East meets West in basketball showcase

Several games hold considerable interest in the third annual East-West Classic basketball series Saturday at Gonzaga University.

But one of the local teams, University’s girls, will already be coming off an important non-league test. The Titans, ranked No. 2 in state, play third-ranked Snohomish at home tonight before taking on No. 9 Kentlake at 1 p.m. in Martin Centre.

That is one of eight games to be played, beginning at 10 a.m., for seven Greater Spokane League teams and Brewster against opponents mostly from the opposite side of the state.

Evergreen (Vancouver), Franklin’s boys and girls from Seattle, Timberline (Lacey), Lincoln of Tacoma and another Vancouver team, Columbia River also will make the trek east for the event, sponsored by Zuma Media.

“We are excited to bring this event back to Spokane for the third year,” said DeLano Morgan, COO of ZUMA Media. “The students and fans are able to be a part of a truly unique event. At no other time will all of these teams play under one roof, on one court, on the same day.”

Two weekends ago, Gonzaga Prep and Evergreen squared off in the State 4A football semifinals. The two schools will go at it again in basketball.

Evergreen is ranked as high as fifth by coaches in preseason 4A polls and will have all but one starter on hand against the Bullpups. G-Prep should have most of its varsity eligible despite a late start because of the football playoffs.

Franklin’s boys, ranked second in the state in a couple of polls, will play Central Valley and in the night’s finale. Tall Columbia River, ranked eighth among 3A schools, plays Ferris, ranked ninth in 4A

Mead boys will open the eight-game schedule against 3A Hanford, followed by Mead’s girls against Franklin. Shadle Park plays Lincoln for the second straight year.

A ticket for the all-day event costs $7 and can be purchased at the door.