Mead, University to break tie atop GSL

Prior to the start of the Greater Spokane League baseball series between league leaders University and Mead, Titans coach Scott Sutherland downplayed the significance of its championship overtones.

“Winning the championship is not the big prize,” Sutherland said. “Qualifying for regional is the important thing.”

The teams are tied for first with 15-2 records following U-Hi’s 10-0 win Friday. The series concludes today at Mead. Either could win the title.

The main advantage of a top-two league finish is that it puts lesser burden on a team’s pitching staff and today’s winner will be assured that. Both the GSL champion and runner-up earn byes into the six-team District 8 tournament, which begins in a week and qualifies two to the regional.

There still is unfinished business to attend to this week. Beside’s today’s Mead-U-Hi game, the Panthers have two remaining against third-place Ferris (12-5).

Behind them, four teams are vying for three remaining district berths.

Central Valley and Gonzaga Prep (both 9-8) are tied for fourth. CV finishes against Shadle Park today and East Valley (twice). The Bullpups face EV then Rogers twice.

It’s a huge week for the Pirates, tied for sixth with Shadle Park (both 7-10). The Highlanders have won four straight, including 10-8 Friday over Central Valley, which they play again Wednesday. Shadle ends its season against Lewis and Clark.

Peterson power

West Valley’s Bryan Peterson is high on professional scouting radar this spring, but he hasn’t been the only Peterson providing punch to the Eagles lineup.

During a 10-0 win over Cheney last week that kept them tied for first place in the Great Northern League, Bryan and his younger brother Mitch combined for seven runs batted in and their senior cousin Tom pitched the three-hit shutout victory. He’s also had a big offensive year, leading the team in home runs.

West Valley (13-4, 10-2) is tied with Cheney (11-4, 8-2) in the loss column for first in the GNL heading into the final week of the season. The Blackhawks face Clarkston (10-6, 6-4) today in a pivotal makeup doubleheader. The Bantams have been on a tear with the addition of pitcher Cary Conklin. He missed basketball with an Achilles tendon tear and the early part of baseball, but is 4-0 since his return. Clarkston shut out Pullman (8-4, 6-4) twice last week.

Postseason soccer

First round of District 8 4A boys soccer Wednesday at Joe Albi Stadium pits South Hill rivals against each other in an intriguing 5 p.m. first-round, loser-out matchup.

Fourth-seed Ferris (8-2) and fifth-seed Lewis and Clark (7-3) played to a 0-0 standoff during the regular season before the Saxons won in a shootout. It was one of two such contests involving the Tigers, who lost in like fashion to University on Friday.

The tournament, which continues Friday and concludes next week, qualifies two teams to regional and state competition. No. 3 University (8-2) plays No. 6 Gonzaga Prep Tuesday at 7 p.m. The District 8 title contest between league co-champions Mead and Central Valley (both 8-2) is 7 p.m. Friday at Albi.

•There are still a handful of Great Northern League matches to be played, but Cheney (14-1 overall, 12-1 in league) and Pullman (13-2, 12-1) share the South Division championship and West Valley (9-6, 8-4) and Riverside (8-6, 8-4) will likely tie for the North title necessitating Thursday tie breakers.

Division crossover matches are Saturday to determine next week’s district tourney seedings.

Blackhawk Mitch Weller has scored more than 20 goals for the second straight year. He leads the GNL with 23 and has 12 assists.

Pitcher perfect

Bad weather could ultimately be an advantage for Shadle Park softball, which will play a dozen games in less than three weeks before season’s end in their quest for a repeat state title.

“If that isn’t enough for rhythm and momentum, what else can you do?” said coach George Lynn.

The Highlanders (15-0) played seven games in nine days through Friday with five remaining, including against top-four teams Mead, North Central and University through next Monday.

Sam Skillingstad had six shutouts, including two perfect games and a no-hitter, gave up one run and struck out 93. And the hitters profited from the heavy workload, breaking loose for 92 hits.

Greco wrestling placers

University’s Brian Owen finished first in Greco Roman wrestling at 130 pounds during the USA Western Regionals last week in Las Vegas. He was second in the FILA Greco as well and placed fifth in free style.

East Valley’s Clete Hanson and Lakeside’s Reid Chivers were second and third in Greco at 189 pounds and Hanson took sixth in FILA Greco.