UI coach Perry signs up recruit

Guard Jason Bowden-Key of Prosser High in Chicago has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Idaho, coach Leonard Perry announced Thursday.

Bowden-Key, a four-year starter, averaged 19 points, eight steals, six rebounds and four assists per game during his senior season. He finished as the school’s all-time leading scorer, with 1,716 points.

As announced previously, Perry also signed Jerod Haynes out of the Chicago area and Mike Kale from Nevada.

“The future is in good hands,” Perry said. “We’ve added quality, tough-minded kids.”

Softball

Former Lake City High standout Ingrid Lochelt belted her first home run of the season to help Oregon State register a 7-0 win over Bowling Green in an NCAA Regional Tournament game at Ann Arbor, Mich.

Lochelt, a sophomore who transferred after playing her freshman season at the University of Kentucky, finished 2 for 3, teaming with Sherina Galvan to launch back-to-back homers in the fourth inning.

Lochelt played right field and has also seen time as an infielder. She has eight runs and eight RBIs this season for OSU (41-26).

Television

The Sun Belt Conference has signed an enhanced agreement with ESPN for football and basketball broadcasts, the conference and ESPN announced Thursday.

The agreement extends the original contract, which began in the 2002-03 season, through 2007-08.

This year’s football broadcast schedule will be announced July 19.

The University of Idaho plays football in the eight-team conference.

Baseball

Reserved bench tickets are still available for the first Northwest League All-Star Game, scheduled Aug. 3 at Avista Stadium.

Upper- and lower-box tickets have been sold out for the game, which will commemorate the league’s 50th anniversary. For the available $5 tickets, call 535-2922 or 1-800-827-6518.