Fast Break
NBA
Donaghy the only rogue
A review of the NBA’s officiating program found no evidence of illegal activity by any referee other than Tim Donaghy, though it recommended significant changes for monitoring gambling and game integrity.
The report, compiled over 14 months by former federal prosecutor Lawrence Pedowitz and released Thursday, called for the creation of a “culture of compliance” and closer monitoring of games.
Pedowitz made three key recommendations to the league: Create a hot line to anonymously raise questions about gambling and game integrity issues; make available any complaints the league receives about refs – beginning in the 2008-09 playoffs – to both teams to avoid suspicions of bias; and provide more access to referees for both fans and media.
The report also suggests mandatory gambling education for players.
Women’s basketball
Pair announce commitments
Post Falls High girls basketball standout Jordan Schoening and Lake City’s Katie Baker are good friends.
They took a recruiting trip two weeks ago to the University of Montana. Schoening, a guard, knew Baker, a post, was heavily leaning toward Montana, but Schoening had another visit lined up to Eastern Washington University.
“That was my biggest struggle. I’ve always wanted to play ball with Katie,” Schoening said.
However, Schoening decided to give EWU an oral commitment. Baker gave an oral commitment to the traditional Big Sky Conference power Grizzlies, canceling scheduled trips to UC Santa Barbara and Pepperdine.
“It’s something you feel in your heart and that’s where you know you want to be,” Schoening said of choosing EWU over Montana. “When I was there (EWU) I felt like I was home.”
Schoening and Baker were all-Inland Empire League picks last year. Baker was the 2008 Gatorade Idaho player of the year and the 2007 5A player of the year when she led LC to a state title.
Baker chose Montana because of the school’s success and the coaching staff. She plans to study physical therapy.
Schoening plans to study criminal justice.
“I think I’d like to be an FBI agent,” Schoening said.