Wv Boys Top Everyone’S Expectations
West Valley’s regular boys basketball season ended with a loss to Cheney. But you won’t hear a peep of complaint from coach Jamie Nilles.
Even if the team might have to play the Blackhawks again Tuesday for the third time this season.
The Eagles defied expectations to finish 18-2, one of the school’s best-ever regular season records.
Nilles, who said he is stubborn enough to believe that his teams can beat anyone they play, was nonetheless surprised by the extent of WV’s success.
“Not at all,” said Nilles when asked he if he expected this kind of record. “I don’t think anyone else did either. People thought we were going to drop off.”
Instead, they tied for the Border League championship and earned a place in next weekend’s district playoffs.
He didn’t know that juniors Lance Pecht, WV’s leading scorer, and Luke Gordon, whose two three-point baskets nearly were enough during Tuesday’s 54-52 loss to Cheney, were up to the rigors of a 20-game varsity schedule.
He didn’t know that reserves Tony Kopp, Mike Hamilton and Brett French would provide vital contributions.
He called Jason Hollified, who became a starter, his wild card.
“There were good signs all year beginning last summer,” said Nilles. “The biggest thing was chemistry. This is really a giving team.”
WV and Cheney split their season series, the Eagles winning by four points, the Blackhawks by two Tuesday in the first Flying Feathers game.
“I can’t fault the kids for losing by two,” said Nilles, “I think we are pretty well-matched. If we played 10 times we’d probably split down the middle.”
They won’t play 10 times, but the two could play two or three more.
If Cheney beat Colville on Friday (the result is in today’s Sports section), the two will play at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Central Valley for top district seed and an automatic berth in regionals.
Friday the losing team will play Colville at Mt. Spokane and Saturday that winner meets No. 1 for regional seeding, a potential WV-Cheney rematch.
“I’m really pleased with the kids and how the season’s turned out so far,” said Nilles. “If you told me we’d be 18-2 at the start of the year, I’d have taken it.”
GSL girls title race to final game
The Central Valley and University girls basketball teams are taking their Greater Spokane League championship quest to the final game of the season.
The Bears were part of a three-way tie for first place prior to Friday night’s games and the Titans were a game behind.
They play on the final night of the season next Thursday and the game looms large.
Although chances of sharing the league title are slim for U-Hi, a share of second place remains possible. The top two teams earn automatic berths to regionals.
If the Bears win their final three games, they’d at least share their fourth-straight league championship and eighth since 1985.
Sophomore Katie Rodgers had her third straight 20-point game during Tuesday’s victory over Ferris and fellow soph Felice Moore added 12 points for the young Bears.
U-Hi won for the seventh straight game, by 41 points over Mt. Spokane.
Freeman begins playoff road
Freeman’s boys and girls basketball teams began their road to the State A Tournament on Friday.
The teams are playing for two of three state berths, either by winning the two-weekend district tournament at Mead or in a regional playoff with the Caribou Trail League.
The Scotties boys, winners of their last 18 games, will play at 7 p.m. tonight at Mead if they won Friday against Kettle Falls, and be assured at least a regional playoff. If they lost they play at 3:30 p.m.
Tanner Townsend totaled 47 points in Freeman’s final two wins last week for a 14.9 season average. The Scotties were without season scoring leader Jeff Hyndman (15.1).
The girls will play at 5:30 p.m. today for a regional berth if they won Friday night against Kettle Falls, or at 2 p.m. if they lost.
Heather Wilkerson finished the season with a 10.6 average and Kristi Larson, who scored 28 points last weekend, finished at 10.1 for the 7-12 team.
Valley Christian gets it done
Valley Christian continues to make basketball history.
For the first time both the boys and girls teams have won Bi-County League championships and earned automatic berths into District 7 B tournaments. Four teams from there qualify to the State B event the first week of March.
The Panther boys were hoping to complete their first perfect season Friday night at home against Davenport.
Brent Decker returned to action Tuesday and scored 19 points during a 41-point victory over Christian Heritage.
Four players, including Joel Knigge, scored in double figures.
The girls team also hosted Davenport, one of the league’s hottest teams.
Soccer officials clinic
The Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association will sponsor a referee’s clinic Friday through 18-20.
Referees are needed for the spring season. Anyone age 13 or older and interested in making money officiating can register for the clinic and obtain more information by calling 922-7910.
YMCA team wins tourney
The Freeman Ball Hawks won the fifth-grade girls YMCA basketball tournament by defeating the Sunrise Chiefs 9-8.
Trailing 7-2 at one point, the Ball Hawks completed a 10-1 season with a steal and lay-in by Jennesa Miller for the winning basket.
Team members are Miller, Becca Morphy, Katie Richardson, Kjerste Tangvald, Terise Purvis, Dani Hilde, Maggie Bauermiester and Leah Huotari.