Cougars Sign A Pair Of Basketball Players

Washington State University men’s basketball coach Kevin Eastman announced the signing of two junior-college players Monday and said freshman center Justin Mott will transfer when the current semester ends.

Kabandany Kazadi, a 6-foot-1 point guard from Hutchinson (Kan.) College, and 6-6, 220-pound forward Kojo Mensah-Bonsu of Champlain (Vt.) College will join the seven returning Cougars for next season.

“We get two players who fill needs we currently have in our program,” said Eastman, whose team was 13-17 last season.

Hutchinson posted a combined 34-15 record during Kazadi’s two-year stint. He took over as starting point guard midway through his freshman year of 1995-96.

As a sophomore, Kazadi averaged 11.4 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game as Hutchinson advanced to the national junior college tournament.

A native of Newton, Kan., Kazadi led a Hutchinson team that ranked fourth in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 65 points per game.

“Kab is quick, can handle the ball and can really defend,” Eastman said of the 6A South Central player of the year while a senior at Newton High School. “Kab is a point guard we needed because we only have one true point in our program in Blake Pengelly.”

Mensah-Bonsu, originally from London, led his 1996-97 Champlain squad to a 31-2 record and the NJCAA quarterfinals. He was named to the Region 3 all-conference first team and was the team’s second-leading scorer (15.1) and rebounder (7.0).

He finished the year with a .516 field-goal percentage and four double-doubles.

“Kojo is a fantastic leaper that plays much taller than his height,” said Eastman.

“We wanted to find a Carlos Daniel-type and Kojo was the closest we could find. He’s done a great job of improving every year and we look forward to continued improvement as well.”

The two transfers are the first selections for the Cougars during the late signing period, which concludes May 15.

That brings WSU’s total number of signings to five, including fall signees Ron Selleaze, a 6-6 wing, and 6-10 centers Leif Nelson and Brian Stewart.

Mott, meanwhile, leaves the Cougars after spending last season as a reserve. The 6-9 Mott visited Barton County College in Great Bend, Kan., last weekend and will visit Hutchinson College this weekend.

Mott averaged less than one point and one rebound in eight games.

“Justin has made a good decision for his future,” said Eastman. “Playing time could be limited again next year.”

NIC coach retires

North Idaho College baseball coach Jack Bloxom announced his retirement with his 30th season winding down.

Bloxom’s record is 560-539 with a three-game home series against Treasure Valley on Friday and Saturday. NIC must sweep to advance to the Region 18 Tournament for the first time since 1988.

“I tried to tell the kids (of his decision) and it didn’t work,” said an emotional Bloxom. “When you’re crying, you can’t talk.”

Bloxom, 58, said his decision was based on being able to leave teaching and coaching with an acceptable retirement package, a desire to pursue other interests and frustration with win-loss records the last few years.

He is the third NIC coach to step down in the last 13 months, following Rolly Williams (men’s basketball) and John Owen (wrestling).

Under Bloxom, the Cardinals qualified for the regional tourney six times, finishing second twice.

Before coming to NIC, Bloxom, a Sandpoint native, taught and coached at Sandpoint Junior High and in Goldendale (Wash.) High.

“The kids (were the highlight),” he said. “You can put a lot of names on the kids. Over the years, there’s been so many, it’s just impossible.”

Local woman to fight

A Spokane woman will make her professional boxing debut on a six-bout card May 14 at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Bingo/Casino in Worley, Idaho.

Spokane’s Para Draine, a featherweight, will take on Boise’s Delores Lira.

The co-main events pit lightweights Steve Valdez vs. Paris Alexander and light heavyweights Charles Oliver and Richard Green.

Spokane’s Frank Vassar is tentatively scheduled to meet Tyrus Armstead. Spokane’s Rick Welliver faces a rematch against Shawn Elliott.

Curran leads Pro-Am

Chris Curran had pressure, but the professional golfer from MeadowWood held on for a one-shot victory in the Inland Empire PGA/ Athletic Round Table Pro-Am at The Fairways on Monday.

Curran had a 33-34 for a 5-under-par 67 and slim margin over three other pros and amateur Mike Bordner of Okanogan Valley.

Dave Lowe of Coeur d’Alene Golf Club, Tim Morton of Avondale and Clint Wallman of Birdies also had 68s.

Net leaders, all with 65s, were: Kyle Kadlec, Ritzville, 0-8 handicaps; John Selden, Spokane Country Club, 9-13; and Elmer Jackson, The Fairways, 14 and up.

Mark Gardner of The Creek at Qualchan shot a par 72 during Monday’s rain-plagued second round of the $51,500 Sentry-Giusti Memorial Golf Tournament in Vancouver, Wash.

Gardner’s 36-hole total of 140 has him tied for second place, two shots out of the lead. Rob Gibbons of Molalla, Ore., also shot a 72 for a leading figure of 6-under 138 heading into today’s final round.

Steve Prugh of Manito is tied for sixth at 143 (79-73). Former Spokane golfer Chris Mitchell is in a group tied at 144.

, DataTimes