GSL 3A teams looking to start regionals with win

A first- or second-place finish last weekend in district basketball playoffs was a big advantage for Greater Spokane and Mid-Valley league teams, who were assured of playing at home in the double-elimination portion of this week’s 3A regional tournament.

An even bigger advantage for them would be a victory tonight when the tournament begins.

A win would mean the difference between needing to win once or twice more, or possibly a more daunting task of winning three times on successive nights, in order to qualify for state.

The biggest advantage belongs to GSL district champion West Valley boys and Clarkston girls, who both open at home against Ellensburg.

“If we win Tuesday we don’t have to beat (Mid-Valley district champion) Hanford and maybe can get there (to state) in a Saturday game,” said WV coach Jamie Nilles.

The four-day regional that continues through Saturday advances four teams, two each for boys and girls, to next week’s 3A state tournament in Tacoma.

Greater Spokane League 4A teams also begin district competition tonight with a pair of boys and girls loser-out, winner-to-regional games.

Mt. Spokane’s girls are making their first postseason appearance and coach Jeanne Helfer, who started the program, returns for the first time since her successful tenure at Mead.

There were times, she said, when she wondered if she’d ever get back.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” said Helfer. “It was our goal from the very start. I’m excited about it for the kids. They’re in the top five of my favorite groups to have coached.”

Fourth seed Mt. Spokane, with its best record ever (16-4), plays host to No. 5 Central Valley (14-6).

Third-seeded Gonzaga Prep girls (16-4) and boys (14-6) are home for a doubleheader with No. 6 Mead (the girls are 11-9, the boys 10-11). Both Panthers teams won playoffs to get in.

The other district game tonight is No. 5 Central Valley (13-7) boys at No. 4 Shadle Park (9-11).

Ellensburg’s boys don’t have an impressive season record, but the Bulldogs won six straight before losing 46-42 to Hanford in their district title game. Riley Sivak, a 6-foot-4 wing, was averaging more than 18 points per game heading into the final couple games of the season.

“He scores from 3-point range, likes to get in between for pull-up jumpers, and takes it to the hole,” Nilles said. “They have some pretty heady guards – so you can’t sag and help – and a 6-6 post.”

Cheney travels to Hanford (20-2), which lost its last two regular-season games. The Falcons are led by Admir Beribak, at more than 18 per game, and outside shooter Tyler Cathey, who’s near 17 points per contest.

East Valley’s girls, No. 2 in the GSL, draw a tough assignment in state perennial WV-Yakima. Two of the Rams’ three losses were to teams from Utah and California and the third is to Inglemoor from Seattle.

GSL No. 3 seeds Clarkston boys and North Central girls open at home. In order to reach state they must win four straight loser-out games.