Selkirk Doesn’t Measure Progress By Team’s Height
Looking at Selkirk’s average-sized basketball players, it’s hard to believe they’ll achieve anything greater than the last 24 Rangers teams.
But Selkirk’s Don Almquist doesn’t use a ruler to measure the stature of his team.
“When you’re shorter, you use what you have,” said the second-year Rangers coach. “So we use our quickness and our smart play, and we full-court press the whole time.”
Selkirk figures to wrap up its second consecutive Panorama League South Division title this weekend and finish the regular season 17-3.
Almquist’s starting five averages around 5 feet 10 inches. Almquist didn’t have a player taller than 6-0 until he called up 6-1 sophomore Cody Carlson from the JV.
Tim Farris, Jim Huffine, Russell Lopes and Sheridan Pyeatt have all averaged more than 10 points per game. Selkirk’s losses are to second-ranked Curlew, and the teams that met for last year’s State B basketball title, Reardan and Republic.
Selkirk last played at state in 1973. The Ione school had never qualified before.
To advance this time, Selkirk must tackle what figures to be a balanced District 7 field, with eight teams capable of landing one of four available berths.
“If we had one tall kid, man would we be on fire,” Almquist said. “But it’s really fun to see them overachieve, too.”
Selkirk’s girls, who also figure to finish league 17-3, may have a better shot at qualifying for state. The girls district field doesn’t appear as deep. The Rangers’ lone girls state appearance was 15 years ago.
Tragedy hits Clallam Bay
Caleb Duncan, who played for Clallam Bay at the last two boys State B basketball tournaments, committed suicide last weekend, according to Dave Tuengel, publisher of the B Report, who attended the funeral.
Duncan, 19, shot himself in the head Wednesday night. He left no note, and none of his friends suspected that Duncan was distressed.
Officials bound for Dome
Local gymnastics officials Karen Renner, Barb MacAfee and Theresa Murphy will work at the state meets, Feb. 20-21 in the Tacoma Dome. Renner will help officiate at the 3A/2A meet, MacAfee and Murphy at the 4A.
Fraser scores high rating
Mount Vernon boys basketball coach Mac Fraser recorded his 400th career win two weeks ago. Fraser is third all-time among state coaches in winning percentage (.800). Reardan/Richland’s Frank Teverbaugh and Brewster’s Dick Olson rank 1-2.
, DataTimes