California Dreamin’ before playoff push
OK. I admit to being remiss in my duties to this blog, but I plead my case. I spent the past five days in California watching my daughter, Linse play softball. Hard to believe it's her senior year at Central Washington and I vowed to see as many of her games as work allows. Temperature was in the the high 50s and mid 60s. As we were walking into Pedretti Park (in Turlock) in shirt sleeves, the coach from Cal State Stanislaus wondered where we were from. She was headed back home for another layer of clothing. I admit, it was a bit brisk when we flew back into Spokane last night and seeing the snow was a bit disconcerting after a pleasant get away. Incidentally, Linse won two of three on the mound.
<With the trip I missed my first district wrestling tournament in I don't know how long, but will be back in the saddle for regionals this week at Central Valley and state in Tacoma. Missed a thriller, Mead winning its second straight title by a point. That had to be the closest in district history (I con't recall any ties). The Titans advance 12, Mead and CV 10 apiece, Ferris 8 and Lewis and Clark 2 against Moses Lake and the CBBN on Saturday. East Valley advances 12, Shadle Park 7, North Central 6, Mt. Spokane 5 and Rogers 2 to Sunnysidey. Deer Park and Riverside on a roll in 2A, are in Ellensburg, Lakeside leads the 1A charge at home, Republic and Reardan in Bs are at Reardan and remain tough.
<My fondest hope was for Greater Spokane League boys basketball to end with seven teams tied at 10-10. That can't happen, but a six-way tie is still conceivable given this week's final matchups for a third-place tie behind Gonzaga Prep and Shadle Park. If so, when has that ever happened? (Lewis and Clark and North Central are 10-8, Ferris and Mead 9-9, Central Valley and Rogers 8-10 and Mt. Spokane 7-10). Playoff teams are set for next week's district 4A and 3A tournaments if final positions aren't East Valley and University are the odd teams out.
<Lewis and Clark has the girls title wrapped up, but there is still a significant game tomorrow at 5:30 when the unbeaten Tigers travel to second-place Mead (16-2). District play for both boys and girls begins next week. District teams are set for 4A, Ferris eliminated. Either Gonzaga Prep or University plays at LC and CV will be at Mead.
<In other basketball leagues, Great Northern has two weeks remaining, but Northeast A (Freeman boys and girls are a combined 35-1) and the area 1B and 2B leagues (Northwest Christian boys are seeking history) set to begin district.
<Mead wrapped up the GSL gymnastics title last week and hosts regional this weekend at Mead Middle School on Market. The Panthers were two points better than U-Hi as they battle for one team berth. Shadle Park is chasing a 1A-2A-3A state trip.
Caught up.