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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Shannon Russel Ritzville Year: Senior Sport: Basketball Position: Guard

The same family produced basketball players for the last girls State A/B champions and the last girls State B champions.

Senior Shannon Russel and three other returning starters have Ritzville off to a 6-0 start as the Broncos try to repeat last year’s B title season.

Russel’s mother, Joy (Thiele), helped Curlew win the 1977 A/B title. The following year, A and B split into separate tournaments.

Russel’s father, Ron, just missed being part of Curlew’s ‘72 championship season. Bobby Russel, Ritzville Class of ‘97, played for last year’s sixth-place state team.

These Russels know their B hoops.

“My parents have gone to state every year,” Shannon said. “They’re addicted.”

They also taught Shannon how to spot up for 3-pointers during numerous family games. Russel, who leads the Broncos with 16.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, has connected on 16 of 41 3-point attempts.

Russel has battled bone spurs this year, using shoe inserts instead of missing any basketball time.

“She really should have (rested) after volleyball season, but she wouldn’t do it,” said first-year coach Howard Manke. “She’s the hardest-working kid I have.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo