2007 GSL girls succeeding

I’m sending this to acknowledge the talent that graduated in 2007 from the girls basketball Greater Spokane League. Here are some examples:

Angie Bjorklund (University), Tennessee - Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year, numerous Freshman of the Week honors.

Kelli Valentine (Mead), Portland State - Big Sky Conference Outstanding Freshman of the Year.

Katelan Redmon (LC), Washington, now at GU- All Pac-10 Freshman Team.

Ula Tauala (LC), North Idaho - Scenic West Athletic Conference All Region 1st Team.

Dara Zack (University), Saint Martin’s - Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week.

Other girls to watch next season will be Nikki Nelson (Mead/Chewelah) at New Mexico coming off knee surgery and Alysha Green (Mead) coming off her red shirt freshman year at Carroll College.

I’ve had the luxury of watching this talented class of women basketball players since they were in grade school playing Y-ball, AAU and through high school. It was wonderful seeing their talent develop and improve each year as these girls played with and against each other.

Other girls I’ve been fortunate to see play or know of playing last season from the class of 2007 and are doing very well are:

•Lexi Bishop (Shadle), Portland State.

•Jenna Galloway (Ferris), Northern Arizona.

•Lyndi Seidensticker (LC), Montana State.

•Tara Cronin (Gonzaga Prep), Portland.

•Kami Clark (Mead), Wenatchee Valley, now at SFCC.

•Leah Archibald (University), Snow College.

Getting to the college level of basketball is an amazing accomplishment for any athlete. To have so many girls from one class succeed and contribute is even more amazing.

I wish the best for all these athletes and the others who continue their dreams at any level of competition.

Fred Valentine

Spokane