Combining leagues makes sense

Combo leagues

(Posted Jan. 15) In Tacoma, there’s talk about the Narrows League becoming a 4A/3A combine as is the Greater Spokane League.

It comes at a time when the Columbia Basin League is forcing the hand of its 3A brethren to make it an all-4A League.

Down there, it has caused schools like West Valley-Yakima and Sunnyside to take stock, even exploring an alignment with the 2A CWAC. And the ripple effect has carried over into the GSL because of our regional tournament affiliation.

The eastern 3A schools met Tuesday in Moses Lake today to explore ramifications and alternatives.

What’s going on in Tacoma and what has already transpired in the GSL, embracing both classifications then sending them off separate ways in the playoffs, certainly makes more sense to me than what the CBL is trying to accomplish.

What they’re doing there may create more state 4A berths if the fluidity of other leagues causes fewer teams to opt up statewide.

But combines, I feel, are workable. They create healthy leagues, maintain rivalries and prepare teams well for postseason competition.

Can Ferris be stopped?

(Posted Jan. 13) If there is a way to derail the Ferris basketball train, Mt. Spokane revealed the modus: Slow the Saxons down and shorten the game.

The Wildcats have always been controlled leading one coach to comment they can upset the best and be upset themselves. But if the box score was an indicator in Ferris’ 44-38 win, it seems to be the best way to give an opponent a chance.

Of course, the Saxons did lead 37-24 after three quarters before allowing their hosts back into the game. Still, when a team is forced to play out of its comfort zone, as the game plan by Mt. Spokane showed and nearly worked, anything can happen.

Interesting comparisons

Last week during a blog about Greater Spokane League boys basketball, posters weighed in comparing the Saxons to other great teams and athletes from the past

One compared Ferris with 1981 state champion Shadle Park, which went 24-2 and forever will be linked with the controversy generated by its buzzer-beating win over Mercer Island. He did compare a forward, Tom Peterson, Shadle’s third-leading scorer, with a guard, Erick Cheadle and had Peterson’s scoring wrong. He also left out Greg Schmidt, the team’s fifth leading scorer in his comparison with Jeff Minnerly.

– Mike Vlahovich

At any rate here goes:

“…but just for fun – match up Shadle Park ‘81 vs. Ferris.

Scott Poole v. DeAngelo Casto – Brute strength against a skywalker. Tough to pick that one – probably Casto on the high wire, but he would work for everything he gets.

Mark Rypien v. Jared Karstetter – Three-sport all-stater against 2008 version. Advantage: Rypien.

Peterson v. Cheadle – Advantage: Peterson.

Mark Anderson v. Shawn Stockton – Wiley point guard v. 4 year letterman. Advantage Stockton.

Kevin Lewis/Dave Ray v. Jeff Minnerly – Advantage: Minnerly.

Coaching: Dave Robertson – hands down. ESPN’s Neil Everett says so.

Bench: Ferris.

People only remember the Mercer Island game for Shadle Park. They had a heck of a team. … They blasted everyone in the GSL much the same way these Saxons are doing.”

– Posted by GSLFan

Taut wrestling league

(Posted, Jan 10) The Ferris Saxons were expected to make noise in Greater Spokane League wrestling, and (Jan. 9) they threw the league into a six-team turmoil. By beating East Valley 33-32 the league standings now look like this:

Central Valley 7-1, EV and University 5-1, Ferris 6-2, Mead 5-2 (going into Wednesday).

Given what transpired against the touring Japanese Junior National Team, it’s looking like the GSL is preparing wrestlers well for postseason.