Local report: Ike boys finish fourth at Tacoma tourney

June 29, 2009 by YH-R Sports  

TACOMA — The Eisenhower High School boys basketball team took fourth place out of 32 teams at the Curtis Tournament in Tacoma this past weekend.

The Cadets started the tournament by beating Evergreen of Vancouver; lost to defending 2A state champions Squalicum; beat Central Catholic of Oregon; beat Decatur of Tacoma; and finished the weekend by beating Foss of Tacoma.

*****

Youth Baseball

Yakima Valley Peppers 19, Mount Spokane 2 (YV: Jake Evans 5 IP, 6 hits, 1 ER, 5 k’s; Derek Fife 2-4, 2b, 3 runs; Alex Fickes 1-2, 2b, 4 runs, 2 RBI; Kyle Fickes 2-2, 2 runs, 3 RBI; Stephan Schmidt 2-2, 2 2b, 3 RBI; Trent Douglass 3-4, 2b, 4 RBI).

Yakima Valley Peppers 13, Mount Spokane 3 (YV: Alex Fickes 5 IP, 5 hits, 3 ER, 6 k’s; Kyle Fickes 2-3, 2b, 3 runs, 3 RBI; Trent Lindemann 2-4, 2 runs, RBI; Al Noble 3-4, run, 3 RBI; Nate Hanson 1-2, 2 RBI).

Herd leads West to Barden victory

June 28, 2009 by Dave Thomas  

YAKIMA, Wash. — In the first half of Saturday’s 15th Earl Barden Classic, the West team went with a quarterback rotation of Greg Herd and Chris Smith, and its offense never really clicked.

The second half became a one-man show for Herd, and he turned in a virtuoso performance.

Herd, the Eastern Washington University-bound athlete from Steilacoom High, threw a momentum-shifting touchdown pass and later ran for another score to rally the West to a 31-13 victory over the East on a sunny afternoon at Zaepfel Stadium.

The East team's Ethan Bersing from Selah sacks the West's Chris Smith from Concrete during the first half of the Earl Barden All-State Classic football game at Zaepfel Stadium Saturday, June 27, 2009.

The East team's Ethan Bersing from Selah sacks the West's Chris Smith from Concrete during the first half of the Earl Barden All-State Classic football game at Zaepfel Stadium Saturday, June 27, 2009. MORE PHOTOS BELOW

“He’s quick; He’s fast and strong,” Selah defensive lineman Ethan Bersing, the East defensive player of the game with 5 1/2 sacks, said of the 6-foot-3, 198-pound Herd. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.”

Herd’s athletic ability was on full display in the second half, particularly his knack for eluding an aggressive East pass rush that helped keep the West bottled up for most of the first half.

It was that skill for escaping that ultimately turned the game around.

On a fourth-and-4 from the East 27, Herd dropped back to pass and was on the verge of being sacked for about a 10-yard loss, but, some how, he not only slipped away from a lineman, but stayed on his feet. Herd then spotted Derek Rice open in the end zone, firing a perfect strike for the score that helped give the West a 14-13 lead with 19 seconds left in the third quarter.

“I was standing there watching and I thought he was dead,” Rice said of the near-sack. “All of a sudden, I see the ball coming toward me and I thought, ‘Oh, God, I better catch it.’”

Rice did and the momentum clearly swung to the West, which fell behind 13-0 in the first quarter after miscues twice gave the East the ball deep in West territory.

The West’s defense, buoyed by Herd’s play, picked off Brady Blankevoort on the East’s first play on the ensuing possession, with Darren Collinwood returning it to the East 19. Four plays later, Jared Rodgers scored on a 1-yard run.

The East then fumbled the ball on the kickoff after that score, and on second down, Herd scrambled out of pressure and ran 16 yards untouched for the West’s final touchdown.

“I consider myself an athlete and was just trying to make plays,” said Herd, who also had second-half runs of 23, 22 and 17 yards. “My teammates did a great job of buying me time with pass protection and the receivers kept finding open spots downfield.”

Herd, the West co-offensive MVP with Rice, finished 7-for-18 for 134 yards, and also ran for 70 yards on 10 carries.

Kicker Cameron Homan from Eatonville capped the scoring with a Barden Classic-record 36-yard field.

After spotting the East those two early scores, the West defense was pretty much air tight, particularly in the second half, when it allowed just three first downs — one on the East’s first play of the half and another in the final minute with the game’s outcome decided.

“They came out fired up (in the second half),” Granger’s Mychal Lopez, the East offensive MVP, said of the West defense. “We just couldn’t stay on the field.

“But we’re happy with how things ended. We would’ve liked to have gotten a W, but the team worked hard all week. We’ve got nothing to hang our heads about.”

West    0    7    7    17    —    31
East    13    0    0    0    —    13

East — David Garza 1 run (Jose Bucio kick)
East — Jonathan Buchanan 4 pass from Brady Blankevoort (kick failed)
West — Chris Smith 1 run (Cameron Homan kick)
West — Derek Rice 27 pass from Greg Herd (Homan kick)
West — Jered Rodgers 1 run (Homan kick)
West — Herd 16 run (Homan kick)
West — FG Homan 36

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING—West, Greg Herd 10-70, Devon Hughes 4-20, David Gaylord 6-13, Derek Rice 3-10, Jered Rodgers 5-5, Stetson Shearer 3-(minus 3), Cameron Homan 1-(minus 8), Luke Dixon 5-(minus 11), Chris Smith 3-(minus 19). East, David Garza 7-8, Oscar Ramirez 4-6, Derrick Talley 2-(minus 3), Brady Blankvoort 2-(minus 3), Derek Todd 5-(minus 32).
PASSING—West, Herd 7-18-134-1, Smith 2-4-15-1. East, Todd 8-16-78-0, Blankvoort 7-11-49-1, Mychal Lopez 0-1-0-1.
RECEIVING—West, Zach Gehring 4-91, Rice 4-63, Brandon Smith 1-(minus 5). East, Blair Collins 7-38, Lopez 3-47, Trevor Davis 2-19, Jonathan Buchanan 2-17, Miles Gardner 1-6.


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.

Ramirez a surprise at Barden Classic

June 26, 2009 by Scott Sandsberry  

YAKIMA, Wash. — One of the most explosive offensive players on the East roster for Saturday’s Earl Barden All-Star Football Classic wasn’t on the roster at all.

At least, not when he showed up at the game headquarters at Yakima Valley Community College to check in.

That’s because Oscar Ramirez, the Toppenish flash who ranked among the state’s best running backs — any classification — had been dealing with a hamstring injury that was serious enough to convince Toppenish coaches he couldn’t possibly compete in the 15th annual showcase of the top graduating seniors from the smaller-classification schools.

“My coach called in and said I wasn’t going to be able to play because of my hamstring. But I came out anyway,” said Ramirez, who led the CWAC in yards (1,251), yards-per-carry (8.6) and rushing touchdowns (13) in 2008 in leading the Wildcats to their best season in a dozen years.

Ramirez said he tore the hamstring running the 100-meter dash during track season, then took off nearly two months to rehabilitate the injury before pulling the muscle again at the district meet.

Still, he didn’t want to miss a chance at testing himself against the state’s best in the Earl Barden Classic, primarily because he doesn’t know if he’ll ever suit up for football again. Although he plans to try to walk on with the football team at Boise State, where he’ll major in art — he’s an award-winning artist — Ramirez knows making the cut at a top-20 program will be a challenge.

As will trying to play Saturday with a questionable hamstring.

“It feels pretty good right now,” he said after Wednesday’s practice. “Nothing’s happened (to the hamstring) yet, but I really haven’t gone full speed. It scares me a little bit, because that’s when I pulled up — getting up to full speed. Maybe if I break a long run it’ll happen again; I don’t know.

“I might be rushing it a little bit, but I want to play in this game.”

East team head coach Brian Dunn is just as anxious to have Ramirez in his lineup.

“He’s exceptional, and what a great kid,” said Dunn, the head coach at Lakeside High near Spokane. “I keep asking him, ‘You OK to run? You all right?’ And he’s just, ‘I’m good, coach, no problem.’”

Dunn said Ramirez and Royal’s Blair Collins, a 155-pound all-state wide receiver, “are probably our two fastest kids, but there’s another three or four that are right there with them.”

One of those that aren’t far behind in the speed category is Granger’s Mychal Lopez, who played quarterback for the Spartans but can expect to be catching the football in Saturday’s game, not passing it.

“He’s going to start for us at wide receiver,” Dunn said. “I saw him in a playoff game and I thought, now that kid’s a player. He’s an athlete. He’s maybe just an inch behind Collins and Ramirez for the fastest guys on the team.”

Saturday’s game begins at 1 p.m. at Zaepfel Stadium. The game is named in honor of the late Earl Barden Sr., a Yakima businessman and supporter of youth sports who was instrumental in bringing the game to Yakima. Barden died in 1999.

Speed on defense the key for West

June 25, 2009 by Scott Sandsberry  

YAKIMA, Wash. — If the East team in the 15th annual Earl Barden All-Star Classic has trouble moving the ball against the West’s defense during Saturday’s 1 p.m. showcase of the top graduating seniors in the state’s smaller schools, there’s a simple reason why.

“Our speed on defense is absolutely unbelievable,” said West head coach John Schultz of Centralia. “Even the big guys are fast. We have a really hard time running against our first team defense in practice.”

The West team is loaded with talent, boasting at least 18 future collegiate football players, including three prospective Division I players — Kyle Hoffmann of Orcas going to Montana, Tumwater’s Joe Cameron headed for Montana State and Hockinson’s Justin Green bound for Idaho.

Their roster also includes no fewer than four future Eastern Washington Eagles — Castle Rock’s Zach Gehring, Adna’s Jered Rodgers, Cameron Homan of Eaton and Lynden’s David Gaylord and two Central Washington recruits, Burlington-Edison’s Stetson Shearer and J.J. Quinlan of Archbishop Murphy.

The West will also have a size advantage, with the starting offensive line expected to have three players in the 300-pound range. “The smallest guy in our offensive line is my son, and he’s the center,” Schultz said. Bradley Schultz, who will play at Willamette, weighs in at 250 pounds.

To counter that, the East will play to its strength and perhaps its only advantage — the explosiveness and speed of its skill-position players.

East coach Brian Dunn will have his team employ the same offense his Lakeside Eagles run — what he calls “our Pistol offense. It’s a short shotgun, kind of like running the I (formation) out of the shotgun. It’s what they made pretty famous at Nevada.”

The East team includes a half-dozen players who played in the Yakima and Kittitas Valleys.

Toppenish running back Oscar Ramirez is one of the team’s fastest players, as is Granger quarterback Mychal Lopez, who will move to wide receiver for this game in light of the fact that the East’s two primary quarterbacks are Cashmere’s Derek Todd, the Class 1A player of the year, and Brady Blankevoort, who played for Dunn at Lakeside.

East Valley’s Jonathan Buchanan, Ellensburg’s Blake Nichols, Matt Paul of Granger and Ethan Bersing of Selah are also on the East squad.

Local Report: Eisenhower boys finish 5-0 at War of the Border

June 22, 2009 by YH-R Sports  

The Eisenhower High School boys varsity basketball team went 5-0 at the War of the Border tournament this past weekend.

Eisenhower defeated Cleveland High School of Portland, Stayton (Ore.) , Rainier (Ore.), Sandy (Ore.) and Tualatin (Ore.).

Oregon won the overall battle, winning 32 games, while the Washington squads earned 26 victories.

*******

Junior Legion
Yakima Valley Peppers 15, Eastmont 2

Highlights: Trent Douglass (YV) 5 IP, 0 ER, 9 Ks; Kyle Fickes (YV) 2-2, 2 run; Kurt Lindemann (YV) 3-4, 3 RBI; Chris Walker (YV) 2-3, 3 RBI, 3 run; DJ Smith (YV) 2-2, 2 RBI; Nick Potvin (YV) 2-3, 2 RBI.
Yakima Valley Peppers 11, Eastmont 1
Highlights: Alex Fickes (YV) 3-4, 2 RBI; Kyle Fickes (YV) 2-4, 2 runs; Kurt Lindemann (YV) 2-4, 2 runs; Allen Noble (YV) 2-3, RBI; Chris Walker (YV) 2-4, RBI.
******
Y.V. Pepsi Juniors 22, Ellensburg 14
Highlights: Justin St. Aubin (YV) 2B, 3B, 4 RBI; Jonathan Cruz (YV) 4-6, 4 runs; Connor O’Malley (YV) 4-5, 3 RBI; Nick Ranger (YV) 3 hits; Frank Rowland (YV) 3 hits.
Y.V. Pepsi Juniors 17, Ellensburg 6
Highlights: Jonathan Cruz (YV) 2-4, 4 runs; Jack Cavanaugh (YV) 4-5, 3 RBI, 4 runs; Connor O’Malley (YV) HR, 4 RBI; Nick Ranger (YV) 3-5, HR; Justin St. Aubin (YV) CG, 11 Ks, HR, 3 RBI.

Local report — Hinton helps Pak to sweep of Hanford

June 16, 2009 by YH-R Sports  

RICHLAND — Lukas Hinton earned a win and save as the Yakima Valley Pepsi Pak battled its way to a 10-7, 5-4 sweep over Hanford on Tuesday to remain firmly on top of the Central Washington  League.

The Pak (11-1, 16-2) scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to win the opener. Hinton, who also pitched a shutout on Monday, combined with Garrett Olson to throw six shutout innings.

Jake Fife drew a bases-loaded walk to break a 7-7 tie in the ninth and finished with three RBI and Ethan Flory was 3-for-3 with three runs scored.

In the nightcap, Cory Urquhart was 2-for-3 with three RBI, including a two-run double in the sixth. Hinton closed the save with back-to-back strikeouts.

Game 1

Yakima Valley    102    120    103    —    10    12    1

Hanford    124    000    000    —    7    7    2

Johnson, Olson (4), Hinton (7) and Snider; Sauressig, Burke (7) and Beebe.

Highlights: Jake Fife 2-5, 3 RBI; Cory Urquhart solo HR, 2 RBI; Dustin Daniels 2-6, Thomas Wilcox 2-5, Ethan Flory 3-3, 3 runs.

Game 2

Yakima Valley    101    102    0    —    5    8    0

Hanford    110    002    0    —    4    8    1

Wilcox, Hinton (7) and Andreas; Burke, French (4), Wagner (6) and Beebe.

Highlights: Cory Urquhart 2-3, 2-run 2b in 6th, 3 RBI.


JUNIOR LEGION

West Valley Baseball Club 12, Pasco 2 (WV: Steven Wagar CG, 5K; Tyler Gallaway 2-4; Tanner Edler 2-3, grand slam, 5 RBI).

West Valley Baseball Club 13, Pasco 3 (WV: Jake Vetsch WP, 2-4; Cody McDonald 2-3, 2b; Gil Plath 2-3, Wagar 3-4, 4 RBI; Josh Owes 2-4, 3b).

Zillah 10, Othello 5 (Zil: Jared Olivas 2-3, 2-run HR; Jacob Olivas 2-2; Cameron Thompson 2-3; 3 RBI; Hunter Curfman WP, 8 K.)

Selah Juniors 10, Yakima Scarlets 9 (Selah: Nick Ranger 2-4, 3 RBI; Frank Rowland 3-4, 2 2b; Scott Graf 2-3, 2 RBI; Taylor Swift 2-3).

Selah Juniors 8, Yakima Scarlets 0 (Selah: Ranger CG, 8 K; Justin St. Aubin 3-3, 2b, 3b).

West Valley Bees 14, Cadet Baseball Club 4 (WV: Derek Thomason 2 hits; Jim Nagle 2 hits; Mikey Bonnett 2 hits; Trevor Hunter 2 hits).

West Valley Bees 8, Cadet Baseball Club 6 (WV: Cody LaRivierre 2 hits; Bonnett 2 hits. CBC: Woodkey 3 hits, Areand 2-run HR).


COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Kudos for Wildcats, Spevak

ELLENSBURG — It’s only June, but the Central Washington football team and standout receiver Johnny Spevak are already getting some national magazine love.

The Wildcats have been ranked 10th in the Sporting News’ preseason Division II poll and Spevak has been named a preseason All-American for the second straight year.

Central, which has reached the DII playoffs the past two seasons, will rely on a veteran defense while its offense rebuilds under Ryan Robertson or Jordan Rasmussen — one of whom will likely replace All-American quarterback Mike Reilly.

Spevak was named a Little All-American last year by The Associated Press.

Central opens its season Aug. 29 at Mesa State in Grand Junction, Colo.

HIGH SCHOOLS

Borton headed to Vegas academy

Wanting extra time to develop his skills and fully recover from recent knee surgery, West Valley graduate Matt Borton will forego entering college for a year and attend Impact Basketball Academy in Las Vegas.

Borton, a 6-foot-5 guard who averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds in his final season with the Rams, had surgery this spring to correct and fortify a dislocating knee cap that slowed the second half of his senior season.

The Impact Basketball Academy offers a post-graduate training program designed to help players improve their game without losing a year of eligibility. IBA will also help with Borton’s rehab from surgery.

“After visiting Impact and learning more about their track record of success, it became clear how much I could benefit from the program,” Borton said. “While it will be very demanding, in the long run I think it will be the best thing for me.”

GOLF

Mary Roche gets YCC ace

Mary Roche recorded a hole-in-one during her round Sunday at the Yakima Country Club. She used a 7-iron to ace the 133-yard 11th hole.
John Roche, and Bill and Linda Zirkle witnessed the shot.

Local Report: Pak sweep Hanford behind Fife’s grand slam

June 15, 2009 by YH-R Sports  

YAKIMA, Wash. — Jake Fife went a combined 6-for-8 with a double and a grand slam, and he drove in five runs to lead the Yakima Valley Pak to a sweep of Hanford in their Central Washington League doubleheader at Parker Field, 9-3 in the first game and 14-0 in the second.

Dustin Daniels went 2-for-3 with three RBI and Kevin Allan went 2-for-4 with two RBI to lead Yakima Valley in the first game.

Derek Welton started the game for the Pak, limiting Hanford to three runs, all in the second inning, on two hits for the win.

Lukas Hinton pitched a complete game, giving up four hits while striking out eight in the second game for Yakima Valley (14-2 overall).

The Pak scored 10 runs in the fourth inning, including Fife’s grand slam. Cory Urquhart and Kevin Allan added two RBI each in the game.

Game 1

Hanford    030    000    0    —    3    2    2

Yakima Valley    200    430    x    —    9    11    1

French, Mianderbach (4) and Beebe; Welton, Windsor (7) and Schneider.

Highlgihts: Dustin Daniels (YV) 2-3, 3 RBI; Kevin Allan (YV) 2-4, 2 RBI; Jake Fife (YV) 2-4, 2b, RBI

Game 2

Hanford        000    00    —    0    4    4

Yakima Valley        301    (10)x    —    14    12    0

Landon, Betzsole (4) and Beebe, Wagner (5); Hinton and Andreas.

Highlights: Lukas Hinton (YV) complete-game, 4 hits, 8 K’s; Jake Fife (YV) 4-4, 2b, GS, 4 RBI; Cory Urquhart (YV) 4-4, 2 RBI; Kevin Allan (YV) 1-2, 2 RBI.

*******
PASCO 13-8, YAKIMA 12-21:

At Pasco, Will Scott and Nick Lombardi both hit two home runs in the second game for the Beetles (5-5 league, 8-9 overall), as they earned a split of their league doubleheader against the Pasco Sun Devils.

Yakima led 8-0 in the first game before the Sun Devils came back with 13 runs in the fifth and sixth innings combined. The Beetles rallied back in the seventh with four runs, but they left the bases loaded.

Tim Roddy went 2-for-3 with a home run and Tyler Berman went 3-for-4 with a double in the first game.

The second game went five innings as the Beetles outscored Pasco by 13 runs. Tyler Berman went 4-for-5 with a home run to give Yakima a total of five home runs in the game.

Yakima had seven players with at least two hits in the second game: Berman (4), Scott (3), Tyler Roybal (3), Robbie Alter (2), Gibby Briones (2), Lombardi (2) and Michael Calderon (2).

Game 1

Yakima    106    010    4    —    12    15    1

Pasco    000    067    x    —    13    13    4

Calderon, Roybal (6) and Lombardi; Garza, Weiss (5) and Davenport.

Highlights: Tim Roddy (Y) 2-3, HR; Tyler Berman (Y) 3-4, 2b.

Game 2

Yakima        340    77    —    21    20    4

Pasco        101    33    —    8    8    4

Roddy and Lombardi; Briggs, Gomez (4), Schuck (4) and Garza.

Highlights: Will Scott (Y) 3-5, 2 HR; Robbie Alter (Y) 2-3; Gibby Briones (Y) 2-5, 2b; Tyler Berman (Y) 4-5, 2b, HR; Nick Lombardi (Y) 2-4, 2 HR; Michael Calderon (Y) 2-3, 2b; Tyler Roybal (Y) 3-3.

*******
Junior Legion

West Valley Bees 9, East Valley 5

Highlights: Mikey Bonnett (WV) 3-3; Steven Greco (WV) 4-4; Cody LaRivierre (WV) 2-3.

Richland 10, Yakima Valley Peppers 9 (8)

Highlights: Kurt Lindemann (YV) 3-4, RBI, 2 runs; Stephan Schmidt (YV) 2-5, GS, 5 RBI.

Yakima Valley Peppers 9, Richland 7

Highlights: Kyle Fickes (YV) 1-1, 2 runs; Stephan Schmidt (YV) 2-3, RBI, run; Trent Douglass (YV) 2-4, run, 2 RBI; Alex Fickes (YV) 4 runs.

********
College

Wells signs letter of intent with WSU

Riverside Christian’s Dana Wells, who two weeks ago led the Crusaders to the Class B state track title, has signed a letter of intent with Washington State University.

Wells, a two-time state champion in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, joins a program that includes Jeshua Anderson, who recently won his second straight NCAA title in the 400 hurdles. The Cougars had four athletes in the 400 hurdles final in the West Regional Championships.

In his final prep season, Wells ranked among the Valley leaders in seven individual events and his 38.39-second best in the 300 hurdles is third on the Valley’s all-time list.

Wells joins a WSU recruiting class that includes Selah’s Brett Blanshan, the 2A state champion at 100 and 200 meters.

********
Golf

Anderson scores hole-in-one

Beth Anderson of Yakima scored her first hole-in-one, acing the seventh hole at Fisher Golf Course on Monday.

She used a 7-iron on the 149 yard par 3 hole. The shot was witnessed by Andy Hargreaves and Sue Attebery.

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