Josh Parrish Chewelah Year: Junior Sport: Basketball Position: Center

Josh Parrish and the Chewelah Cougars reaped more with their finishes than their starts.

Chewelah basketball coach Drew Landram started five seniors during each game at last week’s State 2A tournament in Tacoma.

But Parrish, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound junior post, didn’t stay on the bench long. He averaged nearly 24 minutes per game and often changed the tone of the contests.

Parrish averaged eight rebounds, 11.5 points and four blocked shots at the tourney. He shot 19 of 35 (54 percent) from the field, 5 of 6 in one game, 8 of 13 in another.

The Cougars’ finish was also more enjoyable than their start. Chewelah dropped its opener to Foster, but won its final three to place fifth.

Chewelah made its mark with defense, as Parrish helped plug the middle. He had six blocked shots in the game against Cascade (Leavenworth) for fifth and eighth places.

“We doubled down a lot on posts, then our point guards were really good at contesting shots,” said Parrish, a Chewelah native who is the middle of three sons.

Football figures to be Parrish’s ticket to college. The Cougars’ tight end/defensive end said he has received letters from both of the 1998 Rose Bowl schools, Michigan and Washington State.

Parrish’s spring fling is the shot put. He’ll also give the discus a whirl.

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