Dave Trimmer

The spotlight from the NCAA men's basketball tournament has nothing on the bright lights from a high school state tournament. "They're different," said Brian Kellerman, who has experienced both. "But every parent will tell you it's more satisfying to see a smile on your kid's face for what they accomplished than what you did."

The stories, no matter how often told or precise the details, can't duplicate the experience. Wellpinit coach Billy Flett Sr. tried.

Even if it was as simple as a son following in his father's footsteps, the coaching staff for the Liberty girls at the State 2B basketball tournament would be interesting. Aaron Fletcher is coaching the Lancers, assisted by Chad Cornmesser, who was an assistant for the boys when Fletcher played in the state tournament in 1992. A few years before that, Cornmesser was the Lancers' quarterback in the State B-11 championship football game and his coach was Rod Fletcher.

When the Portland State women's basketball team visits Eastern Washington Saturday afternoon, the Vikings could sail into uncharted waters. PSU needs one win to reach 20 for the first time at the Division I level.

YAKIMA – There are no secrets by the time two teams face each other for the fourth time – and that's this season. The Garfield-Palouse and Colton girls basketball rivalry goes back to grade school. By the time they hooked up in the championship game of the State 1B basketball tournament in the SunDome Saturday night, there was much scratching and clawing for every point between these teams that pride themselves on defense.

Pink became red at McCarthey Athletic Center Thursday night. On Think Pink night, an occasion to raise awareness of breast cancer, the Gonzaga women's basketball team embarrassed San Francisco 90-42.

A South Hill battle erupted Wednesday afternoon, but like the Rubber Chicken rivalry basketball game between Lewis and Clark and Ferris it was positive confrontation and there were no losers. The scene was the 30th annual Inland Northwest Sports Awards at the Spokane Convention Center and the two rival Greater Spokane League high schools took home four of the five major awards.

As the consummate team player, Michelle Elliott wanted to build something. As a fierce competitor, she wanted to win.

Big as a house, swift as a deer, strong as an ox, smart as a whip, good as gum – those are the clichés that college football fans want to hear to describe the players who make their autumn Saturdays fun. Washington State, Idaho and Eastern Washington reveal today how many of those big, fast, strong teenagers are headed their way.