Rogers’ boys take big step with road win

You’d have to go back a decade, to 1998-99, to find when Rogers last defeated Mead in Greater Spokane League boys basketball.

New Pirates coach Tim Wood beat Mead in his first try, although he’s trying not to make too much of it.

“It’s a pretty big deal for the guys,” he said. “But we’re not getting ahead of ourselves because it’s early in the year.”

Still, Tuesday night’s victory, coming as it did on the road, was an eye-opener. It was big for Deavon Daniels, a 6-foot-4 sophomore forward, who scored 15 points.

“Deavon can shoot with anybody,” Wood said. “He has range outside the 3-point line and is so long and lean he gives people problems. He’s a spark off the bench.”

Veterans Jesse Vaughn, who is averaging 20.7 points per game, and Zach Nelson, who had a varsity career-high 17 points, joined in pulling off the upset.

What does it mean for Rogers?

“Right now they think they’re good, because they don’t know any different,” Wood said following the Pirates’ 2-1 start. “They were always decent (before) in AAU and summer league, but it hasn’t carried over. Maybe it will.”

Upcoming on the schedule is Central Valley on Friday and a three-game stretch next week against Ferris, Mt. Spokane and Gonzaga Prep. As huge as beating Mead is, the Pirates can’t talk until they win a few of those, Wood said.

The Pirates went 6-14 in the GSL the past couple of years, just missing postseason play. This year they are a Class 3A team hoping to nab one of four league berths to regional. Wood said prior to the season that would be feasible if they could reverse a few of the past close losses.

“The kids are working hard and I think the practices have been more competitive,” he said. “We’re matching people and not giving in. Even when Mead cut it to one point, we had two great possessions and two defensive stops.”

Back in the game

Speaking of Rogers, when I wandered into the basement of Gonzaga Prep’s gym for interviews following the Bullpups’ game against Mt. Spokane, who should be there but ex-Pirates coach Brian Kissinger. He’s still in the game.

Kissinger wasn’t renewed as Rogers coach after five years. He is now varsity assistant at G-Prep, a stone’s throw away from the school where he remains a teacher.

Chatting in the room, Bullpups people expressed delight that he was helping with their program.

I.E. Classic

Central Valley hosts the annual Inland Empire Classic wrestling tournament Friday and Saturday.

Seven Greater Spokane League teams – Central Valley, East Valley, Ferris, Lewis and Clark, Mead, Rogers and University; three from the Columbia Basin Big Nine – Moses Lake, Eisenhower and Richland; three from Idaho – Coeur d’Alene, Lakeland and Post Falls; two from the Great Northern League – Cheney and West Valley; and Hermiston, Ore., and Ellensburg fill the field.

The first two rounds of matches begin at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Competition resumes Saturday at 9 a.m. with finals scheduled for around 3 p.m.

All-session tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for students and seniors. Single-session tickets are also available for purchase.

Streaks stretch

Ferris took up where it left off last week, winning its 59th straight basketball game and 50th in a row in the GSL. The streak will be tested Friday at Shadle Park.

Lewis and Clark’s girls have won 36 straight after Tuesday’s victory over North Central.

Shadle alumni game

Rob Corkrum, Jason Wenkheimer and Corey Brantley from Shadle Park’s 1990 state championship basketball team will be among those at the Highlanders’ alumni basketball game on Dec. 27.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Rypien Foundation.

Alumni can contact Tim Gaebe, 354-6783 or 993-4581, for information.