Dave Trimmer

GSL GIRLS Much has changed in the month since Mead went to Central Valley and had to rally to squeak out a win. Friday night at Mead, the second-ranked Panthers destroyed the Bears 63-41, running their Greater Spokane League winning streak to 27 games. "We're pretty excited - we played our best game of the year," Mead coach Jeanne Helfer said. "They were more aggressive last time, but they're a different team without Lisa."

Shadle Park's Kelly Bartelson, left, drabbles past Ferris guard Emily Brown. Photo by Dan McComb/The Spokesman-Review,

GSL boys Lewis and Clark wouldn't take any gimmes, but when the Tigers earned an opportunity they pulled out a 60-56 triple-overtime win over Central Valley Tuesday night at the Coliseum. The Bears held the ball for last shots at the end of regulation and the first two overtimes before turning the ball over to the Tigers, who couldn't cash in. It wasn't until the Tigers won the opening tip for the third overtime that they were able to gain control in the battle for a share of second place in the Greater Spokane League.

1. When the fire extinguisher haze cleared, North Central's boys had beaten Shadle Park, while the result was reversed for the girls as fans took in the "Groovy Shoes" games Friday. Photo by Dan McComb/The Spokesman-Review 2. Shadle Park's Rob Debeaumont muscles up against NC's Troy Kapelke. Photo by Dan McComb/The Spokesman-Review

Mead went on a 15-0 run that spanned halftime and the Panthers went on to defeat Ferris 54-45 in a battle between the first- and thirdplace teams in Greater Spokane League girls basketball at the Coliseum Friday night. There were seven ties and five lead changes in the first half and Ferris (6-3, 10-3) was leading 26-24 when Mead sophomore Jennifer Bennett dropped in a soft lefthanded hook shot to tie the game a minute before halftime. The Panthers (9-0, 13-0) then forced a turnover that Stacy Clinesmith turned into a fastbreak layup. After a missed Ferris shot, Danielle Tutt picked up her third foul with 6 seconds left and Kelly Benad made two free throws for a 30-26 halftime lead.

Stacy Clinesmith (25) of Mead finds a hole in the Shadle Park defense while helping the Panthers win a battle for the GSL lead. Photo by Shawn Jacobson/The Spokesman-Review

With each agonizing loss, Rick Mergenthaler becomes more determined to succeed. But no matter what the record is when the final whistle blows, he wouldn't trade this season for any other. This is the season in the life of the vagabond basketball coach when every minute of every practice and every game - every tear and every cheer - is spent with his oldest son, Rick Jr.

University wrestling coach Don Owen is going to let his Titans know that looks can be deceiving. Powered by pins from four seniors in their last home match, the 6-0 Titans all but clinched the Greater Spokane League championship Wednesday night with a 39-20 win over Gonzaga Prep. But considering the Bullpups (4-2) won six of the 13 matches, Owen knows there is plenty of work with the district meet just over two weeks away.

Mead's Terry Donovan, left, protects ball from LC's John Kane, but the Tigers grabbed the victory. Photo by Dan McComb/The Spokesman-Review

GSL girls Someday - probably soon - the Central Valley girls are going to win one of these Greater Spokane League basketball games. Tuesday night at the Coliseum, the young Bears lost to Ferris 72-69, but it took the Saxons three overtimes to get their first win over CV in an estimated nine years.