GSL girls should see tighter games in second half
The entertaining showdown last week between the Gonzaga Prep and Central Valley girls basketball teams is a classic example why Greater Spokane League teams fare well at state.
Most years in the past two decades, GSL teams face some of the stiffest competition in the state right in their own back yard.
There’s another truism: Things generally tighten up in the second half of league play, even for a team such as defending State 4A champ G-Prep, which whacked teams at a good clip in the first half of play.
No. 1-ranked G-Prep (15-0 overall, 13-0 in league) waltzed past the Bears 72-53 in early December.
That waltz turned to a tug-of-war in a hurry last week with the Bullpups barely escaping with a 53-51 decision.
G-Prep coach Mike Arte was effusive with his praise of the Bears. He thought the test was timely for his team.
With five league games remaining, G-Prep has a three-game cushion on the Bears (10-3) and Lewis and Clark (9-3) in the loss column. Mead and University are tied at 9-4. Ferris, at 5-7, is mathematically still in the chase for a district berth.
The fourth and fifth seeds meet in a playoff for entry into district.
“Like I told the girls, we didn’t have to pay the ultimate price of a loss, but we needed that (game),” Arte said. “It was good for our psyche.”
CV coach Freddie Rehkow expected to see growth in the second half of league.
“I told you when we played them the first time that we were going to get better,” he said. “If a few things go one way or the other, it’s a different story. When was the last time Prep had a tough game? This is going to make them better. At least they’re going to be a little more focused, I’m sure. It shows that we’re better than we thought we were.”
GSL boys jumbled
One thing is clear in GSL boys basketball – no clear-cut pacesetter has emerged.
Rogers knocked off CV for the second time Tuesday, 60-58 in overtime. That put CV, Rogers and University in a three-way tie in first at 10-3. CV and U-Hi face off tonight in the Stinky Sneaker at the Arena.
Funny how matchups are different for teams. Rogers has been beaten twice by Gonzaga Prep, which is in fifth at 8-5.
Back to Rogers and CV. This is the first time since 1994-95 that the Pirates have swept the Bears.
Rogers is in the mix for its first GSL championship. The last time the Pirates captured a title was in the old City League in 1974-75.
That year, the Pirates lost a game at regionals and could finish no better than fifth at state. That’s what they did.
About seven members of the team, which included all seniors (12), were in attendance Tuesday.
The Poydras brothers, Ed and Tony, led Rogers that season. Ed finished fourth in league scoring at 12.8 points per game and Tony was fifth (12.5). Dick Kinzer was the coach.
All-State volleyball
Central Valley’s Kazlyn Roullier and Lewis and Clark’s Joslyn Bopray were tabbed to play for the 4A/3A team at the Senior All-State Volleyball Series, March 14 at Auburn Riverside High.
East Valley’s Emily Sior and Shalyn Stack were chosen for the 2A/1A team that includes Jessica Schmautz of Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls) and Sydney Spray of Riverside. Riverside’s Debbie Spray will help coach the team.
St. John-Endicott’s Rachel Gfeller and Sierra McCanna are on the 2B/1B team coached in part by SJE’s Megan Dorman. Davenport’s Sarah Vesneske is also on the team.