THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014 • VOL. 112, NO. 11
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State Champs Zillah Boys Thrill Town With Season By Erick Peterson Days after the Zillah High boys capped off their undefeated basketball season with a state championship, players were still abuzz with excitement. “Actually, the whole school and the entire community of Zillah is floating on air,” according to Rock Winters, Zillah High School athletic director. Zillah put the final touches on a picture-perfect season over the weekend, knocking off King’s 52-46 to take the state Class 1A crown. That was the 27th straight win this year for the Leopards as they completed a perfect season. Brady Widner, who scored 21 points in the championship game for the Zillah boys, was named the state tournament’s Most Valuable Player. The win was especially sweet for Zillah since the Leopards had made the state finals in 2011 and 2012 only to be knocked off, finishing second. But this time it was the Leopards’ turn to celebrate at the SunDome in Yakima. The school had a celebratory assembly in the gym on the Monday morning following the championship, and was planning a community celebration in the Zillah Middle School Gym on the following Wednesday. He said that town pride was at its height following the state title. Winters praised community residents for supporting the team, and he spoke highly of cheer and band members
who also rooted the Leopards on to each of their victories. “Something like this is very special,” he said. “Everyone goes into the season with this as their goal. It never happens, but it happened this year, and they deserve it.” Doug Burge, head basketball coach, stands at the top of the most worthy celebrants, according to Winters. Brady Widner holds up the state championship trophy, won by Zillah High School last “This valweekend. Photo by Sean Carter. idates every“Kids love playing for him,” he nents. thing he does,” said. Any future teams can only match Winters said. “He’s just the best coach Still, supportive coaching and the great success of this team, he said, in the state.” community love can only push a team but next year’s team will give it their He credited Burge for doing all the so far, he said. The kids are the ones best. Losing seven players to gradualittle things that make for an excellent who battled on the court and achieved tion this year will create a challenge, coach. He works hard and is proat the highest level possible. but Winters expects next year to also fessional. Most of all, Winters said, “They made it a dream season,” be good. Burge treats his players fairly and He said that there are some young with kindness. At the same time, he is Winters said. He described this year’s Leopards people who are developing well. demanding and expects excellence. as hard-nosed and classy, saying that They will do well, he promised, even He credits Burge for creating teams they never quit in their games and though they have some big shoes to that compete at a high level year in always showed respect to their oppo- fill. and year out.
Notice
Granger Girls Take Sixth
By Bruce Smith Publisher
Please bear with us as we print a couple of abbreviated editions of the ReviewIndependent. Our editor, Erick Peterson, has undergone hip-replacement surgery and is unable to work for a few weeks. In the meantime, story ideas and other information can be referred to Randy Luvaas, our company’s senior editor. You can call him directly at 509-457-4886 or email Randy at rluuvaas@yvpub.com Thank you for your patience.
This year was a Cinderella season for the Granger girls basketball team, according to Dave Pearson, Granger High School athletic director. “We are very proud,” he said. Many outsiders predicted Granger to end the season fifth in the league. People on the inside, however, knew that they had a special team and it was less of a surprise when they qualified for the state tournament, where they finished sixth. This sets up high expectations for next season for a team that will return with many of its top players. “It’s a sign of good things to come,” Pearson said.