Our own broadcast of ‘What’s Happening’

There is so much happening in the world of high school sports, it would be nearly impossible to go into depth on any one, so today we’ll give you the TV news version of a trio of items.

What’s happened: The WIAA announced the numbers for the state’s new classifications and the schools that will be in them. Each of the top four classes had either 64 or 65 schools, the two B classes had about 61 each.

Background: There were some surprises in the numbers with a few schools a classification above what they thought and others a class below.

What’s happening: Schools were supposed to have until today to let the WIAA know whether they were contesting the numbers and/or whether they had decided to opt up; i.e. compete in a classification above the one in which they are currently slotted. But many schools have asked for an extension as they comb through their numbers. So many, in fact, the WIAA’s Executive Board may not be able to announce the final classifications on Tuesday as it had hoped.

What to expect: When everything shakes out, the 4A class will pick up seven or eight schools (it would have been more if the Big Nine had stayed all 4A), the 3A will lose some to 4A and pick up others for another seven or eight gain. The 2A and 1A ranks will probably both drop to less than 60 schools.

What’s happened: With the addition of the additional B classification, the Spokane Regional Sports Commission has to decide which of the tournaments to host.

Background: Spokane has hosted the smallest of the state’s high school basketball tournaments since before most of us were born. But what we know as the B Tournament is going to be split in two in 2007, so there are two groups of schools who would like to continue making the trek to the Lilac City.

What’s happening: The SRSC board met Wednesday and decided to pursue both tournaments. The second would have to be moved to a Tuesday through Friday schedule (usually state tournaments are Wednesday-Saturday) so the Chiefs – the Arena’s major tenant – wouldn’t be forced out for two consecutive Saturday nights.

What to expect: One tournament, and probably the 2B (schools from about 194 to 89 students), even though – or because – there will be more 1B schools in the Spokane area. The SRSC’s mission is to bring people to Spokane where they will spend the night and spend money. The thinking now is the 2B schools would fulfill that mission better.

What’s happened: The Sports USA courts complex in Spokane Valley announced it is in danger of closing at the end of the year because of financial difficulties.

Background: Kert Carlson, owner and operator of the facility, sent out a plea for help in meeting his financial obligations. With the facility, which would revert back to Garco Construction if Carlson is unable to meet the commitments, about to close, area youth teams are scrambling to make sure their winter schedules aren’t disrupted.

What’s happening: The Public Facilities District – the public organization that runs the Spokane Arena and the Convention Center – is being encouraged to explore buying and operating the facility.

What to expect: Nothing until the end of the year, when Carlson will have either met his obligations or the complex will be in Garco’s possession. If it is then owned by the construction company, which is not in the youth sports facility business, the PFD will face tremendous pressure to get involved. In that scenario, the chances are pretty good Sports USA will become part of the growing PFD empire, as long as the logistics can be worked out.

Now you’re caught up with the minutiae of prep sports.