6/28/09 Yakima Bears update
June 28, 2009 by Roger Underwood
Next game
Opponent: Boise Hawks.
When, where: 6:15 p.m. (PDT) today, Memorial Stadium, Boise, Idaho.
Radio: KUTI (1460).
Probable pitchers: Yakima RHP Chris Odegaaard (0-0, 8.31) vs. Boise LHP Jeff Antigua (0-1, 4.50).
Notes
EARLY RETURNS: Through seven games and going into Saturday night’s contest, Yakima ranked third in the Northwest League in hitting (.273) and second in pitching (3.27 ERA).
First baseman Ryan Wheeler was hitting .414 in seven games with a homer and team-best six RBI and catcher Jorge Corniel and first baseman-outfielder Andrew Fie were both at .417 in four games.
Several players have impressed manager Bob Didier, and among them has been Dan Kaczrowski. A middle infielder who Saturday started in left field, Kaczrowski began the night at .304 after his three-hit performance in Friday night’s 6-3 win over Eugene.
“How do you play him?” Didier asked. “His first time up he hit a double into the left-field corner and the second time up he singled over first base.”
Kaczrowski is a 5-foot-9, 170-pounder who was drafted in 24th round out of Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.
Among the league leaders is a player from Everett whose name will no doubt be familiar to Class 1A state basketball fans. Hawkins Gebbers from Brewster is hitting .444 with a homer and five RBI. Gebbers was drafted earlier this month by the Mariners out of Biola College in California.
Click here for Northwest League standings
Reds allow six goals in second half
June 28, 2009 by YH-R Sports
VICTORIA, British Columbia — Yakima jumped ahead in the first half, but Jordie Hughes and the Victoria Highlanders stormed back in the second half to post a 6-1 victory in the PDL soccer match Saturday night.
Hughes scored a team-record four goals, all in the second half, and Patrick Gawrys and Joey Hathot had the other scores for the Highlanders.
Yakima scored in the 16th minute, and led 1-0 at halftime.
Hughes scored the tying goal in the 53rd minute, and Gawrys had the game-winner in the 71st minute, the first of five Victoria goals in the final 19 minutes.
Four YVCC players move on
June 28, 2009 by YH-R Sports
YAKIMA, Wash. — Four Yakima Valley men’s basketball players will continue their careers at four-year schools, head coach Ray Funk announced Friday.
Nico Sandoval will play at Fresno Pacific, LeMar Anglin is headed to Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., Ben Wilson will play at Evergreen State and Rico Wilkins is bound for Maryland-Eastern Shore.
Wilkins, from DeSoto,Texas, was YVCC’s leading scorer at 16.5 points a game and was named the Eastern Region’s Most Valuable Player.
Sandoval, from Davis, capped a stellar two-year stay with the Yaks by averaging 11.88 points a game and was voted to the All-Eastern Region first team.
Anglin, from Proviso West High School near Chicago, averaged 11.10 points and Wilson, from Bremerton High, averaged 9.47.
Another team member, first-team All-Region pick Jody Johnson, had already signed with Central Washington.
Over the past two seasons YVCC has gone 25-7 each year, winning the NWAACC championship in 2008 and finishing third last March.
Chico clips Pak in Reno
June 28, 2009 by YH-R Sports
RENO, Nev. — Getting an RBI single in the top of the seventh inning, right after the Yakima Valley Pepsi Pak had tied the game, the Chico Nuts scored a 5-4 victory over the Pak in the Reno Tournament on Saturday.
Justin Windsor went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored, Thomas Wilcox scored twice, and Matt Snider and Garrett Olson both had RBI doubles for Yakima Valley, which scored twice in the bottom of the sixth to pull even at 4-4.
Yakima Valley (19-6) plays Nampa, Idaho, this morning to wrap up play in the weeklong tournament.
Chico Nuts 101 110 1 — 5 9 2
Yakima Valley 020 002 0 — 4 8 2
Schwartz, Flory (6), Sanderson (7) and Ryan; Wilcox, Windsor (7) and Snider.
Highlights: Johnson (CN) RBI single in 7th; Justin Windsor (YV) 2-3, 2 RBI, 2 runs; Matt Snider (YV) 2-3, RBI 2b; Thomas Wilcox (YV) 2 runs; Garrett Olson (YV) RBI 2b.
YOUTH BASEBALL
Brent Edwards Memorial Tournament
(At Carlon Park)
West Valley Baseball Club 9, Yakma Grays 7 (9 innings) (WV: Cody McDonald 3-5; Ty Gallaway 2-3; Josh Owens 2-4, game-winning RBI; YG: Josh Kloster 4-4, 2 runs, 2 sb; Jens Jensen 3-run 2b; Chris Chapman 2-4, run; Dan Brusic 2-4, run. WV in today’s championship game.).
Enumclaw 5, Yakima Valley Peppers 2 (YV: Stephan Schmidt 1-4, 2b, 2 RBI; Kyle Fickes 2-4; Trent Douglas CG, 9 Ks).
Summer Sizzler Tournament
(At Parker Field)
Yakima Yakima Pepsi Juniors 17, Yakima Scarlets 13 (Jrs.: Justin St. Aubin 3-5, 3b; Nick Ranger 5-5, 2 2b, 3b; Frank Roland 3-5; Philip Posada 2-2).
Dirt Dawgs 16, Puyallup 0 (DD: Mason Hall 4 IP 5 Ks, Kody Ergeson, 3 Ks; Julian Rivera 3-3, 2 HR, 5 RBI)
Dirt Dawgs 5, Kent Bulldogs 2 (DD: Levonte Allen 5 IP, 4 Ks).
East Valley 14, Walla Walla 12 (EV: Daniel Taylor 5-5, 2b, 3b, 4 RBI; Skylar Weaver 3-5, 2b, 5 RBI).
Yakima Yakima Pepsi Juniors 11, East Valley 3 (Jrs.: Justin St. Aubin 3-3, GS, 2b, 6 RBI, CG, 6 k’s; Connor O’Malley 2-3).
Cadet Baseball Club 16, Tri-City Badgers 3 (CBC: Cody Reed 4 RBI; Brian Griffith 2 hits).
West Valley Bees 11, Naches 1 (WV: Jim Nagle 2-3; Derek Thomason 3-3, 2 RBI; Mikey Bonnett 3-3; Cody LaRivierre 2-3; Trevor Hunter CG, 7 Ks).
Walla Walla 4, Yakima Valley Pepsi Juniors 3 (YV: Conner O’Malley 3-4, 2b; Tyler Yoerger 2-3, 2 2b; Cole Gilman CG, 5 K’s).
Today’s schedule: 9 a.m., Tri-City Badgers vs. Walla Walla Griz; noon, East Valley Red Hawks vs. Naches; 3 p.m., Cadet Baseball Club vs. Yakima Scarlets (3rd, 4th place); 6 p.m., West Valley Bees vs. Yakima Yakima Pepsi Juniors (championship).
Eric B. pushes towards 1,900 miles
June 27, 2009 by Scott Sandsberry
YAKIMA, Wash. — After several days of awful weather, bicycle maintenance issues, bad luck, lost personal items and helpful people who helped lessen some of his Tour Divide difficulties, Eric Bruntjen called on Saturday morning in a very upbeat mood. I’ll put up the audio when I can (it may be a couple of days), but here’s what he had to say:
Hey, Eric Bruntjen calling in from Salida, Colorado. It’s a new day.
Didn’t have any rain yesterday, woke up under pretty gray skies and pedaled into Silverthorne, and the skies opened up and starting pouring down rain. But instead of pushing on, I remembered what (honorary starter) John Stamstad said to the racers last year, to be flexible. So I pulled into a coffeeshop and sat there for about an hour, hour and a half, waiting for it to stop raining. Let me tell you, if you ever want motivation to get on your bike and ride, sit in a coffee shop and listen to rich folks talk about the problems in their lives. It’s a mind-numbing experience.
So about an hour, hour and a half later, a little window opened up and I busted over the hill to Breckenridge; kept up going up Boreas Pass, and the weather just got nicer, and nicer and nicer. I ended up going over the pass, flying into Como. Kept on pedaling out of Hartsel into, really, the sage area there. Kept on going until almost midnight, having a 150-mile day, either 145 or 150. A couple of big passes, too, I went over, so I feel great about yesterday, feel great about today.
The sun’s out, just going to go as strong as I can today. I’m feeling really strong. As long as the weather holds, I think I’m good.
As I write this, it’s mid-afternoon Saturday where Eric is and he has ridden about 1,830 miles of the 2,780 miles of the Tour Divide mountain bike race. With the way he’s been going, I wouldn’t be surprised if he passes 1,900 miles before he beds down for the night.
Here’s something Eric told me in a separate message; he thought I might find it interesting enough to mention it in the blog, and I certainly do. While he ws working his way up Boreas Pass near Breckenridge, he came upon a couple of folks, possibly in their early 60s, who were charging up the pass on their mountain bikes with great gusto. He said they were really nice, warm people and was enjoying their company he rode with them the rest of the way up the pass, just to share the conversation. He told them what he was doing — riding this arduous cross-country mountain bike race to raise money to buy an all-terrain wheelchair for an injured Iraq war veteran from Selah named Evan Mettie — and that led into one of those “It’s a small world” moments.
Eric learned at that point that the couple’s names were Vicki and Gene Abrams — not sure if I’ve got the names spelled right — and that Vicki was from Yakima. Anyway, when the three got to the top of the pass and Eric was going to push on ahead, Gene pulled out a $20 bill and handed it to Eric, telling him to put it toward Evan’s wheelchair.
That brought a big grin to Eric’s face.
I had one of those yesterday when I was heading out of the office. I happened to mention to Lynda, the front-desk receptionist at the Herald-Republic, that I was headed over to U.S. Bank to write a check for my pledge amount — you can donate to the “Evan Mettie Donation” fund at any U.S. Bank. Lynda, who has been following Eric’s long and difficult race, said, “Wait a minute. Would you make a donation for me, too?” And she handed me $30, which I was happy to add to the fund.
That made me feel good, and it hit me: If you’ve been following Eric’s race and have already made your pledge by e-mail to tourdechair@gmail.com, when it comes time to head over to U.S. Bank to donate, mention that to somebody at work. Maybe they’ll say, “Hey, would you put in $20 for me?” Or maybe they won’t have heard about what Eric is doing or how much that specialized chair would mean to improving Evan Mettie’s life, and that will give you the chance to tell them about what a great cause it is.
Anyway, it’s a thought.
If you want to check in tonight on Eric’s leaderboard page on the Tour Divide site, I’m betting he’ll be riding late into the night. More than a third of the riders in the original 42-member field have dropped out. Not Eric. He’s a beast … of the best kind.
– Scott Sandsberry
Bears sharp in extending win streak to 5
June 27, 2009 by Roger Underwood
YAKIMA, Wash. — The relay happened so quickly, with both tosses traveling faster than any of Houston Summers’ knuckleballs, it seemed, that it was hard to tell who threw them.
“Actually,” said Bears shortstop Dan Kaczrowski, who’d been credited with a key part of a textbook play Friday night, “I was just lining up our second baseman. He’s the one who threw the guy out.”
So for the record, it was Tim Sherlock to Gerson Montilla to Matt Davidson for a highlight-caliber play that got Eugene’s Bo Davis for the final out in the top of the third inning in Yakima County Stadium.
It also got Yakima manager Bob Didier’s attention as a key element of his team’s 6-3 victory, the Bears’ fifth straight after two season-opening defeats.
A night after Yakima pretty much bludgeoned the Emeralds (1-6) into submission in a game featuring sloppiness on both sides, the Bears displayed elements before an announced crowd of 1,818 that will more likely sustain them through the 76-game Northwest League campaign.
They played solid and sometimes-spectacular defense, and also got a highly encouraging 22?3-inning performance from Summers, who got the win.
And not to be dismissed was Kaczrowski, who had three of Yakima’s 10 hits and drove in two runs.
It adds up to the longest Bears winning streak since 2003, which was also the last time they fielded a winning team.
“I keep telling these guys that if we keep messing around like this, we might end up doing something special here,” Summers said.
Particularly if his knuckler behaves as it did Friday.
In his first Yakima appearance this season, Summers induced a double-play grounder to end the fifth inning in relief of starter Ricardo Taveras, then retired his final six hitters — four on grounders and two on popups.
Last year, when Summers went 5-7 with a 5.29 earned run average here, he too often fell behind in the count with the knuckleball and hitters would then tee off on his fastball.
“Tonight was the best I’ve felt on the mound,” said Summers, who last week pitched well in a spot start for Class AA Mobile. “I was just able to float it in there and let the hitters roll it over or pop it up.
“ I honestly didn’t expect to pitch tonight — I was just down in the bullpen getting some throwing in, and then they told me to get ready.”
That was when Taveras took a 4-0 lead into the fifth but encountered trouble in the form of a walk, a double and two singles.
When Nate Freiman’s base hit scored two runs, Didier summoned Summers.
“It’s a shame Taveras wasn’t able to get the win, because he pitched well,” Didier said. “But he got up there in his pitch count, and we had Summers ready. And when he came in he was outstanding.”
So was the Bears’ glovework.
They turned two double plays and also short-circuited Davis’ blast off the right-center field wall.
Sherlock, backing up center fielder Roberto Rodriguez, collected the carom and fired quickly to Montilla, who then spun and fired a strike to Davidson.
Davis, who appeared destined for a triple, was clearly out.
“I’m a fan of good baseball,” Didier said, “and when you see a relay like that, like we work on all through spring training, it gets you pumped up.”
So did Kaczrowski’s hitting, which produced a two-run single to highlight Yakima’s four-run second.
He also doubled in the first, singled in the fourth and then hit a two-out, bases-loaded smash that went through Eugene third baseman Brayden Drake’s legs for an error that allowed the Bears’ final two runs.
“Those things all even out,” Kaczrowski said, smiling. “Besides, the runs still count.”
Yakima Bears update
June 27, 2009 by YH-R Sports
Next game
Opponent: Eugene Emeralds.
When, where: 7:05 p.m. today, Yakima County Stadium.
Radio: KUTI (1460).
Probable pitchers: Eugene LHP Jose DePaula (1-0, 3.60) vs. Yakima RHP Andrew Wolcott (0-0, 4.50).
Notes
WE SIT CORRECTED: Though we reported Friday that the Bears’ four-game winning streak was their first since 2007, they had in fact not won that many in a row since Aug. 29-Sept. 1 of 2006. En route to a 28-48 finish a year ago, Yakima won three straight only once.
LATE ARRIVALS STILL POSSIBLE: Bears manager Bob Didier said Friday that Yakima’s roster is “probably 95 percent complete.” Meaning it’s possible that one or more late Arizona Diamondbacks signees might be sent here.
One who won’t is center fieldler A.J. Pollock, a first-round draft pick (No. 17 overall) out of Notre Dame. His contract included a clause that he be sent to long-season Class A South Bend of the Midwest League.
— Roger Underwood
Box score
Bears 6, Emeralds 3
EUGENE YAKIMA
ab r h bi ab r h bi
Codiroli cf 3 0 0 0 Kczrwski ss 5 1 3 2
Loretelli cf 1 0 0 0 Inciarte lf 4 0 2 0
Davis dh 3 0 3 0 Wrtgtn rf 0 0 0 0
Freiman 1b 4 0 1 2 Dvdsn 3b 5 0 1 0
Belnome 2b 3 0 0 0 Whelr 1b 3 0 1 1
Wright rf 3 0 0 0 Conner dh 3 1 1 0
Vern lf 3 1 1 0 Shrlck rf-lf 3 2 1 0
Drake 3b 4 0 0 0 Montlla 2b 4 1 0 0
Quiles c 4 1 2 1 Cornl c 3 1 1 1
Trmbly ss 3 1 0 0 Rdrigz cf 4 0 0 0
Totals 31 3 17 3 Totals 34 610 4
Eugene 000 020 001 — 3
Yakima 040 020 00x — 6
E—Vern, Belnome, Drake. DP—Eugene 2, Yakima 2. LOB—Eugene 7, Yakima 10. 2B—Davis, Quiles, Vern, Kaczrowski. CS—Worthington.
IP H R ER BB SO
Eugene
Wilkes L, 0-2 4 7 4 2 2 0
Mead 2 2 2 0 4 1
Tabachnik 2 1 0 0 0 2
Yakima
Taveras 4 1-3 4 2 2 4 4
Summers W,1-0 2 2-3 0 0 0 0 0
Hale 1 1 0 0 1 1
Rodriguez 1 2 1 1 0 1
WP—Mead, Taveras. HBP—Davis (by Taveras). Umpires—Home, Javier Cantu; 1B, Ryan Goodman. T—2:25. A—1,818.
Standings
EAST DIVISION
W L Pct. GB
Tri-City (Rockies) 6 1 .857 —
Yakima (D-backs) 5 2 .714 1
Spokane (Rangers) 3 4 .429 3
Boise (Cubs) 1 6 .143 5
WEST DIVISION
W L Pct. GB
Salem-Keizer (Giants) 5 2 .714 —
Everett (Mariners) 4 3 .571 1
Vancouver (Athletics) 3 4 .429 2
Eugene (Padres) 1 6 .143 4
Friday’s results
Yakima 6, Eugene 3
Everett 5, Spokane 1
Salem-Keizer 11, Boise 1
Tri-City 8, Vancouver 3
Today’s games
Boise at Salem-Keizer, 5:05 p.m.
Eugene at Yakima, 7:05 p.m.
Spokane at Everett, 7:05 p.m.
Vancouver at Tri-City, 7:15 p.m.
Sunday’s games
Everett at Eugene, 4:05 p.m.
Yakima at Boise, 6:15 p.m.
Tri-City at Spokane, 6:30 p.m.
Salem-Keizer at Vancouver, 7:05 p.m.
McNamee, Quinones earn player of year honors
June 27, 2009 by YH-R Sports
YAKIMA, Wash. — Ellensburg fastpitch player Sarah McNamee and Prosser soccer player Alberto Quinones were selected as state players of the year in their class-ifications by a panel of sports journalists from around the state.
McNamee, a senior pitcher for the Bulldogs, was 12-1 on the season with 168 strikeouts, including 16 in a state semifinal victory over Woodland.
Quinones, a senior midfielder, was co-MVP of the CWAC and helped lead the Mustangs to a third-place finish in the state tournament.
Naches Valley baseball coach Bill Walker was chosen as the Class 1A coach of the year after leading the Rangers to the state title.
Other local baseball first-teamers include: Cory Urquhart (West Valley), Jake Fife (Selah), Ethan Sterkel (Ellensburg), Thomas Wilcox (Naches Valley), Ethan Flory (Naches Valley) and Mike Murphy (Lyle-Wishram).
Locals named to the first team for fastpitch include: McNamee, Breezy Lounsbury (East Valley) and Dallas Maupin (Kittitas).
First team soccer players from the area include: Quinones, Junior Ayala (West Valley), Jose Zuniga (Granger) and Jesus Silva (Highland).
The all-state teams are organized by Tri-City Herald sports writer Rene Ferran, with voters from newspapers and other media outlets across the state.
Complete all-state teams are available at www.sportsyakima.com.
Local selections
Baseball
Class 4A
Honorable mention: Michael Calderon, pitcher, Davis.
Class 3A
First team: Cory Urquhart, infielder, West Valley
Honorable mention: Kyle Siekawitch, outfielder, West Valley
Class 2A
First team: Jake Fife, pitcher, Selah; Ethan Sterkel, infielder, Ellensburg.
Second team: Kurt Linderman, outfielder, Selah.
Honorable mention: Justin Windsor, pitcher, Selah; Brendan Storey, pitcher, Ellensburg; Matt Snider, catcher, Selah; Ben Luce, outfielder, Ellensburg.
Class 1A
Coach of the year: Bill Walker, Naches Valley
First team: Thomas Wilcox, infielder, Naches Valley; Ethan Flory, outfielder, Naches Valley.
Second team: Adam Ranger, pitcher, Naches Valley; Brandon Gillespie, catcher, Naches Valley.
Class 2B
First team: Mike Murphy, outfielder, Lyle-Wishram.
Honorable mention: Dylan Sattler, catcher, La Salle.
Fastpitch
Class 3A
Honorable mention: Emily Harpel, pitcher, West Valley.
Class 2A
Player of the year: Sarah McNamee, pitcher, Ellensburg.
First team: McNamee; Breezy Lounsbury, catcher, East Valley.
Second team: Kelsey Bailes, outfielder, Ellensburg.
Honorable mention: Monica Stout, pitcher, Selah; Sam Harris, catcher, Selah; Ariana Bauer, infielder, Ellensburg; Baylee Bunyard, outfielder, Selah; Jamie Alliston, outfielder, Selah.
Class 1A
Second team: Korie Duce, infielder, Zillah.
Honorable mention: Hailey Bator, pitcher, Cle Elum.
Class 2B
First team: Dallas Maupin, pitcher, Kittitas.
Second team: Kayvonne Vaver, infielder, Kittitas; Sam Calahan, outfielder, Kittitas.
Honorable mention: Sareena Calahan, catcher, Kittitas.
Class 1B
Honorable mention: Melissa Alma, infielder, Thorp-Easton.
Soccer
Class 3A
First team: Junior Ayala, forward, West Valley.
Second team: Brian Galvan, forward, Sunnyside; Forrest Chapin, defender, West Valley.
Honorable mention: Cristian Gonzales, midfielder, West Valley.
Class 2A
Player of the year: Alberto Quinones, midfielder, Prosser.
First team: Quinones.
Second team: Mynor Maza, forward, Prosser; Chris Garcia, defender, Prosser.
Honorable mention: Precilliano Martinez, defender, Toppenish.
Class 1A
First team: Jose Zuniga, forward, Granger; Jesus Silva, forward, Highland.
Second team: Luis Silva, midfielder, Highland.
Complete All-State teams
June 27, 2009 by YH-R Sports
BASEBALL
Class 4A
Player of the year — Brett Jacobs, if, Richland.
Coach of the year — Ben Jacobs, Richland.
First team
Pitchers — Drew Vettleson, Central Kitsap; Tony Bryant, Kennewick; Billy Moon, University.
Catcher — Josh Rapacz, Richland.
Infielders — Tim Peterson, Emerald Ridge; Brady Steiger, South Kitsap; Brett Jacobs, Richland; Cody Shepherd, Richland; Trevor Mitsui, Shorewood.
Outfielders — Sean Rehon, Puyallup; Andrew Mendenhall, Southridge; Chris Marangon, Tahoma.
Second team
Pitchers — Adrian Sampson, Skyline; Christian Kaiser, Lake Washington; Adam Cimber, Puyallup.
Catcher — Robbie Ingram, Puyallup.
Infielders — Tyler Roberts, Southridge; Sal Arena, Puyallup; Travis Hagel, Auburn; Shawn O’Brien, Kamiakin.
Outfielders — Kyrell Hudson, Evergreen (Vancouver); Jamison Rowe, Richland; Garett Hall, Olympia.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Cody Shepherd, Richland; Alexander Lee, Kentwood; Chris Armstead, Kelso; Stinson Ott, Richland; Jeff Ames, Skyview; Michael Calderon, Davis.
Catchers — Quinn Batt, Olympia; Nick Andrews, Eastlake; Cameron Holcomb, Gig Harbor; Craig Keeton, University; Matt Harris, Moses Lake.
Infielders — Spencer O’Neil, Southridge; Ryan Somers, Skyline; Brian Corliss, Todd Beamer; Zach Hendrix, Emerald Ridge; Devin Peterson, Marysville-Pilchuck; Bryant Robbins, Snohomish; Alex Potts, Lake Washington.
Outfielders — Chet Thompson, Gig Harbor; Levi Cartas, Marysville-Pilchuck; Kyle Phillips, Curtis; Drew Loftus, Kennewick; Austin Denton, Marysville-Pilchuck; Colin Hering, Newport (Bellevue); Makaio Mobbs, Kelso.
Class 3A
Player of the year — Eric Peterson, if, Liberty (Issaquah).
Coach of the year — Mike Doyle Jr., O’Dea.
First team
Pitchers — Taylor Hetrick, Timberline; Matt Boyd, Eastside Catholic; Casey Locker, Ferndale.
Catcher — Chase Anselment, Meadowdale.
Infielders — Cory Urquhart, West Valley (Yakima); Jake Lamb, Bishop Blanchet; Eric Peterson, Liberty (Issaquah); Michael Englund, Eastside Catholic.
Outfielders — Alec Beal, Timberline; Andy Smith, North Kitsap; Josh Sale, Bishop Blanchet.
Second team
Pitchers — Jon Yearout, Columbia River; Ryan Brett, Highline; James Robbins, Shorecrest; Cody Hebner, Auburn Mountainview; Jake Partridge, Rogers (Spokane).
Catcher — Alex Sloan, Sumner.
Infielders — Elijah Firestone, Timberline; Ryan Brett, Highline; Michael Bush, Eastside Catholic; Travis Chalk, Hanford.
Outfielders — Karl Rodriguez, Lynnwood; Collin Feldtman, Bainbridge; Keenan Forch, O’Dea; Spencer Hannah, Ferndale.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Brooks Roy, Franklin Pierce; Eric Moberly, O’Dea.
Catchers — Patrick McNeel, North Thurston; John Burhman, O’Dea; Matt Hubbard, Timberline.
Infielders — Matt Brown, Peninsula; Dean Breshears, Columbia River; Bobby Twedt, Sedro-Woolley; Will Martin, Bainbridge; Tanner Nielsen, North Thurston; Andrew Pagel, Prairie.
Outfielders — Andrew Jacobsen, Franklin Pierce; Cameron Cutter, Bishop Blanchet; Desmond Santos, Mount Rainier; Kyle Siekawitch, West Valley (Yakima).
Class 2A
Player of the year — Travis Cook, p, Cedarcrest.
Coach of the year — Scott Goldsberry, Cedarcrest.
First team
Pitchers — Robert Pehl, W.F. West (Chehalis); Jake Fife, Selah; Cam Booser, Fife; Travis Cook, Cedarcrest.
Catcher — Devon Hughes, Centralia.
Infielders — Casey Sawyer, Hockinson; Ethan Sterkel, Ellensburg; Lee Gomez, Othello; Craig Chittenden, Cedarcrest.
Outfielders — Cody Ray, W.F. West (Chehalis); Drew Abelman, Cheney; Stephan Negron, River Ridge.
Second team
Pitchers — Tyler Sullivan, Kingston; Brandon Boyle, River Ridge.
Catcher — Colton Schoelkopf, W.F. West (Chehalis).
Infielders — Dominick Courcy, Centralia; Erik Forgione, W.F. West (Chehalis); Jordan Stauffer, Lakewood; Tyler Kane, Archbishop Murphy.
Outfielders — Andrew Pullin, Centralia; Tyler McCarty, W.F. West (Chehalis); Kurt Linderman, Selah.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Justin Windsor, Selah; A.J. Therrien, Pullman; Mike Hartley, Woodland; John Albert, Sehome; Brendon Storey, Ellensburg.
Catchers — Dylan Boe, Burlington-Edison; Matt Snider, Selah; Blake Sjordal, Colville; Jesse Etchey, Lakewood; Jody Robertson, Hockinson.
Infielders — Cameron Padron, Cedarcrest; Cody Weber, Pullman; Eric Tinnell, Ephrata; Jamie Fertakis, Pullman; Jon Matos, River Ridge; Anthony Pitsch, Sehome; Tenny Pitsch, Sehome; Danny Orr, Kingston.
Outfielders — Tyler McLeod, Burlington-Edison; Ben Luce, Ellensburg; Boston Peterson, R.A. Long; Daniel Herda, Squalicum; Eric Eley, Klahowya; Spencer Nelson, Interlake.
Class 1A
Player of the year — Nick LaRoy, p, Kalama.
Coach of the year — Bill Walker Jr., Naches Valley.
First team
Pitchers — Landon Cray, Chimacum; Nick LaRoy, Kalama; Trevor Davis, Cashmere.
Catcher — Jake Sullivan, Freeman.
Infielders — Nate Eppich, Connell; Dennin Harding, River View; Thomas Wilcox, Naches Valley; Jalan Dickerson, Rochester; Dalton Ritchey, Onalaska.
Outfielders — Jacob Kitterman, Freeman; Ethan Flory, Naches Valley; Mikey Murray, Castle Rock.
Second team
Pitchers — Adam Ranger, Naches Valley; Frank Carpenter, Montesano; Eric Bateman, Seattle Christian.
Catcher — Brandon Gillespie, Naches Valley.
Infielders — Danny Poplawski, Overlake; Peter Martin, Toledo; Dylan Slunaker, Kalama.
Outfielders — Beau Barnes, Freeman; Devin Manix, Chimacum; Casey Collins, Cashmere; Robby Sanders, Kalama.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Corey Brundridge, Kiona-Benton; Chris Bishop, Rochester; Richie Ochoa, Friday Harbor; Colton Roy, Omak; Brandon Walker, Kalama; Dustin Hamilton, Castle Rock; Stockton Taylor, Brewster.
Catchers — Sean McVicker, Kalama; DJ Mahon, Bellevue Christian; Ryan Aylward, Friday Harbor.
Infielders — Elijah Roulst, Chimacum; Robbie Neal, Kalama; Luke Dilly, Cashmere; Bryce Garbe, Castle Rock; Eli Driessen, Brewster; Josh Bensussen, Overlake; Josh Burbery, Chelan; Kyle Karnofski, Castle Rock; Luke Besel, Bellevue Christian; Zach Gehring, Castle Rock; Zach Slesk, Meridian.
Outfielders — Steven Horsley, Castle Rock; Dan White, Orting; Dylan Deckert, Rochester; Nate ReMillard, River View; Nick Modica, Onalaska.
Class 2B
Player of the year — Nathan Burres, p, Northwest Christian (Lacey).
Coach of the year — Don Heinze, Northwest Christian (Lacey).
First team
Pitchers — Jeremy Harper, Mossyrock; Nathan Burres, NW Christian (Lacey); Brandon Austin, Rainier Christian; Creighton Alford, Asotin.
Catcher — Josh Johnson, Liberty Bell.
Infielders — Ryan Heinze, NW Christian (Lacey); Brandon Hoadley, Colfax; Robbie Groeschell, NW Christian (Lacey); Conner Mullan, Seattle Lutheran; Wade Hamre, Napavine.
Outfielders — Mike Murphy, Lyle-Wishram; Dallis Turk, NW Christian (Lacey); Devin Carroll, Napavine.
Second team
Pitchers — Connor Craft, Napavine; Conner Mullan, Seattle Lutheran.
Catcher — Matt Wujek, DeSales.
Infielders — Brandon Austin, Rainier Christian; Chris Smith, Concrete; Alex Ulmer, Liberty Bell.
Outfielders — Richie Westphal, DeSales; Tommy Gregg, DeSales; Kyle Tracht, NW Christian (Lacey).
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Nick Klicker, DeSales; Brandon Hoadley, Colfax; Jordan Ritzman, Pe Ell.
Catchers — Trevor Alexander, Napavine; Carson McCord, Rainier Christian; Dylan Sattler, La Salle; Peter Wagner, Adna.
Infielders — Victor Mata, DeSales; Cole Caldwell, Asotin; Pat Richard, DeSales; Chase Pilschke, NW Christian (Colbert); Scott Wedam, Mossyrock.
Outfielders — Dillon Skeen, Pe Ell; Josh Day, Waterville; Riley Spooner, Asotin.
Class 1B
Player of the year — Marshall Byerley, c, Touchet.
Coach of the year — Rich Jaeger, Wilbur-Creston.
First team
Pitchers — Johnny Boggs, Wishkah Valley; Jordan Wakefield, Curlew; Brandon Harvey, Pateros; Tuff Goble, Touchet.
Catcher — Marshall Byerley, Touchet.
Infielders — Michael Mayton, Lake Quinault; Nick Heitstuman, Colton; Jordan Wakefield, Curlew; Travis Camp, Wilbur-Creston.
Outfielders — Josiah Rhoades, Lake Quinault; Chase Druffel, Colton; Cole McCanna, St. John-Endicott.
Honorable mention
Pitcher — Mike Rehn, Almira/Coulee-Hartline.
Catcher — Andy Cook, Pateros.
Infielders — Saul Martinez, Touchet; Abe Wilson, Pateros; Will Hoppes, Tri-Cities Prep; Chase Castona, Tri-Cities Prep; Dylan Tipps, Almira/Coulee-Hartline.
Outfielders — Roger Anderson, Pateros; Colton Meyer, Colton.
FASTPITCH
Class 4A
Player of the year — Amanda Fitzsimmons, p, Auburn Riverside.
Coach of the year — Mike McMahon, Kelso.
First team
Pitchers — Amanda Fitzsimmons, Auburn Riverside; Kori Seidlitz, Mountlake Terrace; Crystal Nyman, Kelso.
Catcher — Kyndell Andrews, Emerald Ridge.
Infielders — Maggie Wagner, Woodinville; Hope Klicker, Walla Walla; Taylor Darneille, Wilson; Allegra Wilde, Kamiakin.
Outfielders — Erin Fujita, Jefferson; Alexis Bobadilla, Walla Walla; Jessica Tenigawa, Marysville-Pilchuck.
Second team
Pitchers — Erica Hendron, Redmond; Bobbi-Jo Schaapveld, Rogers (Puyallup); Alexa Derrick, Emerald Ridge.
Catcher — Shelby Gonzales, Moses Lake.
Infielders — Kaylie Winston, Pasco; Jessica Glenn, Kentwood; Lindsay Sullivan, Woodinville; Aly Delizo, Mountlake Terrrace; Kerrianne Davidson, Emerald Ridge.
Outfielders — Sydney Cejka, Richland; Stephanie Crystal, Kamiakin; Kelsey Segawa, Olympia.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Kayla Evans, Kentwood; Alyssa Erickson, Central Valley; Mikenzie Voves, Issaquah; Heidi Wells, Stadium; Amanda Livingston, Mountain View; Taylor Bakos, Kennewick; Olivia Jacobs, Shorewood.
Catchers — Briar Stanley, Monroe; Kelli Snyder, Kelso; Cassi Ellis, Eastmont; Taylor Pilkenton, Cascade (Everett); Moly Nelson, Issaquah.
Infielders — Jenna DeRosier, Kelso; Carly McEachran, Jackson; Kylie McChesney, Puyallup; Tailer Snow, Kelso; Jessica McIntyre, Moses Lake; Erin Curtis, Central Kitsap; Jessica Guy, Mountain View.
Outfielders — Ashlyn Mundo, Auburn Riverside; Kylee Gaspar, Mountain View; Maria Reisinger, Redmond; McKenzie Dessin, Mountlake Terrace.
Class 3A
Player of the year — Lindsay Willmann, p, Bainbridge.
Coach of the year — Liz McCloskey, Bainbridge.
First team
Pitchers — Maddie Lynch-Crumrine, Sedro-Woolley; Lindsay Willmann, Bainbridge; Caitlin Colvin, Bonney Lake.
Catchers — Kassy Williamson, Capital; Lindsy Dugan, Kennedy.
Infielders — Kassie Cox, Yelm; Haley Harshaw, Columbia River; Kiley Hanratty, Timberline; Jaimie Henderson, Union; Lexi Orteza, Olympic.
Outfielders — Alexandra Hudson, Everett; Farleigh Winters, Holy Names; Taylor Franich, Enumclaw.
Second team
Pitchers — Mariah Dawson, Union; Austin Rogers, Enumclaw; Kylie Sparks, Juanita.
Catcher — Brittany Wisner, Bainbridge.
Infielders — Haylee Baker, Bainbridge; Jennifer Welch, Juanita; Riley Hughes, Holy Names.
Outfielders — Candy Button, Holy Names; Jerrica Kang, Lynnwood; Kristin Herren, Auburn Mountainview.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Rachel Dosland, Capital; Kelli Crawford, Franklin Pierce; Emily Harpel, West Valley (Yakima); Jessi Duncan, Prairie; Stacy Webb, Port Angeles.
Catcher — Alexis Cline, Union.
Infielders — Grace Middlestadt, Prairie; Madie Baker, Holy Names; Carly Brog, Bellevue; Montessa Califano, Liberty (Issaquah); Alainah Hendrickx, Ferndale; Alix Van Zandt, Sammamish; Ashley Jahn, Columbia River; Dani Caver, Port Angeles; Danielle Lynn, Shadle Park; Kadi Henderson, Union; Ashley Dell’Osa, Enumclaw.
Outfielders — Lindsay Sasse, Union; Chelsea Creech, Prairie; Sally Jones, North Thurston; Allie Burger, Shadle Park; Andi Garza, Juanita; Clara Dunn, Bainbridge; Katie Hertenstein, Union.
Class 2A
Player of the year — Sarah McNamee, p, Ellensburg.
Coach of the year — Darcy Taylor, Burlington-Edison.
First team
Pitchers — Baily Harris, R.A. Long; Ramona Lorton, Centralia; Sarah McNamee, Ellensburg; Emily Holt, Woodland.
Catcher — Breezy Lounsbury, East Valley (Yakima).
Infielders — Lauren Liseth, Centralia; Rachelle Berry, Burlington-Edison; Marki Creger-Zier, Steilacoom; Sarah Hensley, Granite Falls.
Outfielders — Amanda Deck, Tumwater; Eden Garza, Othello; Ashlynn Ishikawa, Burlington-Edison.
Second team
Pitchers — Beth Kassuhn, Steilacoom; Lindsey Dawson, Burlington-Edison.
Catcher — Katie Guettinger, Pullman.
Infielders — Shayla Dykeman, W.F. West (Chehalis); Jordan Scherer, Centralia; Sadie Petersen, R.A. Long; Meaghan House, Mark Morris.
Outfielders — Kelsey Bailes, Ellensburg; Abby Marshall, North Mason; Hannah Marshall, North Mason.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Lauryn Ticknor, W.F. West (Chehalis); Erika Hanson, Pullman; Brittany Allen, Archbishop Murphy; Monica Stout, Selah; Emily Anderson, North Mason.
Catchers — Erika Mueller, Steilacoom; Sam Harris, Selah; Taylor Carlson, Interlake; Austin Wilkerson, Sehome; Elena Carter, Black Hills; Kaylie Dobbins, R.A. Long; Marea Homes, Archbishop Murphy; Maria Roney, Anacortes.
Infielders — Amanda Boze, Tumwater; Amy Entrikin, Burlington-Edison; Caitlin Linehan, W.F. West (Chehalis); Ariana Bauer, Ellensburg; Staci McLendon, Woodland; Melanie Murphy, South Whidbey; Amy Sterk, Pullman; Jennifer Hupper, North Mason; Kahlee Barrio, Lakewood; Jennica Ebel, Colville; Moe Stuart, Colville.
Outfielders — Raina D’Aleo, Pullman; Baylee Bunyard, Selah; Jamie Alliston, Selah; Katie Blanchard, Elma; Lindsey Heck, Centralia; Jessica Colburn, Fife.
Class 1A
Player of the year — Aubree Pocklington, c, Montesano.
Coach of the year — Pat Pace, Montesano.
First team
Pitchers — Debbie Molsbarger, Connell; Danielle Nevers, Castle Rock; Taylor Gilbert, Cascade (Leavenworth).
Catcher — Aubree Pocklington, Montesano.
Infielders — Lacey Seidl, Castle Rock; Yessenia Vergara, Connell; Courtney Lloyd, Montesano; Lindsay Melton, Castle Rock.
Outfielders — Robyn Garing, Chimacum; Hailey Givens, Onalaska; Kayla Bjorge, Connell.
Second team
Pitchers — Devyn Baker, Montesano; Sarah Barnes, Onalaska; Erika Ramstead, Nooksack Valley.
Catchers — Shanika Sawyer, Connell; Kilee Lippincott, Chelan.
Infielders — Korie Duce, Zillah; Heather Hesselgesser, Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls); Chani Brisby, River View; Alexis Justus, Forks.
Outfielders — Shay Cheeseman, La Center; Rachelle Ridout, Montesano; Chelsea Rinard, Kalama.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — McCayla Hoffman, Cedar Park Christian; Randi Wright, Warden; Hailey Bator, Cle Elum; AnnAlise Nelson, Chelan; Amanda Friemel, Bellevue Christian.
Catchers — Brittany Hope, Toledo; Samantha Moore, Castle Rock.
Infielders — Kaycee Hathaway, Chimacum; Amber Durand, Onalaska; Tori Erickson, Montesano; Tara Peters, Chimacum; Kayleigh Klingberg, Castle Rock; Jamie Brunner, Chelan; Dani Wall, Tenino.
Outfielders — Ashley Moore, Castle Rock; Veronica Hontou, Cascade (Leavenworth); Angelica Castaneda, Cascade (Leavenworth); Joanne Tevelde, Nooksack Valley; Samantha Benner, Chimacum; Tessa Lawrence, Winlock.
Class 2B
Player of the year — Jessika-Jo Sandrini, p, Adna.
Coach of the year — Mike Raschke, Adna.
First team
Pitchers — Jessika-Jo Sandrini, Adna; Hannah Pomeroy, Mossyrock; Dallas Maupin, Kittitas.
Catcher — Juana Lara, Adna.
Infielders — Amanda Woods, Pe Ell; Jordan Nelson, Mossyrock; Taylor Hoke, Adna; Maria Villegas, Selkirk.
Outfielders — Jordan Zurfluh, Adna; Rodina Jones, Mossyrock; Alison O’Toole, Orcas Island.
Second team
Pitchers — Angelina Phelps, Pe Ell; Rachel Eng, Colfax; Samie Miller, LaConner.
Catcher — Elisha Lopez, Garfield-Palouse.
Infielders — Abby Erickson, Colfax; Tianna Woltering, Garfield-Palouse; Anna Foy, Seattle Lutheran; Jennie Stahl, Liberty Bell; Kayvonne Vaver, Kittitas; Kimmie Smart, Seattle Lutheran.
Outfielders — Mary Maupin, Selkirk; Molly Rashoff, White Pass; Sam Calahan, Kittitas; Sydney Harris, Orcas Island.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Katie Peyton, Rainier Christian; Adria Garcia, Orcas Island.
Catcher — Sareena Calahan, Kittitas.
Infielder — Lanie Padbury, Orcas Island.
Class 1B
Player of the year — Kelsey Dorman, c, Touchet.
Coach of the year — Brad Nilson, Colton.
First team
Pitchers — Jordan Signor, Inchelium; Kellie Sansom, Lake Quinault; Brooke Vincent, Colton.
Catchers — Serena Condon, Inchelium; Kelsey Dorman, Touchet.
Infielders — Courtney Druffel, Colton; Linda Solis, Touchet; Chelsea Meyer, Colton; Chelsey Walker, Lake Quinault; Marianna Raynor, St. Michael’s.
Outfielders — Zoe Weaver, Touchet; Gabi Nilson, Colton; Nikki Fry, Inchelium.
Honorable mention
Pitchers — Jessica Charley, Taholah; Katie Richardson, Pateros; Kelsey Moser, Colton; Nicole Brown, Touchet.
Infielders — Haley Moser, Colton; Meghan Cantrell, Touchet; Melissa Alma, Thorp-Easton; Tina Raynor, St. Michael’s; Dani Porterfield, Almira/Coulee-Hartline; Kari Allen, Pateros; Kerrie Kesti, Pateros; Stephanie Samuel, Touchet.
BOYS SOCCER
Class 4A
Player of the year — Justin Moore, f, South Kitsap.
Coach of the year — Michael Krug, South Kitsap.
First team
Forwards — Dylan Gaydosh, Stadium; Ugo Okoli, Todd Beamer; Justin Moore, South Kitsap; Marco Acevedo, Pasco.
Midfielders — Troy Peterson, Todd Beamer; Quinn Grisham, Issaquah; Andrew Clark, Pasco; KC Phillips, Stadium.
Defenders — Colin Ip, Bellarmine Prep; Kurt Stalsberg, Mountain View; Brady Espinoza, Pasco; Dan Tonkovich, Roosevelt; Connor Moe, Snohomish.
Goalkeeper — Emmanuel Martinez, Pasco.
Second team
Forwards — John Crenshaw, Marysville-Pilchuck; Oscar Diaz, Auburn Riverside; Septi Danciu, Evergreen (Vancouver); Brendan Gundry, Snohomish.
Midfielders — Drew Landram, Kentlake; Mike Ramos, University; Jake Perry, Skyview; Sean Tollan, Rogers (Puyallup); Brady Ballew, Marysville-Pilchuck.
Defenders — Lenin Ramirez, Jefferson; Kai Mumford, Olympia; Evan Johnson, Kamiakin; David Surdyk, Woodinville; Mike Smolkowski, Woodinville.
Goalkeepers — Daniel Ervin, Skyview; Eric Owen, Stadium.
Honorable mention
Forwards — Andrew Weishaar, Puyallup; Jamael Cox, Stadium.
Midfielders — James Matern, Ferris; Nico DeLaCruz, South Kitsap; Reid Jones, Cascade (Everett); Elwood Sevon, Marysville-Pilchuck; Miguel Acevedo, Pasco.
Defenders — Tommy Ellis, Jackson; Bailey Martin, Stadium; Cameron Veres, Lake Washington; Gordon Savage, Eastlake; Taylor Jackson, Auburn; Chance Johnstone, Mead.
Goalkeeper — Brian Schwartz, Skyline.
Class 3A
Player of the year — Michael Harris, mf, Shorecrest.
Coach of the year — Drew Thompson, Shorecrest.
First team
Forwards — Daniel Gonzalez, Yelm; Junior Ayala, West Valley (Yakima); Marcus Brandford, Lakeside (Seattle); Caden Sowers, Ferndale.
Midfielders — Michael Harris, Shorecrest; Chris Morris, Mercer Island; Quinton Beasley, Camas; James Gaynor, Columbia River.
Defenders — Nick Terrel, Shorecrest; Dhavan Vengadasalam, Auburn Mountainview; Jed Jacobsen, Mercer Island; Daniel Houston, Camas.
Goalkeeper — Forrest Marowitz, Mercer Island.
Second team
Forwards — Brian Galvan, Sunnyside; Jared Brace, Columbia River; Miguel Gonzalez, Yelm; Jordan Savage, Enumclaw.
Midfielders — Andrew Mastronardi, East Valley (Spokane); James Hoag, Franklin Pierce; Quinn Sinser, Eastside Catholic; Rene Caro, Mount Vernon.
Defenders — Kevin Bodle, Mount Rainier; Simon Kidder, North Kitsap; Forrest Chapin, West Valley (Yakima); Matt Johnson, Mercer Island; Nate Chamness, Shorecrest.
Goalkeeper — Keenan Joling, Capital.
Honorable mention
Forwards — Glenn Paden, Shorecrest; Danny Strome, Mercer Island; Race Sciabica, Bellevue; Stefano Louenberger, Franklin Pierce.
Midfielders — Cristian Gonzales, West Valley (Yakima); Garrett Musar, Shorecrest; Pete Fong, Seattle Prep.
Defenders — Brad Jackson, Bellevue; Kenny Buyco, Lakeside (Seattle).
Goalkeepers — Brian Murray, Mount Rainier; Johnny Krueger, Lakeside (Seattle); Phil Lopez, West Valley (Yakima).
Class 2A
Player of the year — Alberto Quinones, mf, Prosser.
Coach of the year — Joe McAulliffe, Squalicum.
First team
Forwards — Ian Houts, Archbishop Murphy; Casey Woodruff, Steilacoom; B.G. Guzman, Othello; Austin Walker, Cheney; Jake Nibley, Hockinson.
Midfielders — Alberto Quinones, Prosser; Sam Oakley, Mark Morris; Drew Grannemann, Hoquiam; Clarence Gundersen, Centralia.
Defenders — Brian Star, Lakewood; Paul Holloway, Cheney; Ryan Nicholas, Sultan; Tyler Florez, Riverside.
Goalkeeper — Doug Ehlebracht, Archbishop Murphy.
Second team
Forwards — Victor Garcia, Aberdeen; Connor Shipman, Squalicum; Mynor Maza, Prosser.
Midfielders — Brad Klees, Squalicum; Everado Lopez, Aberdeen; Evan Hindman, Black Hills; Dan Igbinoba, Cheney.
Defenders — Steven Acosta, Tumwater; Chris Garcia, Prosser; Dave Ball, Black Hills; Cole McIlvaine, Sehome; Zak Billman, Steilacoom.
Goalkeeper — Max Torres, Steilacoom.
Honorable mention
Forward — Andrew Blair, Lynden.
Midfielders — Andy Mihovilovich, Sehome; Nathan Barnhill, Sultan; Chris Melink, Mark Morris; Jordan Con, Interlake.
Defenders — Dylan Langei, Bellingham; Edgar Vasquez, Mark Morris; Adam McCuiston, Ridgefield; Andrew Furney, Burlington-Edison; Dustin Yarrington, Fife; Precilliano Martinez, Toppenish.
Goalkeepers — Erik Suarez, Othello; Gilberto Martinez, Aberdeen; Jon Suek, Mark Morris.
Class 1A
Player of the year — Dillon Truscott, f, Charles Wright Academy.
Coach of the year — Peter Knowles, Columbia (White Salmon).
First team
Forwards — Dillon Truscott, Charles Wright; Jose Zuniga, Granger; Eduardo Arzate, Connell; Jesus Silva, Highland.
Midfielders — Jose Cruz Najera, Brewster; Ryan McCormick, King’s; Corey Day, Orting; Freddy Barragan, Connell; Sky Tweedie-Yates, Overlake.
Defenders — Alex Escalera, Manson; Jose Tinoco, Brewster; Louy Lerebourg, White Salmon; Jose Alvarado, Connell; Ben Olp, Charles Wright.
Goalkeeper — Dan Pershall, La Center.
Second team
Forwards — Josh Neblock, Stevenson; Jose Avila, Cascade (Leavenworth); Aaron Cabrera, White Salmon; Kyle Terriere, Seattle Academy.
Midfielders — Luis Silva, Highland; Heber Vazquez, Wahluke; Quinn Murray, University Prep.
Defenders — Miguel Angel Santana, Warden; Ramon Cortez, White Salmon; Sam Hauck, King’s.
Goalkeeper — Brian Graf, Seattle Academy.
Honorable mention
Forwards — Pedro Farias, Cashmere; Carlos Pineda, Manson; Osbaldo Escoto, Manson.
Midfielders — Tim Feth, Kiona-Benton; Geoff Wacker, Coupeville; Julio Juarez, Chelan; Mark Lovrin, White Salmon.
Defenders — Zach Hollingshead, La Center; Andre Martin, Coupeville; Graham Thomas, Manson.
Goalkeepers — Dakota Huntley, Meridian; Hernan Hernandez, Cashmere.
Talented players cap prep careers in Barden Classic
June 26, 2009 by YH-R Sports
YAKIMA, Wash. — Sure, games like today’s 15th annual Earl Barden All-Star Football Classic are great for fans. And the fans who pour into Zaepfel Stadium for the 1 p.m. kickoff will have plenty to cheer about.
But the guys who really love it are the coaches who have gotten to work all week in practice with the state’s best graduating small-school football players, a collection of talent and work ethic the likes of which those coaches otherwise never get to see on one field.
“I hate for this week to end,” says East coach Brian Dunn of Lakeside. “These kids have just been exceptional.”
One player Dunn and his assistants won’t soon forget is Tanner Knutson of Deer Park. A late addition to the game, he has become the East’s most impressive defensive back.
“Just absolutely a shut-down corner,” Dunn says. “We keep trying to throw on him, and we finally got to the point where I’m telling my quarterback coach, hey, find a different direction to throw. He’s just that good.”
So, too, has been the West’s Paoa Tuiavaive of Washington, who has made jaws drop not just on the field but after practice. When some players went to the Yakima Athletic Club one day, Tuiavaive put on four plates for a 225-pound bench press, plopped onto the bench and, without a spotter, popped off 23 quick reps.
Tuiavaive was one of four West team captains voted by their teammates, along with Idaho-bound lineman KYLE HOFFMANN of ORCAS, starting quarterback GREG HERD of STEILACOOM and linebacker J.J. QUINLAN of ARCHBISHOP MURPHY.
East team captains are running back DERRICK TALLEY of Chelan, quarterback DEREK TODD of Cashmere, linebacker CODY WEBER of PULLMAN and defensive back FIALELE COFFIN of CASCADE.
Dunn sings the praises of SELAH lineman ETHAN BERSING, who “has a motor that just goes crazy,” and JONATHAN BUCHANAN of East Valley, who is playing tight end because the East squad didn’t have any real experience at that position.
“He’s got great hands, soft hands,” Dunn said of Buchanan. “For a kid who had never played that spot, hey, he’d be all-league there right now.”
Also stepping into a new position is MATT PAUL of GRANGER, who played tackle for the Spartans but volunteered to play center because the East needed one. “And he’s doing a good job for us,” Dunn said.
A West player who has surprised coaches is diminuitive (5-7, 155) MERIDIAN wideout RYDER CHANCE, who’s “like 5-foot-nothing and I’m telling you, he can catch anything,” says West head coach JOHN SCHULTZ of CENTRALIA. So, too, can defensive back ANDRE MOORE of KLAHOWYA, who has made some nifty interceptions in practice.
Another East player who has been impressive in practice is WAHLUKE’s DAMON CHRISTENSEN, who’s listed at 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds but, says Dunn, “has gotta be bigger than that. He must be 6-5 and close to 300 — a big, strong kid, with great feet. Very, very tough.”
Other quick coaches’ impressions: ELLENSBURG defensive lineman BLAKE NICHOLS “is such a hard-working kid, and strong as an ox.” … BLAIR COLLINS of ROYAL: “Everything he does is impressive.” … 190-pound ADNA fullback JERED RODGERS is “one big muscle.” … When BURLINGTON-EDISON free safety STETSON SHEARER sees receivers “coming across the middle, watch out.”
The East’s MYCHAL LOPEZ of GRANGER, a quarterback-turned-wideout made one of the more sensational plays in practice this week when he went up in traffic for a ball that seemed sure to be either overthrown or defended, “and just flat-out took it down,” Dunn said. “He’s just a crazy athlete.”
Nearly 30 players in today’s game expect to be playing college football for the next four years. Several others will player another sport — or even two, like CHRIS SMITH of CONCRETE, who plans on playing both baseball and basketball for the Community Colleges of Spokane.
But the most interesting college athletic plan may be that of LYNDEN 300-pounder GUNNAR GROOTHUIS, who will be a lacrosse goalie at Limestone College in South Carolina. The club lacrosse team he plays on in Whatcom County was playing in a tournament in Delaware, where he was spotted and immediately recruited by Limestone coaches.
Today’s game is a homecoming of sorts for East coach Dunn; from 1992 through 1997 he coached at NACHES VALLEY, where one of his players was the Rangers’ current head coach, TY KIME. “He was one of my favorite kids — my captain in his senior year,” Dunn said of Kime. “I’m so proud of him, coming back and being a head coach.”
The Washington State Football Coaches Association will award two $500 scholarships at halftime, going to the player on each team voted most inspirational by his teammates. … Ticket prices are $6 adults and $4 students for the game, which starts at 1 p.m. Gates open at noon.
