Prep notebook: Rosters for Jack Blair Memorial girls basketball game announced
Ron Adams is nearing the end of his involvement in the Jack Blair Memorial girls basketball game, which turns 24 years old in early June.
Adams started the game to honor the late Blair, whom Adams co-coached with at Central Valley.
This is Adams’ next-to-last year with the game. He hopes to hand it off to somebody after next year.
As always, the Metro (Greater Spokane League all-league players) and the Region (most of the best players outside the GSL) are loaded with college-bound standouts.
In the last six years, the Region, which features the best North Idaho players, has made the game competitive.
On paper, the Metro would be the favorite when the teams face off June 1 at Post Falls High School.
“The game will be closer than you think,” said Adams, who has coached or coached against most of the players as director of the Spokane Stars club program.
The Metro is led by the Stanford-bound Hull twins from Central Valley, Lexie and Lacie. They’re joined by teammates Camryn Skaife, Mady Simmelink and Hailey Christopher, all juniors like the Hulls. Rounding out the roster are Jaidyn Lyman and Aspyn Adams (Mt. Spokane); Ellie Boni (University); Olivia Mayer and Molly McDermott (Gonzaga Prep); Quincy McDeid (North Central); Aaliyah Pauling (Mead); and Jacinta Buckley (Lewis and Clark).
Headlining the Region roster are Timberlake standout guards Allison Kirby and Keelie Lawler. They’re joined by Jamie Loera (Moses Lake); Sienna Swannack (Lakeside); Elle Burland (East Valley); Christine Denny (Liberty); Hailey Higashi (St. George’s); Bayley Brennan and Melody Kempton (Post Falls); Nina Carlson (Lake City); Grace Kirscher (Sandpoint); and Maryssa Hogamier (Wallace).
Both teams have strengths that the other doesn’t.
“The Region guards are more athletic and more experienced than the Metro guards,” Adams said. “The Metro’s strengths are athletic forwards and wings. And they have speed and quickness.”
Coaching comings and goings
This is the time of year when several coaching vacancies occur.
That’s the case at Lakeside where athletic director Jeff Pietz must replace wrestling coach Bradley Perry, who is moving to Boise to teach and coach.
If interested in the job, contact Pietz (jpietz@9mile.com).
Pietz hates to lose Perry.
“Brad was a great coach and mentor,” Pietz said. “He exhibited enthusiasm and zest for the sport. He will be missed.”
- Lake City A.D. Jim Winger is in the process of filling vacancies in volleyball and girls basketball. Jenna Leggat resigned as volleyball coach after one season to spend time with a young family and growing business, Winger said. She led the Timberwolves to a regional title and trip to state. Winger must replace girls coach Bryan Kelly, who stepped down to take a vice principal position at the school. Kelly coached for five seasons. “I’m excited to take the next step in my career as an administrator and devote my time and effort to my family and new position,” Kelly said.
- Central Valley has its fourth volleyball coach in five years. Laurie Quigley resigned after she took a teaching position at Mt. Spokane. Jason Allen, a teacher at CV and an assistant coach the last six years (four as the junior varsity coach), takes over. “It’s wonderful to get somebody in the building,” said CV A.D. Butch Walter, who couldn’t recall the last teacher/coach. “Jason’s going to do a great job. The kids really really like him.”
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gregl@spokesman.com