’s definitely a guy we’re all getting behind. He’s a special leader. He’s a special player,” Cole said. “But we’re also next-man-up mentality. We know that injuries can happen, sometimes there’s life circumstances, there may be games where he’s not on the field. ... But we also know Deon will be out front for us.”
Other than breaking Rogers’ postseason drought, Kinsey is hoping to attract the attention of college coaches this fall. He understands the odds may be stacked against him, but he’s undaunted. Lineman Josh Guzik was the last Pirates player to sign a Division I football offer, at Idaho in 2019, and before that, it was Khalil Winfrey – who is now the receivers and sprint coach at Rogers – who signed for sprinting at Washington in 2016. Winfrey was part of the last Rogers team to make the postseason. Kinsey participated in offseason quarterback camps over the summer, concentrating on becoming more dangerous in the passing game. But even then, when asked about the camps, Kinsey deflected.
“Yeah, I went to a few camps, U-Dub, WSU, just improved my skill and technique. But the league has to watch out for my receiving corps this year. Because I’m not gonna be the only threat this year.
“I want everybody to get an offer. I don’t want to be the only guy.”
None of the GSL 2A teams was even on “others receiving votes” in most of the state preseason football polls. Cole wouldn’t put stock in that, but also said his team is on even footing with the rest.
“I wouldn’t say anyone’s down. I’d say we got better,” he said. “We scrimmaged against Clarkston – very good football team, as they always are. We scrimmaged Shadle three times over the summer. We got to scrimmage East and West Valley.
“What we learned from those is not that those teams aren’t as strong as in the past, is that we can compete with them. There’s no more ‘little brother, big brother’ anymore. We’re men-to-men, toe-to-toe staring at each other. And we’re gonna go to battle.”
will be the strength of the team,” Cloer said. “We need to develop more physicality up front on both side of the ball in order to make a deep run.”
Ridgeline (3-7, 1-7, eighth):
Third-year coach Dave Myers returns 27 letter-winners and 17 starters from last season with a robust senior class who have mostly been starters since they opened the school three years ago. Junior QB Landon Garner will distribute to senior RBs Kole LeGrant and Nico Pena and WR Deacon Sell. “We are finally experienced, although still young and undersized up front,” Myers said. “We have a lot of seniors who have a lot of experience, and a good number of juniors too.” University (6-4, 5-3, fourth): The Titans lost a good chunk of offense with the graduation of all-league RB Malaki Miller, but seniors QB Caleb Walcott, TE Shane Skidmore and lineman Waylon Romero are among 15 returning letter-winners for fourth-year coach Kaleb Madison. “We worked hard in the weight room throughout the school year and summer,” Madison said. “We need to control the ball on offense and create takeaways to be successful.”
2A
Clarkston (8-4, 5-1,
second): The Bantams were knocked out in a crossover last season and 19 letter-winners return for 10-year coach Brycen Bye. Leading the way is co-offensive POY QB Carter Steinwand and first-team receiver Mason Brown, while Sage LoneBear anchors both lines. “We have better depth than years past,” Bye said. “We have a few new guys stepping into some big-time roles.” East Valley (1-9, 1-5, sixth): After a couple of years off, Adam Fisher returns for his second stint with the Knights and his 18th season overall. His 10 returning starters are led by two-way all-leaguer Diezel Wilkinson, who is committed to the University of Idaho to play safety. “We’re reestablishing a foundation and a standard of football moving for future teams,” Fisher said. “The coaching staff is very cohesive with extensive knowledge both at the college and high school level to be able to maximize our players’ strengths.”
North Central (0-8, 0-6, seventh): Aaron Woods in his second season with the Wolfpack and brother duo Tommy Elliott, a senior QB, and Nick Elliott, a sophomore receiver, will be counted on to be
See FOOTBALL
COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Rogers football player Aaron Kinsey, a dynamic threat who can pass and run, poses for a portrait at the new ONE Spokane Stadium in downtown Spokane.
CHERYL NICHOLS/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Rogers quarterback Aaron Kinsey carries the ball against North Central in a 2022 game at Union Stadium in Mead.
THE ODD COUPLE
Mt. Spokane’s Bode Gardner, TJ Haberman a potent combination
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Sometimes a high school football team will have a quarterback who can throw it 50 yards on the fly but won’t have anyone that can go get it.
Other times, a team can have a speedster on the outside with no one to reach him.
It’s not often when teams have both types of players on the same team. And it’s a luxury for a coach for both to be returning senior starters.
Such is the case at Mt. Spokane this season, where QB TJ Haberman and receiver Bode Gardner comprise one of the most exciting and prolific quick-strike duos in the state.
Haberman is tall, lean and can throw it a country mile. Gardner is one of the fastest football players in the state.
They’ve already proven theirs is an athletic relationship not to be taken lightly. In Friday’s Greater Spokane League 4A/3A opener, the duo combined for four touchdowns in a 40-27 win over University on the road. Gardner finished with eight catches for 225 yards and hauled in scoring passes of 21, 80, 17 and 61 yards. Haberman completed 16 of 25 passes for 383 yards.
It’s no wonder they have lofty goals. Both said their primary objectives this season are a GSL championship and a long run at state, but they have both set the bar high personally as well.
“Yeah, I have some personal goals,” the quiet quarterback said. “I’d like to go for 20 touchdowns – I finished with 19 last year.”
“I want 1,000 receiving yards with 10 or 15 receiving touchdowns,” the gregarious wideout said. “I want to set some more records here school-wise.”
They are both off to a healthy start.
Haberman is a “lead by example” type of player, while Gardner is energetic and feisty. The two play well off each other, and Haberman is growing into more of a vocal presence in the huddle.
“He likes talking. He talks to everyone,” Haberman said of Gardner. “There’s times he’s talking when I’m talking in the huddle and I gotta go ‘Bode, be quiet.’ ”
“He’s kind of quiet – but when he says something, everyone’s listening,” Gardner said of his quarterback. “If he really has to speak up and will get on us in certain different situations, then you know it’s important and you have to listen – and we listen to him. Truly, he’s a good leader.”
Mt. Spokane coach Terry Cloer has grown comfortable with the arrangement, even if it’s not exactly how he would draw it up.
“As a football coach, you want your quarterback to be that vocal leader,” he said. “(Haberman) has a positional leadership ability just by being the quarterback. He’s the leader of our offense and so you hope that’s the guy with the outgoing personality. But it’s kind of flipped and kind of backwards and Bode’s definitely the more vocal.
“I’ve known Bode since he was born. Sometimes I want to reign him in a little, for sure.” Cloer appreciates having senior leadership at the positions – and stability at signal-caller.
“It’s nice having guys returning from last year and you’re not having competition where we’re having to play three or four or five different quarterbacks at every practice,” he said.
Haberman’s development from the start of last season has gone from being a “thrower” to more of a complete passer.
“He came in last year and he was learning the offense, learning his teammates, trying to figure out where his role was and what he was in the program,” Cloer said.
“And this year, he’s the man. He knows that it’s his job, and he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder all the time.”
No pressure though.
“We’re gonna go as far as (Haberman) takes us, because he’s our distributor,”
Cloer said. “He’s the guy that’s gonna make the checks and get the ball in the right places, and he can throw sideline to sideline. So, we can stretch the field wide, we can stretch it, you know, vertically and horizontally.”
“His arm is insane. We call him ‘The Gunslinger’ for a reason,” Gardner said.
“With my speed and his arm ability ... I’m running as fast as I can, and I know he’ll put the ball out there – or sometimes he’ll even overthrow me. It’s like, just crazy arm strength. Every receiver loves deep routes. That kind of arm is pretty nice to have.”
Haberman more than appreciates the talent Gardner brings to the field.
“He can run by any (defensive back). He can run any route, break it off. You know, having that deep threat opens up a lot.”
Cloer and his offensive coaches know with Gardner they have a not-so-se-
FOOTBALL AT A GLANCE
Continued from 2
playmakers. “We’re still laying the foundation for the program,” Woods said. “We have some key returners and starters at skill positions and line. I want us to be competitive and it all starts with being physical up front.” Pullman (4-5, 3-3, fourth): The Greyhounds were hit hard by graduation but have nine starters back for coach David Cofer in his seventh year as head coach and 19th in the system. Senior QB Caleb Northcroft is a second-year starter, as is first-team all-league senior WR/ DB Champ Powaukee. “We have a very talented group of skill players on both sides of the ball and will rely on that athleticism to create big plays,” Cofer said.
Rogers (4-6, 2-4, fifth): Ryan Cole has coached with the Pirates for six years, but this year it’s his program. Rogers will go as its star senior QB Aaron Kinsey goes. The
speedster was third in the State 2A 100-meter dash and is a threat to go the house every time he touches the ball. Seniors Hartman Warrick and Ja’Shon Moore were both all-league wideouts last year. “This Rogers team has the talent to go a long way,” Cole said, “but we must stay focused and locked in every single week, regardless of the next opponent.”
Shadle Park (6-5, 5-1, second): The Highlanders lost in a state play-in game last season but have 23 letter-winners and eight starters back, including senior DB Jacob Hernandez and juniors WR/ DB Jacob Boston and lineman Carson Eickstadt. Jim Mace, entering his 10th year as head coach at Shadle, doesn’t have many seniors, but most on the roster have good varsity experience.
“We are showing signs of being the physical team I desire,” he said. “The kids are smart and willing to put in
cret weapon that teams must game plan around.
“How are teams going to defend it?”
Cloer asked rhetorically. “Are you going to double (team)? OK, then we’re gonna go someplace else. And we have guys that can step up and make the plays elsewhere. Or are you going to leave him one-on-one? Are you going to back off him so we can throw underneath? You know, the defense has to pick their poison.”
Gardner admits last year he was still learning on the job but is feeling more confident preparing for his senior season.
“Last year was my first year ever playing receiver and honestly, I only really knew how to run a ‘go’ and a ‘post’ (routes). This year, I’ve definitely opened up my game a little bit more and learned how to do some other different routes. I’m really excited to show everyone what we’ve been working on.”
Gardner expects to see defenses geared toward shutting him down, including getting double-teamed.
“I’m hoping ‘no,’ but we’ll see what happens with that,” he said. “But I think we’re ready either way. I just think, for us to win
the extra work.” West Valley (8-3, 5-1, first):
The dean of the GSL 2A ranks, Craig Whitney, is back for his 19th season with the Eagles off a district title and state first-round loss. There are 23 letter winners and 11 starters returning, but it’s a junior-heavy squad, including new QB Ethan Turley. “It’s a great nucleus of retiring players, especially on both sides of the line,” Whitney said.
1A
Colville (7-3, 4-2, third):
The Crimson Hawks lost a bunch of all-league starters from last season’s team that lost a crossover game. Seniors RB/LB Isaiah Porter Mills and RB/DT Hunter Gleave look to pick up the slack. “We will need to be successful in the ground game and rely on a solid defense to be competitive in a very tough league,” fourth-year coach and reigning NEA coach of the year Greg Mace said. Deer Park (4-6, 1-5, sixth): Levi Hogan enters his fourth season at the helm with 15 starters back,
I think the ball has to be in my hands for a fair amount of plays. And I think yeah, we’re ready to do that.” Gardner brings legit speed to the position. He’s the anchor on Mt. Spokane’s two-time State 3A champion 4x400 relay team and helped the Spokane Speed Academy to a second-place finish in the 4x100 and 4x400 at a national competition over the summer. That doesn’t leave much time for vacation or rest. He nursed a quad injury and missed a couple of practices during early fall camp.
“Running at (the University of Oregon’s) Hayward Field was amazing, it was magical,” Gardner said. “We had a really good squad, great group of guys. Shout out to coach (Cecil) Jackson. It was a little hard on the body, but we’re ready for this fall.” Gardner had praise for his football coach, too.
“Cloer is building a great culture, teaching us to do the little things,” he said. “And with every single coach, all of us respect them so much and they coach us very well and teach us to be good players on and then great people off the field.”
including all-leagers RB/DB Liam Bogle and WR/DB Decader Bird, both seniors. Freeman (9-3, 5-1, second):
The Scotties debut their new turf field with a young product this season with just three starters back for fifthyear coach Ben Cochran from a team that advanced to a state semifinal. Senior Luke Whitaker takes over at QB for Beon Phelps, who is now at Boise State, and senior WR/DB Sage Gilbert is a leader. “We’re a very young team,” Cochran said. “We have lots of talent and potential, we’re just not battle-tested yet.” Lakeside (10-1, 6-0, first): The Eagles lost in a state quarterfinal last season and are reloading for another trip. Multitalented athlete Calvin Mikkelsen switches from TE to QB with the graduation of two-time league MVP Kole Hunsaker. “We graduated a lot of offensive linemen and are looking for guys to gain some experience early in the season,” seventh-year coach Devin Bauer said. “Our goal is to keep improving and taking each week one at a time.”
Medical Lake (0-10, 0-6, seventh): The school district was devastated by late-summer fires, which colors everything the athletic program tries to do this fall. The Cardinals dressed just 22 players for its season opener; after losing several to injury, coach Nick Puzycki forfeited just before halftime. When healthy, Puzycki has two big quarterbacks, Taylor Oliver and Aiden Suddeth. Newport (4-5, 2-4, fifth): Seventh-year coach Dave Pomante returns 20 letter-winners and 14 starters from last year’s squad. “We have a deep senior class,” he said. “We need to execute at a high level and stay healthy to be competitive.” Riverside (5-6, 3-3, fourth): Two-time all-league QB Jake Gaffaney returns for his senior season, with fellow all-leaguer Tyler Lenz and Tristan Davis to form a solid stable of senior leaders. “We have a tight-knit group of seniors,” eighthyear coach Buddy Wood said. “We will be counting on them for us to be competitive in a very challenging NEA league.”
COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Mt. Spokane wide receiver Bode Gardner and quarterback TJ Haberman pose at the school in August.
READY FOR ACTION Almost
By Dave Nichols
‘THIS COULD BE THE YEAR’
Ridgeline leans on seniors in quest for first state berth
By Madison McCord THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
The gym walls inside Ridgeline High School are as stylish and clean as one would expect for a school that is only three years old.
But senior libero Makayla Hickman is hoping to add a little clutter in the form of a banner for a state berth – a feat no Falcons athletic team has yet to accomplish.
Not that the volleyball team hasn’t come excruciatingly close the past two seasons.
“It’s been hard being that close the past two years, but we really have faith that this could be the year we finally crack that level and get to state,” Hickman said. “But it’s going to come down to the team chemistry and how we bond on the court.”
Although Hickman and the Falcons have experienced the disappointment of missing out on state the past two years, there have been plenty of bright spots to show how close they are to that top tier.
Most notable was last year’s district semifinal victory over then-unbeaten Mt. Spokane in five sets.
“That win just showed us that we can do it again at any time,” Hickman said. “We had some seniors that we lost, but we have the talent and grit to overcome that.”
Third-year coach Whitney Abell has also instilled in both the program’s players and parents that beating a team like Mt. Spokane can only help build a legacy that takes a long time to establish.
“We’ve talked about and owned the fact that we are a new program going against some legendary schools who have volleyball histories that are fierce,” Abell said. “The beauty of these girls being in the situation they are is there’s not that pressure that we’ve done it this way for 15 or 20 years.”
Abell also leans on seniors Hickman and outside hitter Julianne Hemphill – both second-team all-GSL selections last season – to not only lead with their talent on the court, but their attitudes and ability to motivate off it as well.
“Both of them lead in such
different ways and I think that really allows the girls to be who they are in an environment where there’s a lot of pressure to be a high school athlete,” Abell said. “Chewy (Hemphill) is more charismatic and Makayla is more
inspirational and focused, so having a balance of both of those personalities in a leadership role and having the skills to back it up is key.”
Hickman credits Hemphill for adding much-needed humor to
the huddle along with being one of the more versatile players in the league. “Chewy is so talented and her vertical is insane. She’s like 5-foot-6 and plays like someone much taller,” Hickman said. “She
also plays sand volleyball, so she is super scrappy and loves to dive.”
The Falcons are coming off a 6-3 campaign in Greater Spokane League 4A/3A play, which was tied for third with Gonzaga Prep behind champion Mt. Spokane and second-place Mead. While the Panthers – who took second place at the State 3A tournament last season – reload with five returning starters, Mt. Spokane will have more holes to fill after losing a trio of all-league performers – including MVP Lani Ama.
Abell sees this year’s race for the two spots at state is as open as ever. But she believes what separates her team is the desire to play for each other.
“The girls have expressed that it’s their team goal to make it to state,” Abell said. “It’s never really been talked about in the sense that we want to do it to make school history, but I truly think this group wants it because they care about this team and the people around them.”
Pullman looks to build off last year’s fourth-place state finish
By Madison McCord THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
The seniors on the Pullman volleyball team have worked hard to keep their spot atop the Greater Spokane League 2A standings, winning the league title every year they’ve been a part of the program. But for the Greyhounds and fifth-year coach Megan McNannay, the goal is to replicate that success at the state level. Pullman finished last year unbeaten in league play before claiming fourth in the State 2A tournament in Yakima. McNannay said that trophy finish has only motivated the girls to reach higher this season.
“We’ve been the team to beat in 2A for the past few years, but I think now more than ever teams will be gunning for us because of that state placing,” McNannay said. “Our motto this year is ‘one game at a
time’ and not looking past anyone.”
One game at a time was key to the Greyhounds’ success in the Yakima SunDome last November. After opening with a fiveset victory over White River, Pullman pulled the shocker of the tournament by downing top-seeded Lynden in another five-set thriller.
“We had gone to five with both Ferris and Colfax earlier in the season and won, so we thought that if we could get those state matches to five, we would be OK,” McNannay said. “Lynden was a different challenge though and we actually lost the first set 25-6, so I got into the huddle after that one and had some words telling the girls to represent the Pullman High School that we knew we could be.”
The Greyhounds’ storybook run came to an end with a semifinal loss to Ridgefield before dropping the third-place match to
VOLLEYBALL AT A GLANCE
From staff reports
Capsules for the 2023 volleyball programs in the Greater Spokane League. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and finish from 2022 season.
4A
Central Valley (1-15, 0-9,
tenth): Six starters – four of whom are seniors – are back for the Bears, who are looking to get back to the state tournament after missing out last season. Junior libero Maddie Joswick was named to the All-GSL honorable mention squad in 2022. Gonzaga Prep (12-9, 6-3, fourth): New coach Nikki Leonard will lean on the talents of senior outside hitters Lilli Etter and Maddie Finnegan. The Bullpups return three starters off last year’s squad who
finished third in league and earned a State 4A berth. Lewis and Clark (9-10, 5-4, fifth): Five senior starters are back from last year to give first-year coach Kara Nitteberg some valuable experience on the court. Two-time first-team outside hitter Ellie DeAndre will pace the Tigers’ attack.
3A
Cheney (11-8, 4-5, sixth): First-year coach Shellie Klinkenberg will lean on the experience of seniors Haleigh Ghering (setter) and Joy Assonken (outside hitter). The Blackhawks also expect to get quality play from middle hitter Mariah Hill, who played JV last year. Ferris (9-9, 3-6, seventh): The Saxons bring back All-GSL second-team players Kennedy Smith and Mia Oty for their senior seasons. Also back is Katherine Michelbook,
Burlington-Edison. Still, McNannay said the team took away more positives than negatives from a trip that yielded the program’s highest finish at state since its championship run in 2010.
“I called us ‘the little team that could’ last year because we weren’t tall and it showed that we can win with sheer will,” she said.
Pullman enters this season without the services of standout outside hitter Margot Keane, who graduated last year. But the cupboard is hardly bare for the Greyhounds to make another deep postseason run.
First-team all-league selections Lily McNannay (libero) and Sophie Armstrong (outside hitter) return for their senior seasons, while second-team setter Gabby Oliver is also back.
“On top of the trio of senior leaders, we have three talented players in the sopho-
who was on the honorable mention team last year. Ferris is hoping to earn its first state berth since 2001.
Mead (17-1, 8-1, second): Following a second-place finish at state, the Panthers will lean on the experience of senior setter Brielle Wilson along with All-GSL honorable mention players Olivia Paul and Ava Durgan.
Mt. Spokane (18-1, 9-0, first): Graduation hit the Wildcats hard after last year’s fourth-place
finish at state with reigning league MVP Lani Ama and first-team outside hitter Maggie Degenhart gone. Outside hitter Jillian Davis will pace this year’s squad.
North Central (4-11, 1-8, ninth): The Wolfpack will have to adjust to life without graduated all-league regulars Kelsie Delp and Stephanie Leach, but NC and coach Karrie Delp do return a pair of starters in middle blocker Samantha Downey and outside hitter Jordin Harmer.
Ridgeline (11-6, 6-3, third): The Falcons return a pair of all-league
more class and a trio of juniors that really balance out the team,” Megan McNannay said. “So, in total we will have nine letter-winners return which is great experience.”
That experience will come in handy early for the Greyhounds as McNannay has built a tough schedule this season. On top of facing GSL 2A foes Shadle Park and Clarkston twice, Pullman will also play GSL 3A teams Ferris and University in nonleague play. The Greyhounds will also head across the mountains to join a tough field at a tournament hosted by Burlington-Edison.
“The West Valley coach was on the seeding committee for State, and he let me know that something they said was, ‘We don’t know who Pullman is,’ ” McNannay said. “So, we want to go over there and show them who we are.”
talents in libero Makayla Hickman and outside hitter Julianne Hemphill from last year’s squad that upset Mt. Spokane in the district semifinals. University (7-10, 3-6, eighth): First-team selection Allie Ferrin leads a group of five returning starters for the Titans, who are looking for their first state berth since 2016. Outside hitter Lainey Calvary will provide the offensive firepower across from Ferrin.
2A
Clarkston (7-10, 5-5, third):
Coach Marie Huffman returns four starters and six letter-winners from last year’s squad, including All-GSL second-team libero Leah Copeland. The Bantams will have to reload slightly after losing three key starters to graduation. East Valley (5-12, 3-7, fifth): The Knights bring back four starters from last year’s squad, including outside hitter Kaiden Davis and setter Kamea Davis. Ninth-year coach Chad Coupland expects plenty of young
players to see court time this season as well.
Pullman (17-3, 10-0, first): The Greyhounds are looking to build off last year’s fourth-place finish at state and are led by senior All-GSL first-team selections Lily McNannay (libero) and Sophie Armstrong (outside hitter).
Rogers (0-16, 0-10, sixth): Reigning 2A coach of the year Amy Gipe will have to reload after losing five starters to graduation. The trio of Maya Valerio, Lexi Holsinger and Camille Paladino are all back.
Shadle Park (9-6, 8-2, second): Entering her 24th year at the helm for the Highlanders, coach Brooke Meyer will again lean on All-GSL standout Abbey Flerchinger, who was named league MVP last season. Shadle returns five starters from last year.
West Valley (6-12, 4-6, fourth): The Eagles are led by firstteam setter Kendall Focht and second team outside hitter Hailey Colyar. West Valley is looking to end a state drought that stretches back to 2010.
PHOTOS BY MADISON MCCORD/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Senior libero Makayla Hickman returns a serve during an Aug. 30 practice at Ridgeline High School in Liberty Lake.
Ridgeline volleyball coach Whitney Abell gives instructions during a recent practice.
MAKING A RUN FOR STATE
Dynamic duo lead Mt. Spokane boys cross country in title pursuit
By Greg Lee THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Mt. Spokane juniors Kade Brownell and Parker Westermann couldn’t be more opposite.
Brownell is an aggressive, use-all-the-gasin-the-tank runner while Westermann is calculating, almost to a fault.
They’ve proven that one size doesn’t always fit all. Last year, for example, Brownell took 14th at the State 3A cross country meet and Westermann was 19th, helping the Wildcats to a third-place finish in Pasco.
Brownell finished in a time of 16 minutes, 12 seconds while Westermann was 13 seconds behind. Both earned medals.
They’ll be out for much higher finishes this season. If things go well, Mt. Spokane may contend for a state championship.
The Wildcats finished just 14 points behind state champ Seattle Prep last year in one of the tightest team races in history.
“With 800 meters to go I thought we had it won,” Mt. Spokane coach Scott Daratha said.
To be in the mix again, Mt. Spokane has some work to do. The Wildcats return two other state qualifiers but must find three other varsity runners to fill out the team. Daratha sees four in the mix for the three spots.
Daratha has set up his nonleague schedule to challenge and develop Mt. Spokane’s depth. The Wildcats aren’t even the Greater
Spokane League favorite – that tag falls to Cheney. But the Wildcats know that the GSL schedule should set them up for a nice run at state.
“I coached with (former Mead coach Pat) Tyson. So, our expectations first is to take care of business first in the GSL,” Daratha said.
Brownell and Westermann should be onetwo finishers in any order in most GSL races.
Cheney junior Calvin Hilton, who took 16th (16:19.8) at state last year, will be out to bust up the Wildcat duo this season.
While Brownell had the better cross country season last year, Westermann edged out his friend in track. They’re similar in the classroom, too, with both carrying 3.9 gradepoint averages. If you carry the number out to the hundredths, Westermann is slightly ahead.
When it comes to cross country, though, there’s a healthy competition. Daratha hopes his standouts use it to make each other better each week, not to see who will beat the other.
Although that’s certainly an element that has both friends excited.
“We’re best friends, but we want to beat each other every time we step to the line,” Brownell said.
Daratha appreciates each runner’s style.
“Kade is aggressive, and I’ve never tried to coach that out of him,” Daratha said. “Parker is a little conservative. Last year toward the end of races, Parker was generally moving up
EV’s Logan Hofstee poised to repeat state title as senior
By Greg Lee THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
It’s one thing to go into a season as a defending state champ. It’s quite another having no idea a state title is within reach.
That sums up where East Valley’s Logan Hofstee found herself a year ago.
“I never thought it was going to be a breakout season,” Hofstee said. “As a sophomore, I got my feet wet. But I had no idea.”
Hofstee was a State 2A runner-up as a sophomore, finishing a distant 20 seconds behind Jessica Frydenlund of Anacortes. Then last fall she beat her by 23 seconds. Just a natural 43-second turnaround.
“Really, on any given day, it could have gone either way,” Hofstee said, downplaying her impressive showing.
“She put in a lot of hard work,” EV coach Lauren Bergam said about Hofstee’s preseason a year ago. “She put in a lot of miles.” Hofstee knew what the preseason preparations required this summer. And she hopes it pays off not only in a state title defended, but even more.
See, Hofstee is preparing for races well after state. She became the first EV runner to qualify for the Nike Cross National meet in Portland last year, finishing 38th. Hofstee wants to see if her goal of top 10 is realistic this season. So, while she’ll definitely be out to take care of business at state, much of her training through the high school season will be tailored for the national meet.
“Nationals is more important
to her,” Bergam said.
She’s been spending a lot of time working on speed so she can have a better finishing kick.
Hofstee had to work around it at state last year. Frydenlund was known for a lethal kick, so Hofstee did her best to put much room between the two by the time they reached the final mile of the 3.1mile championship race.
The strategy worked. But to fare better at nationals, she needs to have some speed for the final 800 meters.
“I haven’t really focused on it in the offseason because I think my kick will develop,” Hofstee said. “I’ve done a lot more volume in my training and some weightlifting. I’ve really gone after quality.”
Bergam has noticed a difference.
“She’s had a good summer,” Bergam said. “We’ve worked on longer tempos, a high effort of sustained miles.”
Hofstee wants to break the 18-minute barrier this season.
She is an example to her teammates on the course and in the classroom. She’s never had anything lower than an A. The 4.0 grade-point student is in contention for the school’s highest academic honor – valedictorian.
She’s already decided where she’s headed for college. She gave Gonzaga an oral commitment in the winter.
She chose Gonzaga over Northern Arizona, one of the top running schools in the nation, and Boise State, among others.
“It’s a perfect fit for me,” Hofstee said. “They put an emphasis on family and enjoying running and life. It was a match made in
and Kade was falling back.”
Often, they would meet in the space in between. They both should challenge for top five placings at state. But Brownell wants more.
“Parker and I are able to run with anybody in the state,” Brownell said. “But I want to win a state title – either in cross country or track. It’ll happen before I’m through. I’m confident.”
Said Westermann: “I didn’t have that great of a race at state last year. So, I want to finish in the top five. It’s sort of redemption for me. I really want to make big strides.”
Daratha sees both making much improvement.
“They’re bigger, stronger and don’t look like little kids anymore. They look like adults,” Daratha said.
The best state finish Mt. Spokane has had is second. By finishing third last year they tied their second-best finish in school history.
“It’s just unbelievable how close we were to winning last year,” Daratha said. “You hold that race 10 times, Seattle Prep wins three times, Bishop Blanchet wins three times, and we win three times. We were the only team to put four guys on the (medals) podium.”
It might explain why Brownell expects a better finish this fall.
“I either want to win solo or for the team to win,” Brownell said. “By the time we get to state I think we’ll have a very good chance of winning if we get our heads into it.”
heaven for me. You have to go where your heart will be happy and that was with the Zags.”
Hofstee is hopeful her team will qualify for state with her this season. As it turns out, the Knights should have a good shot. Instead of qualifying regionally, the Greater Spokane League will receive two team berths to the State 2A meet at Sun Willows
Golf Course in Pasco. West Valley is likely the favorite. “I think we’re going to surprise some people,” Hofstee said. “We’ve been running for each other. Our chemistry has been great.”
Said Bergam: “I have a lot of respect for her dedication and love for the sport and her teammates.”
CROSS COUNTRY AT A GLANCE
By Greg Lee
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2023 boys and girls cross country programs in the Greater Spokane League. In alphabetical order by classification.
4A/3A
Central Valley: Kara Ames takes over as the girls head coach. The Bears return two state participants –senior Lily Nielsen and junior Mackenzie Munn. In the boys, senior Jacob Nicholls, the Bears No. 2 runner a year ago, returns along with sophomore John Troxel, one of the best freshmen in the GSL last year.
Cheney: The boys have been tabbed by the coaches as the preseason favorite. They’re led by junior Calvin Hilton, who took 16th at state last year. The Blackhawks return six others with state experience. GSL fans won’t have to wait long for a showdown of league favorites. Cheney visits Mt. Spokane in the first week of meets, Sept. 20. Among the girls, Hannah Ward, Karlee Pope and Maggie Boggs return with state experience. Sophomore Caitlin Shaffer was a state champ in wheelchair. Ferris: The Saxons boys are light on state experience, but coach Tom Van Winkle is optimistic. “We will be more competitive this season due to a strong senior leadership team,” he said. Girls state qualifiers Alaynia Ditto and Darla Kelly are back. “This team is the definition of hard working. They continue to put in the miles and hard work,” coach Julie Shogan said.
Gonzaga Prep: Boys coach Steven Kutsch finds himself in the middle of a rebuilding project. “After graduating three of our top seven and losing another to play a different sport, our main focus is to build a strong culture and get the young guys excited about the next few years,” Kutsch said. The G-Prep girls return state qualifiers Eva Kelly and Makena Krauss, both sophomores. Lewis and Clark: Junior Katie Lubbe, 15th at state last year, will lead the Tigers. Maegan Gomes takes over for longtime coach Kevin Swaim. “We look to build on the experience of our young returners,” Gomes said. “We have a pretty big freshman class and we’re excited to see what they’ll bring to the table.” Junior Harper Churape, 26th at state last year, returns for the boys along with state qualifiers Parker Whitmore and Ryan Chavez. Mead: The Panthers girls, defending league champs, are picked to repeat. They are led by seniors Charlotte Cullen and Raegan Borg, who finished 11th and 12th, respectively, at state last year. Mead’s boys are led by junior Jaedon Phillips. Mt. Spokane: The boys took third at state last year and will challenge Cheney for the league title. They’re led by juniors Kade Brownell and Parker Westermann. Brownell was 14th at state last year and Westermann took 19th. Experience returns on the girls team. “We lost Charlotte Pedersen, undefeated in the GSL last year, but return a solid top three in Jane Wycoff, a much improved Serenity Marek and Brianna McKell,” coach Andy Sonneland said. “Sisters Karly and Ainsley Bowen look to round out a solid top five.”
North Central: Senior Micaiah Aden will lead the boys. “We have a strong group of returning seniors and some solid underclassmen,” coach Andrew Kimpel said. “We look to be more competitive this year and challenge for a state berth.” Brooke Lawrence, Becca Wade and Ali Johnson will lead the girls. “They are a hard-working group of runners and they will surprise others as they continue to progress throughout the season,” coach Jan Janke said. Ridgeline: Ollie Bruck, Nico Cisneros and Nolan Rabe, all juniors, lead the boys. “We are still a very young team, but our team
TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Mt. Spokane cross country runners Parker Westerman, left, and Kade Brownell bring different running styles to the Wildcats.
KATHY PLONKA/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
East Valley senior Logan Hofstee has high expectations for 2023.
FALL
GROWING TOGETHER
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
For some high school sports programs in the Greater Spokane League, success is measured in state playoff appearances and league titles. For others, it’s in the incremental improvement leading to more wins than the previous year.
Last week at practice, North Central slowpitch softball coach Chris Lester was cheering on from the pitching circle when one of her least experienced players made contact on a foul ball after several swings and misses.
Lester has a couple of players with experience on her squad of 22, with at least one with aspirations of playing fastpitch at the next level. But she also has several that have never played a sport before, much less softball. It can be a labor of love integrating novice players onto a varsity team.
“It’s one of the biggest challenges that we have – and have had in the program since I started here seven years ago – is finding a balance to make sure we’re teaching fundamentals, but also elevating the games of others,” Lester said.
“Our team, we want to win,” junior Isabella Lowman, one of the most experienced players on the roster, said. “But at the same time, if we lose or win, we’re here to have fun and learn.” Lester uses the more experienced players as coaches on the field to help the novice players gain insight to the game. Lester’s program has sent players to Western Washington University and Community Colleges of Spokane in recent seasons.
“We’re looking for leaders and teachers. When we have students that are at that level ... we’ll ask them to teach a drill. We use them as mentors and role models.
“How are we helping other women help each other?” Still, there’s a lot of hands-on coaching teaching fundamentals, jargon and rules to nearly onethird of her roster.
“We’re starting from the very beginning,” Lester said. “Like, we have six players who have never even played at all before this year. We have to break everything down back to
By Dave Nichols
SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
THE
Family ties help NC slowpitch celebrate victories big and small
the basic beginning fundamentals. Like, how do you hold a bat? Where do you stand? How are you going to swing? What do you do after you make contact?
“Every single part of the swing and where you’re at and where you go after you get the ball has to be taught.”
Yet, when one of the novices’ faces lights up on a swing with solid contact, Lester lights up too.
It’s little victories like that where success is measured for a program that went winless last season.
“It’s really fun to see when they do get that contact,” Lester said. “They have so much pride. ‘Oh, I hit it! Now I get to go to first!’ And so, it brings us a lot of joy as a team and as coaches to see that they’re improving, and they know they’re improving, and their hard work is paying off.”
It something of a mantra that the coaches at North Central must adopt to build programs, better athletes and involved community
Capsules for the 2023 Greater Spokane League slowpitch softball programs. In alphabetical order. Records and standings from 2022. Central Valley (16-6, 9-3, third): Joe Stanton enters his 17th season with four starters and six letter-winners back from a team that finished second at state in 4A last season, led by all-league picks senior Sofia Morales (3B) and sophomore Ella Bendele (SS/LF). Freshman SS Shiloh McCoy will start. Cheney (5-11, 3-9, 10th): Third-year coach Gary Blake has junior all-league picks Mia Ashcroft (OF/1B/3B) and pitcher Alyvia Huffman back as the nucleus. “We have a number of new faces this year and will probably struggle with inconsistency in the early part of the season as we attempt to integrate the
members.
“We care about their development as players and people and they belong somewhere here in our community,” Lester said.
“We’re here for them. And wherever you’re at, whatever level – and I think that’s one of the greatest things about playing at NC – you can come here and be on a team. If you’ve never played before, you have coaches across this entire building that will help you learn a sport.”
One of the big things that brings joy to this year’s version of the Wolfpack is the familial bonds on the team. Many teams or coaches like to think of their group as a family, but NC is taking it to a different level this season – three sets of sisters populate the roster, from the most experienced on the team to the least.
Harmoni and Arayah Rosehill, Zoe and Abigail Nowaski, and Isabella and Aubrie Lowman help form the glue that holds this team together, measuring victories not in wins and
new players,” Blake said. East Valley (1-13, 1-11, 12th): The Knights open the season with a new softball complex but very few returning players – just four from last season for second-year coach Ashley Doyle-Ramsay. Senior OF Angie Metzner and junior SS Haylee Thomas are leaders.
Ferris (10-7, 8-4, sixth): Saxons coach Linda Bushinski is the only slowpitch coach the school has known, taking it on when the league adopted the sport in 2002. She’ll have 11 letter-winners and five starters back this fall, including senior allleague pitcher Katelin Terry. “We have experience with our starters and our team chemistry is good,” Bushinski said.
Gonzaga Prep (8-10, 5-7, seventh): Seniors Grace Shirley (pitcher) and Zoey Rastall (infielder) lead the way for fifth-year coach John Dressler, who has seven starters returning to the program.
culture took a very positive turn this summer during training,” coach Peter McArthur said. “We had several incoming freshmen turn out over the summer.”
University: State participants Libby Roberts, a junior, and sophomores Chloe Nelson and Kyla Roberts return. Coach Todd Hawley said strong summer training should make an impact. The University boys return a strong pack of runners.
2A
Clarkston: Taylor Celigoy and Claire Dooley return for the girls and Samuel Polis, Xander VanTine and Jacen Farrally are back for the boys.
losses, but in those incremental successes as players of all skill levels begin grow into a unit.
“I think it really speaks to our program and what (assistant coach) Angela (Williams) and I want to do is make sure people feel invited, and that we’re part of a community. If your sisters are home but they’re not doing anything else, and they’re at NC also, let’s get them out. They are going home saying ‘Hey, this is great. You need to come and be a part of this.’
“I also take a lot of pride in that, that it means enough to them that they want to bring other family members in and that they know that their family, no matter what level they come in at, are welcome on this field.”
Harmoni Rosehill, a sophomore infielder whose first season was last year, was named captain of the team recently. “I cheer a lot and I’m super supportive,” she said. She talked her sister, senior Arayah, into coming
Lewis and Clark (6-10, 5-7, seventh): “We are very young and inexperienced at the varsity level,” fourth-year coach Jason Wederspahn said. “We need our youth to continue to grow and get game reps in order to build.” OF Jillian Hatch is a former first-team all-league pick and leads a crew of five seniors. Sophomore Vienna Klein is one to watch.
Mead (17-3, 11-1, second): The Panthers were 3A/2A state runners-up last season and return seven starters, including seniors SS Charlie Stern, pitcher Elayna Cheney and 1B Campbell Brose. “We have a lot of returning players this season who were able to go to State last year and get a taste of what it takes,” seventh-year coach Tiffany Casedy said. “Our strength will be in our younger classes who love the game of softball and are willing to work hard.”
Mt. Spokane (16-6, 8-4, fifth): The Wildcats were third at
out for the team this year.
It’s the first time Arayah, a self-confessed “major Dungeons and Dragons nerd,” has played a sport of any kind.
“She just started, but I feel like it’s a lot of fun to watch her grow and see how she’s learning everything, and being able to help her myself,” Harmoni said.
“(Harmoni) was like, ‘It’s your senior year, you should do a sport,’ ” Arayah said. “So, I did.” Arayah likes that the program and players have been so supportive.
“From the time I’ve been here, I’ve been getting a good little family vibe. People pick on each other, but it’s in a good way.”
Sophomore Zoe Nowaski is back for her second season at first base and outfield. She didn’t play softball until her freshman year and plays on the fastpitch team, too.
“I think it’s pretty cool there are so many sisters,” Zoe said. “We all get to grow together.”
Her big sister, Abigail, is
state last year and have 10 letterwinners back for 11th-year coach Carl Adams – though they’ll have to replace all-leaguers Jessica Waters and Gracie Boe. “We graduated a great group, but I am excited about the team we have and believe we will only get better as we gain more experience,” Adams said.
North Central (0-15, 0-12, 13th): Senior OF Malia Richardson leads a young and energetic group for seventh-year coach Chris Lester. Seven letter-winners and three starters return.
“We have several freshmen and brand new players to the sport out for the team,” Lester said.
Ridgeline (11-6, 9-3, fourth): Second-year coach Lori Maupin has seven starters and 12 letter-winners back, with senior outfielders Olivia Warrick and Maggie Carvo as leaders. “We are very excited to start the season with our bats on fire,” Maupin said. “We are young and will be looking to gain experience playing at an intense level very early.”
Rogers (4-12, 2-10, 11th): The Pirates are young, but
East Valley: The Knights boast the defending state girls champ in senior Logan Hofstee. EV hopes to earn one of two state berths. Rogers: The girls are led by senior Donalda Brantley and sophomore Savannah Taylor. “Rogers is starting the season with a full varsity roster and more,” coach Katherine Charters said. “While most of our runners are freshmen with little experience, the increase in participation and commitment shows promise.”
Said boys coach Chris Morlan: “Rogers continues to need runners. Most returners bought into the system last year by going out for track and participating in summer conditioning. I suspect we’ll be more competitive than last year.”
Pullman: The girls are led by returning state qualifier Shahad Akasha, a junior. “This team has really great energy and they are working hard and together,” coach Allix Potratz-Lee said. Senior Leo Hoffman leads the boys.
a senior out for softball the first time but runs track in the spring. “My whole family is into baseball and softball,” she said. “I figured, ‘Why not?’ Just wanted to make memories with my sister in my last year of high school.”
Sophomore Aubrie Lowman is in her second year on the team and is also a competitive cheerleader. She’ll probably try out for fastpitch in the spring. Her sister, Isabella, got Aubrie out for the team. “It’s nice we can practice at home together,” Aubrie said.
Isabella is a pitcher, catcher and shortstop and with two years’ experience, one of the more accomplished players on the team.
“I help a lot of the new players out a lot because they are still learning and they all look up to me,” she said.
“It’s pretty neat,” Lester said of all the newcomers. “It’s a special thing about our program is that you get a chance to letter and play on a varsity team.”
experienced, with eight starters and nine letter-winners back, including all-league senior OF Bailey Dexter and all-league juniors Vanessa Bolen (SS) and Haly Bernard (P). Coach Cris Coffield says the team will hit, but how far they go will be determined by playing consistent defense.
Shadle Park (5-12, 5-7, ninth): The Highlanders lost a lot of leadership to graduation, but fourth-year coach Scott Harmon is excited about the turnout this fall.
“We have more kids signed up than the last three seasons,” he said. “We are pleased with the direction of the program.” The lone senior, Amber Hargrave, will be counted on to be a leader.
University (19-2, 12-0, first): The Titans were State 3A champs last season and have 12 letter-winners and seven starters returning for fifth-year coach Matt Connor. “Solid experience and strong senior leaders will provide the intangibles that teams need to be successful,” he said. Six seniors, led by GSL MVP Maliya Mann, provide a deep nucleus.
Shadle Park: “Despite our top two graduating, we are returning a strong group of competitors who have been putting in the work,” Highlanders boys coach Rob Warnock said. “They are joined by a talented freshman class.” Girls coach Shawn Howard has similar thoughts about his team. “We have a talented group of runners returning and a great freshman class,” Howard said. West Valley: The Eagles return senior Tony Belko, who placed 13th at state last year. The girls return six of seven state qualifiers led by junior Hadassah Duff, who placed 19th. “We only graduated one varsity athlete, but still need to close up a sizable gap between our No. 1 and No. 5 to stay competitive,” coach John Moir said. Girls coach Mark Esvelt sees a competitive league. “The league will be stronger this year,” he said. “Shadle Park is the team to beat and Pullman is always solid. We will need to avoid injuries and put together good race strategies to be competitive.”
JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Three sets of sisters play on the North Central slowpitch softball team. From left are Harmoni Rosehill and Arayah Rosehill, Zoe Nowaski and Abigail Nowaski, Isabella Lowman and Aubrie Lowman.
