Basketball Openers Set

Thu., Nov. 2, 2000

Three of the four area Division I men’s basketball teams open their seasons with exhibition games this week.

Idaho, coming off a 12-17 season, opens against the Yakima Sun Kings of the CBA tonight at 7 at Memorial Gym.

Eastern Washington, co-Big Sky Conference champions last year, tips off against NBC Thunder on Saturday at 7 at Reese Court.

Gonzaga, which has made two consecutive runs deep into the NCAA Tournament, takes on the Sun Kings at 8 p.m. Saturday in Martin Centre.

Idaho’s Vandals won’t be at full strength. Freshman forward Bret Wise is slowed by an ankle injury. J.C. transfer forward Marquis Holmes had foot surgery and is at least three weeks away from returning.

JC transfer wing Corry Beavers is no longer with the team.

EWU returns three starters, including senior forward Chris White, who was honorable mention All-Big Sky last season. Gonzaga could start two freshmen, forward Cory Violette and guard Blake Stepp. The Bulldogs hope sophomore forward Zach Gourde, who had knee surgery, will return for the regular-season opener against EWU on Nov. 17.

University of Washington transfer Dan Dickau will start at point guard. Returners Mark Spink and Casey Calvary anchor the front court.

Washington State opens against Lewis-Clark State on Wednesday.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Basketball Openers Set

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Mead boys wrap dominant District 6 4A/3A meet with team title: 'We're coming for state'

Former Gonzaga standout Chet Holmgren named to NBA's All-Defensive First Team

Mitch Garver’s homer sends Mariners past Royals