When I began, my goal was to cover Mariners. I was able to do that with the South County/King County Journal several years ago, which is when I came to the realization that the real fun was in covering the preps. Through the years, I’ve been able to cover some of the best prep athletes in the state  along with multiple state championship games and matches. Covering the kids always was a blast. I loved hearing and telling their stories and, quite frankly, they were the reason I’ve been in the profession so long.

Realizing I have a strong passion for the kids, I decided a little more than two years ago to enroll at City University of Seattle, where I recently completed a two-year Master’s in Teaching Special Education degree. A part of me that many people are unaware of is the fact that I grew up with 37 foster siblings, four brothers and one sister. That atmosphere had a profound impact on who I am today, and where I want to go as a teacher in the immediate future. That background also is the primary reason I chose to enroll in a special education program.

The road to becoming a teacher will become a reality to me this week. Monday morning (Aug. 29), shortly after I arrived here at the Kent Reporter office, I received a job opportunity that was too good to be true. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 1, I will be working as a special education teacher at Kent Mountain View Academy. It’s an opportunity that has overcome me with both excitement and nervousness. No doubt, my job ahead is going to take all my time and effort, but I am ready for the task at hand and look forward to making daily positive impacts on the children in my classroom.

That said, however, there are so many memories to recount that a simple blog post does not suffice (my son, Asher, taking on Demitrius Bronson in a footrace after a Kentwood football game several years ago comes to mind or Lou Piniella once asking me, “Son, don’t you understand, those questions are meant for before the game?”).

Several more posts might be in order.

I am quite certain that I will still be out at a good number of football games this season, probably with Asher, who is now 12 and who became my sidekick at many sporting events about six years ago. If you see us, please don’t hesitate to say “hi.” And, time pending, I likely will continue to post on this blog.

In the meantime, understand that it has been an absolute pleasure serving the local prep fans since I came to the area more than a decade ago.
Thanks so much.

Erick Walker

What would it cost the Mariners to bring Hague to town? Hague isn’t one of Pittsburgh’s elite prospects, and he plays third base, too. In fact, he was drafted as a third baseman and has played a handful of games this year with the Indians. Sure, there’s a big gap between Triple-A and the Majors, but it’s worth considering. Especially when the Mariners are rolling out any warm body with a glove to play third base this summer.

I got Hague on the phone yesterday and he’s keeping things in pretty good perspective.

When asked about a potential callup later in the season, he responded, “I figure it will take care of itself. I am hoping I get some time (in the majors) this year. I have a chance to go up. Really, we will have to wait and see.”

I have to say, I love the idea of bringing back some of the former standouts to relive the glory days. That said, I remain skeptical. Getting enough players together from each respective school to fill 40-man rosters will be a challenge. Add to it the practice time necessary to make it worthwhile, a coach willing to put in the time, and there certainly are some logistics to be worked out.

More information about the series of games can be found here: www.alumnifootballusa.com

The games currently slated on the schedule (time and place to be announced, though it’s tentatively schedule for October) are as follows:

Kent-Meridian vs. Auburn
Auburn vs. Auburn Riverside
Jefferson vs. Federal Way
Kentlake vs. Kentwood
Kentridge vs. Kentwood
Tahoma vs. Kentwood
Mount Rainier vs. Highline

What are your thoughts? Are there enough former players around from each school to make this work?

We do lots of camps, so I have included them below.

Little Royals Camp
Boys & Girls Entering Grades 4 and Under
June 27-July 1, 2:00pm-4:00pm
$50.00

Elementary Camp
Boys & Girls Entering Grades 5 and 6
June 27-July 1, 2:00pm-4:00pm
$50.00

Advanced Camp
Girls Entering Grades 4-12
July 11-15, 1:00pm-4:00pm
$80.00

Middle School Camp
Girls Entering 7th/8th Grades
June 27-July 1, 2:00pm-4:00pm
$65.00

Freshmen Camp
Girls Entering 9th Grade
June 20-24, 4:00pm-7:00pm
$65.00

Team Camp
Girls Entering Grades 9-12
July 18-22 1:00pm-5:00pm
$65.00

Kentwood Coaching staff and varsity basketball players host this camp for those interested in having fun, learning sportsmanship and skills necessary to succeed in basketball.

Registration forms are available at www.kentwoodbasketball.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 30
BOYS SOCCER: Kentlake at Tahoma; Auburn at Jefferson; Auburn Riverside at Kentridge (5:30 p.m.); Kent-Meridian at Kentwood. All games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
MONDAY, MAY 2
GIRLS TENNIS: Tahoma at Mount Rainier; Kentridge at Kentlake; Kent-Meridian at Kentwood. All games at 3:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, MAY 3
BOYS SOCCER: Kentlake at Mount Rainier; Tahoma at Jefferson; Auburn at Kentwood (5:30 p.m.); Kentridge at Kent-Meridian. All games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4
GIRLS TENNIS: Mount Rainier at Kentwood; Kentlake at Kent-Meridian; Kentridge at Tahoma. All games at 3:30 p.m.
TRACK: Kentwood at Kent-Meridian; Mount Rainier at Kentlake; Kentridge at Tahoma. All meets at 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 6
BOYS SOCCER: Jefferson at Kentlake; Mount Rainier at Auburn Riverside; Kentwood at Tahoma; Auburn at Kentridge (5:30 p.m.). All games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

SATURDAY, MAY 7
GIRLS TENNIS: SPSL tournament, rounds 1-3 at Kent-Meridian High

This is a tough loss for Kentwood. In nine years, Caillier has taken a good program and turned it into one of the state’s best. We’ll have more on Caillier’s exit soon.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
BASEBALL: Tahoma at Thomas Jefferson; Mount Rainier at Kent-Meridian; Kentridge at Kentlake; AR at Auburn. All games at 4 p.m.
FASTPITCH: Tahoma at Thomas Jefferson; MR at Kent-Meridian; Kentridge at Kentlake; Auburn Riverside at Auburn. All games at 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
GIRLS TENNIS: Mount Rainier at Kentlake; Kent-Meridian at Kentridge; Kentwood at Tahoma. All games at 3:30 p.m.
TRACK: Kentwood at Kentlake; Mount Rainier at Kentridge; Tahoma at Kent-Meridian. ALl meets at 3 p.m.

I hope to catch up with Montzingo Friday at some time to get a few more details.

MONDAY, APRIL 4
BOYS SOCCER: Kentlake at Jefferson; Auburn Riverside at Mount Rainier; Tahoma at Kentwood; Kentridge at Auburn. All games at 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5
BASEBALL: Tahoma at Kentwood; Kentlake at Auburn; Kentridge at Kent-Meridian; Thomas Jefferson at Mount Rainier. All games at 4 p.m.
FASTPITCH: Tahoma at Kentwood; Kentlake at Auburn; Kentridge at Kent-Meridian; Thomas Jefferson at Mount Rainier. All games at 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6
BASEBALL: Auburn Riverside at Tahoma; Kentlake at Kentwood; Auburn at Thomas Jefferson; Mount Rainier at Kentridge. All games at 4 p.m.
FASTPITCH: Auburn Riverside at Tahoma; Kentlake at Kentwood; Auburn at Thomas Jefferson; Mount Rainier at Kentridge. All games at 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Kentlake at Jefferson; Auburn Riverside at Mount Rainier; Tahoma at Kentwood; Kentridge at Auburn. All games at 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7
BASEBALL: Tahoma at Kentlake; Kent-Meridian at Auburn Riverside; Kentwood at Thomas Jefferson; Kentridge at Auburn. All games at 4 p.m.
FASTPITCH: Tahoma at Kentlake; Kent-Meridian at Auburn Riverside; Kentwood at Thomas Jefferson; Kentridge at Auburn. All games at 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29
BASEBALL: Auburn at Tahoma; Kentwood at Mount Rainier; Thomas Jefferson at Auburn Riverside; Kentlake at Kent-Meridian. All games at 4 p.m.
FASTPITCH: Auburn at Tahoma; Kentwood at Mount Rainier; Thomas Jefferson at Auburn Riverside; Kentlake at Kent-Meridian. All games at 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS: Kentridge at Kentwood; Tahoma at Kentlake; Kent-Meridian at Mount Rainier. All games at 3:30 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Tahoma at Auburn; Mount Rainier at Kentridge; Kent-Meridian at Jefferson; Auburn Riverside at Kentwood (5:30 p.m.). All games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31
BASEBALL: Kentwood at Auburn; Auburn Riverside at Kentridge; Mount Rainier at Kentlake; Kent-Meridian at Thomas Jefferson. All games at 4 p.m.
FASTPITCH: Kentwood at Auburn; Auburn Riverside at Kentridge; Mount Rainier at Kentlake; Kent-Meridian at Thomas Jefferson. All games at 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS: Mount Rainier at Tahoma; Kentlake at Kentridge; Kentwood at Kent-Meridian. All games at 3:30 p.m.
TRACK: Kentlake at Tahoma; Kentridge at Kent-Meridian; Mount Rainier at Kentwood. All meets at 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1
BOYS SOCCER: Tahoma at Kentlake (5:30 p.m.); Jefferson at Auburn; Kentridge at Auburn Riverside; Kentwood at Kent-Meridian. All games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

2) I am confused by the Puyallup fan base. With Garfield leading 63-48, Puyallup  fans began chanting “overrated.” Hmmm … seems like bad timing to me. Puyallup fans did the same thing moments later, when Wroten stepped to the line with the Bulldogs leading 80-65.

3) I have to give props to the Kentridge fan base. Charger fans were out in full force Thursday afternoon, some with face paint. And, man, they were loud, too.

4) Gonzaga Prep plays outstanding defense, but also might be one of the most fundamentally sound teams I’ve seen in years. The Bullpups move extremely well without the ball, which created a lot of easy buckets inside.

5) I’d like to see Kentridge play Gonzaga Prep again. Kentridge’s shots just were not falling against Gonzaga Prep. Again, credit goes to the GP defense. However, the Chargers missed a lot of easy shots, too. Easy as in right-underneath-the-hoop easy. If they get a couple of those to fall, it could be a different game down the stretch.

6) Kentridge plays Puyallup at 10:30 a.m. Friday morning. Kentridge lost to Puyallup 61-60 a couple weeks ago. In that game, the Chargers were undone by the fourth quarter, when the Vikings outscored them 22-11. This will be a guard-oriented game. Not a lot of big bodies here.

It seems fitting since pitchers and catchers reported on Valentine’s Day that I give a brief update on the locals.
Hague, 25, was drafted as a third baseman out of Oklahoma State in 2008. However, that same year, the Pirates drafted Pedro Alvarez with the second overall pick in that same draft. With that in mind, the organization moved Hague to the outfield for a short while, where he was listed by Baseball America among Pittsburgh’s top 30 prospects in 2009. Hague enjoyed a solid year last season at Double-A, hitting .295 with 15 home runs and 86 RBIs. In some organizations, those numbers might warrant an early season look with the big club. As bad as Pittsburgh has been for the past 17 years, its minor league system is pretty deep in talent. In addition, the Pirates signed Lyle Overbay in the offseason and have Garret Jones (21 home runs last year), so there’s no immediate slot for Hague.
A spot on the Triple-A club and a possible late-season callup could be in the cards. That is, assuming Hague performs.
It would be nice to see a local kid make it.
That said, there are a handful of locals who’ve made it in recent years, most notably Travis Ishikawa, a Federal Way native who is playing for San Francisco. Kentridge product David Patton, a hard-throwing righthander, also made it up with Chicago two years ago (6.83 ERA over 20 appearances) when he was a Rule 5 selection that went from Colorado to Cincinatti to the Cubs in the matter of hours. It’s also worth mentioning that Kentridge product Mason Tobin was selected by the Cubs from the Angels in December in the Rule 5 draft. Tobin, another hard thrower, has struggled with arm issues for the past couple of seasons.

The South County area has had quite a few high draft picks during the past 10 years, but very few have actually made it all the way. Kind of gives you the idea as to exactly how tough it is. Auburn’s K.C. Herren (2004 graduate, drafted in the second round by Texas) hasn’t played since 2009. Alhaji Turay (2001 Auburn graduate), who many I’ve talked with insist was the best player to come out of these parts in the past 20 years, was a second-round pick by the Mets in 2001, but never made it past Double-A. Jay Garthwaite, who now runs Diamond Sports Training Center in Sumner, was another one who didn’t quite make it. Of course, personally, I always felt Garthwaite deserved the opportunity, especially after tearing it up at every level of the minor leagues with Arizona. Garthwaite had multiple 20-homer seasons in the minors and also drove in 100-plus runs twice.

Regardless, I am glad baseball is back. I’ve certainly missed it. Now if the weather could only clear up for a while.

The complete schedule is listed below.

Since I’m on the topic of prep hoops, Kentwood coach Brian Davis brought an interesting little tidbit to my attention Thursday night.
“When was the last time all four Kent teams were in the playoffs?” Davis asked.
Generally, I am pretty up on this stuff. However, I have to admit, I went blank. I had no idea. I knew KL hadn’t made the playoffs since the 2007-2008 season. And K-M hadn’t advanced since the 2004-2005 season. But all four in the playoffs? At the same time?
After doing a little research, I found that the 1999-2000 season was the last time the boys basketball teams from ALL FOUR Kent schools advanced to the postseason. Kentwood won the North that year at 14-2, Kent-Meridian took second at 12-4, Kentridge finished in fourth at 9-7 and Kentlake rounded out the cast at 8-8.

Great question. I was glad I was able to find the answer.
On another topic, the All-League teams  came out Thursday afternoon. Not surprisingly, Gary Bell was the North’s MVP.

The first team is as follows:
Kevin Henderson (Auburn), Christian Behrens (Tahoma), Iszia Johnson (Auburn), Brendan Westendorf (Kentridge), Jason Boyce (Kentwood) and Jaron Heck (Kentlake).

The second teams is as follows:
Cameron Grad (AR); Cole Luckett (AR), Adrian Davis (MR), Daniel Landram (KL), D’Juan Miller (K-M) and Deontae Davis (TJ).

The list of honorable mention:
Daniel Wunder (Auburn), Rowland Quinit (Auburn), Prince Ligon (AR), Jaray Bates (AR), Tyree Bagley (K-M), Martell Taylor-Barone (K-M), Jordan Thompson-Walker (K-M), Sean Hartnett (KL), Austin Pernell (KL), Denzel Daniels (KR), Roddy Hanson (KR), Mikell Everette (KW), Alec Wilson (KW), Taylor Jones (KW), Caden Rowland (MR), Malek Rogers (MR), Ryan Goodman (Tahoma), Chase Brazmeyer (TJ), Danny Park (TJ).

Coach of the Year: Dave Jamison.

For the most part, the All-League boys team had few surprises.
I was, however, surprised by the girls team. Specifically, the MVP race. Kentwood’s Kylie Huerta, Auburn Riverside’s Kat Cooper and Mount Rainier’s Brittany McPhee were named co-MVPs. What surprised me is the fact that the coaches were unable to name just one or even two as they did last year with Huerta and Mercedes Wetmore. Three seems a bit on the high side. In fact, I’ve always felt just one player should receive such an honor.
However, which one (or two) do you leave out?
Huerta averaged 18.4 points for the Conks and seldom — if ever — left the court. Cooper averaged 19.4 for the league champion Ravens. Both are seniors. Meanwhile, McPhee led everyone in scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game. The kicker? McPhee is only a freshman! Unreal. I suspect she may have a few MVP honors in her future.
Still, should THREE players be given the honor?

I’d love to hear some responses.

First-team honors went to:
Katie Buskey, Tahoma; Makenna Clark (AR), Liz Mills (KW), Courtney Johnson (KW) and Brook Hinkens (AR).

Second-team honors went to:
Kiana Gandy (MR), Jada Piper (TJ), Isia Johnson (Auburn), Jessica Barnes (KL) and Aubreyana Anderson (K-M).

Honorable mention accolades went to:
Erin Fischer (Auburn), Kristiana Strickland (Auburn), Megan Amis (AR), Hannah Melick (AR), Erin Hunt (KL), Donniesha Webber (KL), Alyssa Simonson (KL), Alex Witherspoon (K-M), Jordan Denny (KR), Kariona Micks (K-M), Josie Paznokas (KR), Sarah Toeaina (KW), Megan Wynne (KW), Caroline Codd (MR), Jordan McPhee (MR), Jordan Ebherardt (Tahoma), Savanna Haverfield (Tahoma), Christy Kullberg (TJ) and Keryn Knight (TJ)

THURSDAY NIGHT
At Auburn Mountainview
Auburn 58, Kentridge 54 (Winner takes No. 1 seed from North, loser No. 2)
Kent-Meridian boys 80 vs. Kentlake 72 (Winner takes No. 4 seed, loser No. 5)

At Emerald Ridge
Puyallup 82. Rogers 59 (Winner takes No. 2 seed from South, loser No. 3)

At Graham-Kapowsin
Bethel girls vs. Spanaway Lake, 7 p.m. (Winner takes No 5 seed, loser out)

After everything shakes out, Friday and Saturday’s schedule will become clear.
Here’s what we’re looking at:

Friday at the ShoWare Center
GAME 1: Puyallup boys vs. Kentridge (WCD No. 3/4) 3:30 p.m.
GAME 2: Emerald Ridge girls vs. Kentwood (WCD No. 3/4) 5 p.m.
GAME 3: Federal Way girls vs. Auburn Riverside (WCD 1/2) 6:30 p.m.
GAME 4: Curtis vs. Auburn (WCD 1/2) 8 p.m.

Saturday at Auburn High
GAME 5: Spanaway Lake/Bethel girls vs. Auburn (WCD 9/10), 10:30 a.m.
GAME 6: Bethel boys vs. Kentlake (WCD 9/10) noon
GAME 7: Federal Way boys vs. Kent-Meridian (WCD 7/8) 2 p.m.
GAME 8: Beamer girls vs. Tahoma (WCD 7/8) 3:30 p.m.
GAME 9: Rogers girls vs. Mount Rainier (WCD 5/6) 5:30 p.m.
GAME 10: Rogers boys vs. Kentwood (WCD 5/6) 7 p.m.

At Auburn Mountainview
Auburn boys vs. Kentridge, 6 p.m. (Winner takes No. 1 seed from North, loser No. 2)
Kent-Meridian boys vs. Kentlake, 8 p.m. (Winner takes No. 5 seed)

At Emerald Ridge
Rogers boys vs. Puyallup (Winner takes No. 2 seed from South, loser No. 3)

At Graham-Kapowsin
Bethel girls vs. Spanaway Lake, 7 p.m. (Winner takes No 5 seed, loser out)

After everything shakes out, Friday and Saturday’s schedule will become clear.
Here’s what we’re looking at:

Friday at the ShoWare Center
GAME 1: Rogers/Puyallup boys vs. Auburn/Kentridge (WCD No. 3/4) 3:30 p.m.
GAME 2: Emerald Ridge girls vs. Kentwood (WCD No. 3/4) 5 p.m.
GAME 3: Federal Way girls vs. Auburn Riverside (WCD 1/2) 6:30 p.m.
GAME 4: Curtis vs. Auburn/Kentridge (WCD 1/2) 8 p.m.

Saturday at Auburn High
GAME 5: Spanaway Lake/Bethel girls vs. Auburn (WCD 9/10), 10:30 a.m.
GAME 6: Bethel boys vs. Kentlake/Kent-Meridian (WCD 9/10) noon
GAME 7: Federal Way boys vs. North No. 4 (WCD 7/8) 2 p.m.
GAME 8: Beamer girls vs. Tahoma (WCD 7/8) 3:30 p.m.
GAME 9: Rogers girls vs. Mount Rainier (WCD 5/6) 5:30 p.m.
GAME 10: Rogers/Puyallup boys vs. Kentwood (WCD 5/6) 7 p.m.

Other signings today include: Kiana Kraft (Kentwood girls soccer/Seattle University); Reiney Meyers (Kentwood girls soccer/Edmonds Community College); Rodney Greiling (Kentwood boys soccer/Florida International University); Kathryn Clayton (Kentridge girls soccer/Boise State).

As more come through, I will post them right here.

KENT – The Kentridge and Kentwood boys basketball teams, both ranked in the top 10 of the Class 4A, will battle in the highlight game of the Les Schwab Shootout in Kent, set for Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 at the ShoWare Center.

No. 4 Kentridge beat No. 7 Kentwood in a close game the first time they two teams played earlier this season. The game between the two top-10 teams is set for 8:30 p.m. at the ShoWare Center, the fifth game of the third annual Les Schwab Shootout in Kent.

The event features all four Kent high school boys and girls basketball teams playing each other. The other games feature the Kent-Meridian boys and girls, the Kentlake boys and girls and the Kentridge and Kentwood girls.

A game between the top-ranked Class 1A team in the state, Cascade Christian against Emerald Ridge will kick off the action at 2 p.m. at the ShoWare Center.

Tickets are $8 at the door for adults and $5 for seniors and students with ASB.

2011 Les Schwab Shootout in Kent
At ShoWare Center
Friday, Jan. 28, 2011

2:00 p.m.    Boys        Cascade Christian vs. Emerald Ridge
3:30 p.m.    Girls        Kentlake vs. Kent-Meridian
5:00 p.m.     Boys        Kent-Meridian vs. Kentlake
7:00 p.m.    Girls        Kentwood vs. Kentridge
8:30 p.m.    Boys        Kentridge vs. Kentwood

Boys Class 3A
1. Rainier Beach
2. O’Dea (13-1)
3. Lincoln (11-1)
4. Mercer Island (11-3)
5. Wilson (12-1)
6. Lakes (11-2)
7. Seattle Prep (12-2)
8. Franklin (8-5)
9. Bellevue (10-4)
10. Kamiakin (9-1)
Others receiving votes: Sammamish (10-4), Glacier Peak (13-3), Hudson’s Bay (13-2)

Girls Class 4A
1. Federal Way (13-1)
2. Gonzaga Prep (12-1)
3. Auburn Riverside (10-3)
4. Bellarmine Prep (11-2)
5. Lewis and Clark (10-2)
6. Edmonds-Woodway (13-3)
7. Eastlake (11-2)
8. Lake Stevens (12-2)
9. Issaquah (9-4)
10. Chiawana (9-2)
Others receiving votes: Inglemoor (9-3), Moses Lake (9-3), Kentwood (11-3), Emerald Ridge (12-2), Mount Tahoma (11-2)

Girls Class 3A
1. Holy Names (12-0)
2. Prairie (15-0)
3. Kennedy Catholic (13-1)
4. Cleveland (11-2)
5. Timberline (13-0)
6. Lynnwood (12-3)
7. Juanita (12-2)
8. Shadle Park (10-3)
9. Wilson (11-2)
10. Lakes (11-4)
Others receiving votes: Lake Washington (11-3), Liberty (10-4)

All said, we now have a three-way tie for first, Kentwood knocking on the door, and a jumbled mess down below.
Should be a fun finish.

The event begins with a battle of ranked girls teams as Kentwood goes against Lakes at 10 a.m. the event wraps up at 7:30 p.m. with a game between No. 7 Class 4A Auburn against Class 3A Enumclaw. And inbetween, there will be more games and a special tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at 4 p.m.

A pair of Portland teams will make the trip north as the Grant High School boys take on Auburn Riverside and the Oregon City girls will travel to take on the highly ranked Auburn Riverside girls. Another interesting game features defending Class 4A champion Kentwood against defending Class 3A champion Union, which now plays at the Class 4A level. Both are ranked in the top 10 this season.

Tickets are $10 at the door for adults and $5 for seniors and students with ASB.

2011 Comcast Showcase
At ShoWare Center
Monday, Jan. 17, 2011

10:00 a.m.    Girls        Kentwood vs. Lakes
11:30 p.m.    Boys        Hazen vs. Skyline
1:00 p.m.    Girls        Auburn Riverside vs. Oregon City
2:30 p.m.    Boys        Auburn Riverside vs. Grant
4:00 p.m.            Tribute to Marin Luther King Jr.
4:30 p.m.    Boys        Kentwood vs. Union
6:00 p.m.    Boys        Puyallup vs. Franklin Pierce
7:30 p.m.    Boys        Auburn vs. Enumclaw

Rock Creek Nation,

Be sure to check out our website home page to opt-in to receive text message alerts from Rock Creek Sports. This is a new tool that we will begin using shortly to enable us to be in better contact with our players and parents; letting you know when Cage Rat times are available as well as other urgent announcements such as closures, etc.

Infield Camp

***The 13+ group has sold out but the ages 9-12 session still has 3 spots left so sign up soon and don’t miss this chance to improve your game***

Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 5:30-7:15 Ages 9-12

Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 7:15-8:45 Ages 13+

National Infield Camp Director, Dave Smart will take campers through their paces during this four week camp session. Camp will be limited to the first 15 campers to ensure that the kids get enough repetitions to make an immediate impact in their development. Coach Smart will be assisted by former Division 1 infielder and CSU alum Ryan Smart. Each session will be comprised of a theme each week.
Themes

Week #1: Fundamentals- Topics to be covered: Glove presentation skills, brace step, fielding position, hands out, left eye catches, deflecting, hunting the short hop.

Week #2: Athletic Plays- Topics to be covered: Review week # 1, Extensions and backhands, throwing across your body.

Week #3: Routine Double Plays- Topics to be covered: SS and 2nd base Pie 1 feeds and pivots, SS and 2B take it yourself

Week #4: Specialty Double Plays- Topics to be covered: Review week #3, Pie 2 and Pie 2.5 double play feeds and pivots.

Sign Up Now!

This weekend’s Cage Rat times are this Friday from 7:30pm-9pm.

Kentwood (9): Ruben Navejas (1st/112); Hayden Peterson (5th/119); Dalton Meyers (8th/119); Jose Hernandez (5th/125); Austin Torres (4th/152); Lucas Kelly (8th/171); Albert Tadevoysan (6th/189); James Hatfield (7th/189); Komo Thiara (8th/285)
Tahoma (8): Tim Whitehead (4th/103); Sam Schuesler (5th/103); Gabe Boynay (6th/112); Steven Hopkins (2nd/119); Cruz Valesquez (7th/125); Dan Haniger (3rd/140); Tanner Mjelde (4th/145); Garrett Autrey (7th/160);
Kentridge (7): Nick Aliment (4th/119); Zach Seibel (6th/160); Chris Bailey (8th/160); Jeff Seid 94th/171); Jacob Dalton (8th/189); Andrew Weitzel (5th/215); Steven Gilman (8th/215)
Auburn (7): Brian Alonzo (2nd/103); Tyson Gaillac (4th/112); Adam Garcia (1st/140); Josh Tate (3rd/145); Tildon Sanson (7th/152); Dylan Rutledge (1st/215); Nick Conlan (1st/285);
Thomas Jefferson (4): Michael Roybal (7th/119); Ty Zumwalt (6th/145); Zeke Nistrian (2nd/152); K.W. Williams (2nd/189)
Kentlake (3): Sean Farr (5th/130); Colton Marlowe (5th/135); Nathan Meeks (5th/285)
Kent-Meridian (3): Josh Smith (8th/145); Luke Barzie (4th/189); Jean-Claude Atkinson (2nd/285)
Auburn Riverside (2): Edward Yakimchuck (7th/135); Keaton Dalfery (7th/145).
Mount Rainier: None.

Interestingly, the SPSL South led the title count, bringing home 8 overall compared to 4 for the North, three of which came from Auburn. I say “interestingly” because it has been quite a while since the South appeared stronger than the North on the mat. The final two titles went to Enumclaw, which is in the SPSL 3A. Enumclaw also won the team title with 198.5 points followed by Auburn (187.5) — seems like old times — and Graham-Kapowsin (184).