Nic Guard Ponders His Next Move

North Idaho College basketball player Todd Myles, who signed a letter of intent in November to play at Mississippi State next season, is having second thoughts.

“I’m just weighing all my options,” said Myles, MVP of last week’s Region 18 Tournament and a first-team all-Scenic West Athletic Conference selection.

“If we win (nationals), it doesn’t make sense that I would return. But I’m just keeping my options open because I feel really comfortable here.”

Myles, a 6-foot-4 freshman point guard who transferred from West Virginia, averaged 10.8 points and 8.4 assists during the regular season. NIC opens the national tournament against Bossier Parish, from Bossier City, La., Wednesday in Hutchinson, Kansas.

NIC coach Hugh Watson would welcome Myles back, but admits Mississippi State might be Myles’ best option.

“My arms are open,” Watson said. “If he wants to come back, I’m not going to run him off.”

Myles said he hasn’t soured on Mississippi State, which reportedly has signed another standout point guard. He said he’s doing fine academically and isn’t eyeing another Division I school.

“I really like playing for Coach Watson,” said Myles, who was bothered by a bruised hand at practices last week. “I told Coach Watson I’d let him know after I come back from spring break, probably in April.”

NIC baseball

Bellevue Community College, sparked by a seven-run third inning, defeated North Idaho College 8-0 Friday in a non-league baseball game at Bellevue, Wash.

Joey Cork’s three-run triple and Ervin McDermott’s two-run single were the key hits in the third inning.

NIC was held to three hits.

Playfair’s Winter Festival

Six unique stakes races for claiming horses will mark the inaugural, and possibly only, Winter Festival of Racing this weekend at Playfair Race Course.

Three of the $10,000 added sprints will highlight today’s program. Three others have been scheduled for Sunday. The races are limited to horses that have started at least four times during what promises to be the only winter season in track history.

Post time for 10-race programs today and Sunday will be 1 p.m. Today’s card will be supplemented by simulcast betting on the $500,000 Florida Derby.

Today, colts and geldings will run the Playfair Course of about 6-1/2 furlongs in the $2,500 Claimer Supreme, fillies and mares will go 6 furlongs in the $2,500 Claimer Supremette and four-time winner Finnish Royalty will face Wake Up Sassy Boy and eight others at 6 furlongs in the $4,000 Claimer Supreme.

The $4,000 Claimer Supremette, the $5,000 Claimer Supreme and the $5,000 Claimer Supremette will be run Sunday.

, DataTimes