Panthers Use ‘Vision’ In Securing 23Rd Win

Valley Christian boys basketball coach Steve Altmeyer likes something about this year’s State B Tournament qualifier that differs from his two previous placing teams.

“I see in this team an interesting characteristic that was not in the other two,” he said. “It’s just a vision, a higher expectation they’ve put on themselves.”

The Panthers on Thursday night ran their unbeaten record to 23-0 with a hard-earned 51-44 victory over Northwest Christian for their third straight state trip.

Two years ago, Valley Christian reached the state finals and last year the Panthers finished fifth.

This year, the Panthers have overcome injury and illness, a hepatitis scare and Thursday’s thriller en route to next week’s State B tourney in the Spokane Arena.

The hepatitis incident, he said, turned out to be no big deal. The Panthers even ate at the same Spokane Carl’s Jr. restaurant where the scare arose following their Bi-County League championship victory.

During this week’s District 7 tournament, the full-strength team dismantled Saint George’s and survived NWC to earn a rematch with Wilbur-Creston tonight at 7 p.m. in the title game at Spokane Falls Community College.

Brent Decker, who is now back in form after missing eight games this year with injury and illness, scored 35 points during the two district wins and Jared Evans added 25.

VC had been anticipating a game against Panorama champion Curlew, but the Cougars were upset in their district opener.

“We’re trying to accomplish things regardless of who we play,” said Altmeyer. “We’re trying to reach things we’re striving for.”

The only thing the Panthers have strived for but haven’t attained is that state title.

Same song, different verse

West Valley’s everyman basketball theme continued to find ways to spread the wealth in its effort to save Frontier League playoff face.

After regional qualifiers lost three straight games to Mid-Valley League schools during regional 3A state-qualifying playoffs, the Eagles prevailed in the fourth.

Coming off the bench, Bret French had a season-high eight points and six rebounds. Tony Kopp scored in double figures for just the fourth time this year, leading the team on defense and in scoring with 14 points. And WV came within a win, either last night or today at 2 p.m. at Eastern Washington University, of its second straight state trip.

The Eagles trailed 11-2 before beating visiting Eastmont 57-43. Kopp hit two vital 3-point baskets in the last 10 seconds of the third quarter as WV pulled away from the patient, lay-in driven Wildcats.

“I had mixed emotions,” said Kopp of the early deficit. “I knew we could come back, but if we didn’t score quick it would be over.”

French’s rebounding and surprising offensive output provided instant relief, particularly with scoring leader Lance Pecht out of the game for much of the first half saddled by foul trouble.

“We’ve had a 100 different superstars,” said Eagle assistant Randy Groves. “Frenchy’s a fighter. When the ball goes up he comes to play.”

Thursday’s win improved WV’s season record to 20-2 as the tournament continued. Win or lose it’s been a remarkable season.

“We didn’t expect any of this before the beginning of the season,” said Kopp.

The Eagles truly have no superstars. It’s just an enjoyable group of unselfish players whom coaches said deserved to have their season extended.

Playoff venues established

Opponents won’t be known until tonight, but University’s girls know they stay home for Tuesday’s first 4A eastern regional game.

The Titans improved to 18-5 with their 12th straight win, a two-point victory over Central Valley.

The Bear girls, 16-7, and East Valley boys, 13-9, who also narrowly lost, 66-60, to Greater Spokane League champion Gozaga Prep, must travel.

Girls opponents will either be unbeaten Kennewick, 16-5 Richland, 13-8 Pasco or 10-11 Southridge.

EV’s foe will be either 20-1 Davis, 14-6 Eisenhower, 15-6 Walla Walla or 15-6 Kamiakin.

Tuesday winners play Friday at the Tri-Cities Coliseum and losers play at Richland High School. Four girls and four boys teams will qualify for state.

Focus is on Hyndman

Stopping 6-foot-4 post Jeff Hyndman is one thing that Freeman opponents must focus on. He’s been consistent all season with averages of 14 points and 10 rebounds per game.

But other teams better be prepared to deal with Tanner Townsend, too, recommends Hyndman.

“Tanner is our leader,” Hyndman said. “He really carries the team.”

The two junior starters are close friends who have been playing basketball together for years.

Second-ranked Freeman is on a 21-game winning streak and headed to the State 1A tournament next week in Tacoma.

“This is just perfect for us,” Hyndman said. “This is exactly what we envisioned, except for two losses in the beginning.”

EV AAU team goes unbeaten

A team of sixth-grade basketball players from East Valley area schools completed an undefeated AAU season with a tournament championship.

The Future Knights defeated the Wildcats 52-46 for their fourth straight tournament win after going 8-0 during the league season.

`The team is unique because it is made up of boys all living in the East Valley School District,” said coach Nancy Hill.

Hill and her 16-year-old daughter, Allison Sattin, are co-coaches. Hill said that her daughter needed special permission to obtain an AAU coaches card. Assisting them is Steve Brunelle.

Team members are Dylan Sattin, Austin Wardsworth, Jake Wardsworth, Jye Lanphere, Brady Brunelle, Nick Atwood, Eric Puyear, Taylor Sanford, Ryan Freeman and Travis Hauf.

All but Hauf, who goes to Saint George’s, attend either East Valley or Mountain View middle school.