Kent Valley Preps

KW PRODUCT STUCKEY COLLAPSES

Erick Walker — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:13:54 +0000

Kent native Rodney Stuckey suffered a big scare last Friday night.
Stuckey, who now plays in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, was wheeled off the court on a stretcher during the third quarter against Cleveland after he collapsed into a trainer’s arms on the bench. Stuckey walked off the floor for a timeout and showed no signs up illness. After a few minutes in the chair, Stuckey slumped over. He remained conscious and breathing on his own as he was taken to a nearby hospital.
Doctors ran several tests on Stuckey during the weekend, but found nothing. Stuckey’s return this season remains in doubt. Stuckey, a guard, is averaging just more than 17 points per game for the Pistons.

Kentlake’s Wright heading to CWU

Erick Walker — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:25:52 +0000

Kentlake High senior Tyler Wright recently signed a letter-of-intent to play football next fall at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. This past fall Wright, who also is one of the school’s top basketball players, was named the South Puget Sound League North Division’s All-Purpose Player of the Year, was a first-team All-League defensive back and a second-team All-League wide receiver. He also was Kentlake’s kicker and one of the team’s running backs.
“I had a few offers to choose from but ultimately found that CWU had a great deal of the things that I was looking for in a school,” Wright said. “Smaller class sizes, a small-town community, a very strong program that includes coaches and players that I have a great deal of respect for, but being close enough to home to have extended family in the stands was a major attribute.”

KW’s Smith named to McDonald’s All-American team

Erick Walker — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:15:05 +0000

Josh Smith of Kentwood High School joined the ranks of basketball’s elite today with his selection to the prestigious 2010 McDonald’s All American High School Basketball Boys Team. Smith’s participation in the Games will help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Ohio, which supports local children and families in need.
Smith was named to the West squad, and will play with the 23 other top male high school basketball players in the country. He averages 13.4 points-per-game, 11 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. His coach is Michael Angelidis.
The boys game will tip off at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio and will air live on ESPN.
Since 1977, over 750 male players have competed in the McDonald’s All American Games, forming an elite list that reads like a “Who’s Who” in basketball history. McDonald’s All American athletes include basketball greats Alonzo Mourning, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant.

SPSL NORTH ALL-LEAGUE BASKETALL TEAMS

Erick Walker — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:33:09 +0000

SPSL NORTH ALL-LEAGUE BASKETBALL
BOYS
MVP – Cole Dickerson, Federal Way

FIRST TEAM
Gary Bell, Kentridge
Ryan Rogers, Auburn Riverside
Kevin Henderson, Auburn
Isiah Umipig, Federal Way
Josh Smith, Kentwood

SECOND TEAM
Christian Behrens, Tahoma
Iszia Johnson, Auburn
Daniel Landram, Kentlake
Robert Christopher, Federal Way
Eric Radford, Jefferson
Tre Tyler, Kentwood

COACH OF THE YEAR
Michael Angelidis, Kentwood

HONORABLE MENTION
Jerry Duckworth, Federal Way
Tyrell Lewis, Federal Way
George Williams, Federal Way
Justin Lanier, Jefferson
Spencer Hicks, Jefferson
Jeff Brigham, Jefferson
Jaron Heck, Kentlake
Mike Salazar, Kentlake
Barento Ahmed, Kent-Meridian
Jordan Thompson Walker, Kent-Meridian
Craig Rasmussen, Kentridge
Brenden Westendorf, Kentridge
Dylan Zylstra, Kentridge
Jason Boyce, Kentwood
Mikell Everette, Kentwood
Alec Wilson, Kentwood
Roman Tymchuk, Auburn Riverside
Dustin Hegge, Auburn Riverside
Taylor Summerhays, Tahoma

GIRLS
CO-MVP – Mercedes Wetmore, Auburn Riverside
CO-MVP – Kyle Huerta, Kentwood

FIRST TEAM
Hannah Kiyohara, Jefferson
Morgan Comstock, Kentwood
Talia Walton, Federal Way
Darah Huertas-Vining, Federal Way
Kat Cooper, Auburn Riverside

SECOND TEAM
Liz Mills, Kentwood
Sanda Milovic, Kentwood
Erin McCaslin, Tahoma
Heather Restrepo, Auburn
Briana Shannon, Kent-Meridian

COACH OF THE YEAR
Terry Johnson, Auburn Riverside

HONORABLE MENTION
Cashe Jones, Federal Way
Molly Campbell, Federal Way
Megan Merrill, Kentridge
Courtney Johnson, Kentwood
Katie Buskey, Tahoma
Lauren Hamberg, Tahoma
Savanna Haverfield, Tahoma
Desiree Guitian, Kent-Meridian
Miriame Akpatou, Kent-Meridian
Alexandria Witherspoon, Kent-Meridian
Unique Taufa’Asau, Jefferson
Riley Butler, Kentlake
Chantel Dixon, Federal Way
Brittany Barrington, Federal Way
Isia Johnson, Auburn
Kara Jenkins, Auburn Riverside
Brook Hinkens, Auburn Riverside
Taylor Wofford, Auburn Riverside
Cody Sisco, Kentlake
Katie Bubsey, Kentake
Jada Piper, Jefferson
Nicole Barger, Kentridge
Aubreyana Anderson, Kent-Meridian

MOUNT RAINIER JOINING THE SPSL NORTH 4A?

Erick Walker — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:27:50 +0000

It is not yet official, but it appears Mount Rainier High located in Des Moines will be moving in to the South Puget Sound League North Division 4A next fall.
The re-alignment isn’t official and the powers that be still need to decide which school between Federal Way and Thomas Jefferson will shift to the SPSL South. As of the moment, however, it appears almost a done deal that Mount Rainier, currently of the Class 3A Seamount League, will be joining the North.

As of spring of 2009, Mount Rainier had an enrollment of 1,572 students, which puts it ahead of Kent-Meridian (1,450) and Kentlake (1,474). Class 4A schools need to have enrollments of 1,3o4 students or more, so it’s clear to see why Mount Rainier will be moving up.

THE REPORTER’S PREP BASKETBALL RANKINGS

Erick Walker — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:34:04 +0000

CLASS 4A BOYS
1. Federal Way (19-1)
2. Gonzaga Prep (17-1)
3. Curtis (19-1)
4. Richland (16-3)
5. Jackson (16-2)
6. Walla Walla (16-3)
7. Kamiakin (15-4)
8. Skyline (15-3)
9. Garfield (14-4)
10. Lake Stevens
Others receiving votes: Davis (15-4), Eastlake (13-5), Decatur (14-6), Bellarmine Prep (14-6)

CLASS 4A GIRLS
1. Auburn Riverside (20-0)
2. Woodinville (17-1)
3. Issaquah (15-3)
4. Kentwood (17-5)
5. Chiawana (16-2)
6. Edmonds-Woodway (18-1)
7. Newport (16-2)
8. Jackson (16-3)
9. Bellarmine Prep (14-6)
10. Federal Way (17-4)

Others receiving votes: Richland (15-4), Bethel (16-4), Marysville-Pilchuck (15-5), Mount Tahoma (17-3)

SPSL HOOPS … BREAKING TIES

Erick Walker — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:59:50 +0000

With one game in the regular season remaining on the schedule, plenty has yet to have been decided.
On the boys’ side, Auburn, Auburn Riverside, Thomas Jefferson and Kentlake are still fighting it out for the final playoff berths.
I trade e-mails with SPSL commissioner Doug Auburn earlier today for some clarifications.
Here’s what Dave informed me:

“All ties first go to a head to head advantage. If one team has beaten another both times during the year they own the tie-breaker and would have the higher seed or advance. If the teams split during the year they play off on Tuesday. Sites TBD. If all holds true to form we will have two tie-breaker games in the North, both girls, KW vs FW and Aub vs KL. It looks as if these will be held at Tahoma on Tuesday 2/9.”

My initial question to Dave was this: If Kentlake upsets Kentwood tomorrow night, TJ falls to Federal Way (as expected) and Auburn knocks off Auburn Riverside, who advances? This would put AR and KL in a tie for the fifth and final slot.

Dave answered as follows:

“With the boys teams as you describe … one team holds the tie-breaker over another; AR over TJ, TJ over Aub, Aub over KL, KL over AR. Currently, AR has better record than Auburn but if Auburn wins they’ll tie and Auburn will hold the tie-breaker over AR.”

But what if TJ pulls off the mother of all upsets Friday night and knocks off FW?

“Then we would have a mini-tournament on Tuesday,” Dave noted.

The bottom line? Things could get really, really interesting tomorrow night around 9:30 p.m.

The Reporter’s Class 4A State Basketball Rankings

Erick Walker — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:20:59 +0000

BOYS
1. Federal Way (13-1)
2. Gonzaga Prep (13-1)
3. Curtis (15-1)
4. Jackson (13-1)
5. Walla Walla (13-2)
6. Richland (13-2)
7. Skyline (12-2)
8. Kamiakin (12-3)
9. Lake Stevens (11-4)
10. Decatur (11-5)
Others receiving votes: Kentridge (11-5), Garfield (10-4), Foss (11-4), Lake Washington (11-3)

GIRLS
1. Auburn Riverside (16-0)
2. Issaquah (13-1)
3. Newport (13-1)
4. Woodinville (13-1)
5. Edmonds-Woodway (13-1)
6. Federal Way (12-3)
7. Chiawana (12-1)
8. Jackson (12-2)
9. Marysville-Pilchuck (12-3)
10. Kentwood (11-4)
Others receiving votes: Bellarmine Prep (11-5), Mount Tahoma (13-3), Lewis and Clark (9-5)

KW’s WILCOX THRIVING AT GRCC

Erick Walker — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:17:42 +0000

Jake Wilcox, a 2008 Kentwood High graduate and an SPSL honorable mention selection on the basketball court his senior season, has continued to have success at Green River Community College. Wilcox entered the week leading the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges in steals (53) assists (114, 7.13 per game).

INGLES MOVING ON

Erick Walker — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:06:24 +0000

Former Kentwood High football coach Tom Ingles is moving on once again.
Ingles stepped down last week as head coach of the Puyallup High program, where he went after coaching Kentwood from 1990-2003. Ingles is one of the state’s all-time winningest coaches and, quite frankly, a great guy who always was easy to work with.

While at Kentwood, he won a pair of state titles (2001 and 2002). He also won a state title at Liberty in 1988. A member of the Washington State Football Hall of Fame, Ingles has an overall record of 248-103. In 14 seasons at Kentwood, Ingles collected a record of 114-40.

I’d suspect Ingles will catch on somewhere. His wife, Zena, is a school administrator in California, so there’s a chance his next coaching gig may not be in these parts.

ABEL SIGNS ON AT UTAH STATE

Erick Walker — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:28:47 +0000

Congratulations are in order for 2008 Kentwood High graduate Brooks Abel, who recently signed on to play football at Utah State University in Logan.
Abel, a 6-foot-6 300-pound lineman, spent this past season playing at College of the Siskiyous in Northern California.
A few things I really love about this signing …

1) Abel hasn’t reached his potential and has a high ceiling, so the Aggies did well.
2) Abel received a three-year full-ride scholarship.
3) Some of you may remember, Abel earned a fifth year at Kentwood High. He endured his share of struggles during high school, both personally and in the classroom, but turned a corner his second senior season. Goes to show you what a second chance means to some kids. From what I hear, Abel blossomed into a leader with College of the Siskiyous and graduated with his two-year degree in a little more than a year. It’s quite a success story and Abel deserves a big pat on the back.

Kentridge product Barclay swimming to success

Erick Walker — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:23:15 +0000

Jordan Barclay, a 2008 Kentridge High graduate, last week was named a Midwest Conference Swimming & Diving “Performer of the Week.” Barclay, who competes for Carroll University in Wisconsin, won five events and spearheaded a pair of relay victories in leading the Pioneers past Beloit College, 154-70. Barclay won the 50 butterfly (29.54), 50 backstroke (31.26), the 50 breaststroke (36.38), the 50 freestyle (27.79) and the 100 IM (1:08.75). Barclay also helped the Pioneers come away with victories in the 200-free relay (1:53.11) and the 200 medley relay (2:06.92).

The Reporter’s basketball rankings

Erick Walker — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:29:48 +0000

CLASS 4A BOYS
1. Federal Way (10-0)
2. Curtis (11-0)
3. Gonzaga Prep (9-1)
4. Richland (10-0)
5. Jackson (9-1)
6. Decatur (8-2)
7. Kamiakin (9-1)
8. Skyline (8-1)
9. Foss (9-2)
10. Kentridge (8-3)
Others receiving votes: Walla Walla (7-2), Lake Washington (8-2), Lake Stevens (8-3)

CLASS 4A GIRLS
1. Auburn Riverside (11-0)
2. Woodinville (10-0)
3. Issaquah (9-1)
4. Newport (9-1)
5. Kentwood (8-2)
6. Federal Way (9-2)
7. Lewis and Clark (7-3)
8. Edmonds-Woodway (8-1)
9. Jackson (8-1)
10. Chiawana (9-1)
Others receiving votes: Bellarmine Prep (7-3), Monroe (9-1), Richland (8-2), Wenatchee (7-4), Kentlake (8-3), Marysville-Pilchuck (8-3)

KW’s Smith won’t play in T-Mobile Invitational

Erick Walker — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:32:39 +0000

It appears Kentwood basketball star Josh Smith, the team’s 6-foot-10, UCLA-bound center, will not be playing in the T-Mobile Invitational, which is slated for Dec. 29-30 in Birmingham, Ala.

“The doctor has not cleared Josh to play and he will be out another two weeks,” KW athletic director JoAnne Daughtry said in an e-mail.

Smith injured the patellar tendon in his right knee on Dec. 8 in a loss against Federal Way. The two-time SPSL North MVP came down awkwardly on the leg after grabbing a rebound in the fourth quarter, then motioned toward the bench to be taken out.
Kentwood has lost two of three games without Smith in the lineup.

SPSL NORTH HOOP STANDINGS/LEADERS

Erick Walker — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:33:01 +0000

BOYS
SPSL NORTH STANDINGS
TEAM               LEAGUE   OVERALL
Federal Way         4-0                7-0
Kentridge          4-2                4-2
A. Riverside         3-2                4-3
Kentlake               3-2               3-3
Auburn                3-3                5-3
Jefferson             2-3               4-3
Kentwood         2-3              2-3
Kent-Meridian   1-4   2-5
Tahoma                1-4      2-4

LEADERS

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
Name, school       PPG.
1. Gary Bell, KR       26.5
2. Ryan Rogers, AR            21.8
3. Christian Behrens, T    21.0
4. Cole Dickerson, FW      18.0
5. Mike Salazar, KL      18.0
6. Kevin Henderson, A   17.3
7. Isiah Umipig, FW           17.0
8. Barenton Ahmed, K-M   15.5
9. Jordan Walker-Thompson, K-M 15.0
10. Jeff Baklund, TJ         15.0

REBOUNDS
Name, school                   RPG.
1. Christian Behrens, T 12.2
2. Eric Radford, TJ             10.0
3. Nick Hammond, A   8.75
4. Cole Dickerson, FW   8.0
5. Spencer Hicks, TJ         8.0

ASSISTS
Name, school              APG.
1. Isiah Umipig, FW        6.00
2. Rowland Quinit, A    4.25
3. Gary Bell, KR             4.00
4. Scott Sanford, TJ        4.00
5. Iszia Johnson, A   3.75

GIRLS
SPSL NORTH STANDINGS
TEAM       LEAGUE   OVERALL
A. Riverside   5-0      7-0
Kentlake          5-0            7-0
Kentwood       4-1   6-1
Federal Way   3-2 5-2
Auburn           3-3           3-4
Tahoma       2-3      3-4
Jefferson         2-4          3-5
Kent-Meridian   0-5   0-6
Kentridge       0-6   0-7

LEADERS
INDIVIDUAL SCORING
Name, school                        PPG.
1. Morgan Comstock, KL         24.3
2. Mercedes Wetmore, AR   22.0
3. Kylie Huerta, KW               21.0
4. Briana Shannon, K-M   18.6
5. Isia Johnson, A                  18.0
6. Hannah Kiyohara, TJ   16.5
7. Sanda Milovic, KW           15.8
8. Ty Burgess, FW                 14.8
9. D. Huertas-Vining, FW 14.4
10. Brook Hinkens, AR   13.0

REBOUNDS
Name, school                   RPG.
1. Morgan Comstock, KL   13.3
2. Ty Burgess, FW               12.0
3. Unique Taufa’asau, TJ 10.5
4. Talia Walton, FW           10.4
5. Tanjunique Ajeto, FW   10.0

ASSISTS
Name, school                    APG.
1. D. Huertas-Vining, FW     4.0
2. Kylie Huerta, KW               4.0
3. Mercedes Wetmore, AR   4.0
4. Cody Sisco, KL                   3.5
5. Karen Carpenter, TJ      3.0

The Reporter’s Basketball Rankings: Week 2

Erick Walker — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:56:34 +0000

So here it is, folks, the second week of the Reporter’s Class 4A boys and girls basketball polls. The records in parenthesis are entering the week and do reflect anything that has happened during the last couple of days.
Also, remember these polls are voted on by several Sound Publishing sports reporters, not just myself.

Interestingly, Kentlake dropped out of the girls rankings this week despite winning two more games and still being unbeaten. The Falcons were at No. 10 last week. I’m not sure how they dropped out, however, if the Falcons continue their winning ways, look for them to crack the top 10 for good very soon. Kentlake will be challanged considerably once the new year is upon us with Federal Way, Kentwood and Auburn Riverside in succession.

Also of note was the drop of the Kentwood boys, which was at No. 3 last week and now is at No. 10, just behind Kentridge. Those two teams play Friday night (Dec. 18), so one of them likely will fall out by next week.

Any questions or comments, please send them my way.

CLASS 4A BOYS
1. Federal Way (4-0)
2. Gonzaga Prep (3-0)
3. Walla Walla (3-0)
4. Decatur (5-0)
5. Jackson (4-0)
6. Garfield (2-0)
7. Curtis (5-0)
8. Lincoln (3-1)
9. Kentridge (3-1)
10. Kentwood (2-1)
Others receiving votes: Lake Stevens (3-0), Skyline (2-0), Foss (3-1), Mount Tahoma (4-1), Davis (5-0)

CLASS 4A GIRLS
1. Auburn Riverside (5-0)
2. Lewis and Clark (2-1)
3. Newport (6-0)
4. Kentwood (4-1)
5. Issaquah (3-0)
6. Woodinville (3-0)
7. Mead (2-1)
8. Edmonds-Woodway (4-0)
9. Federal Way (3-2)
10. Jackson (3-1)
Others receiving votes: Chiwana (3-0), Bellarmine Prep (2-1), Garfield (1-2), Kentlake (5-0), Pasco (3-1)

KW’s Smith out at least one game, maybe more

Erick Walker — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:40:02 +0000

Kentwood High boys basketball star Josh Smith, who went down with an apparent knee injury during Tuesday night’s 63-41 loss to Federal Way, will miss at least tomorrow night’s game against Auburn Riverside and maybe more, coach Michael Angelidis said Wednesday evening.
“We don’t know how long he will be out,” Angelidis said. “But he won’t play (Thursday).”
The Kentwood coach noted that the UCLA-bound Smith has a “20 percent” tear of the patellar tendon in his right knee.
“We’re expecting to hear back from the doctor about rehab,” Angelidis said. “I don’t think he will be out too long, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Smith limped off the court in the fourth quarter on Tuesday with 5:49 in the fourth quarter. He went up to block a shot and landed awkwardly, then motioned to the bench to be pulled out of the game.
“When I fell down, I felt something crack,” Smith said Tuesday night.
Smith, the two time SPSL North MVP, averaged 24.5 points per game last year. In limited time Tuesday night, he scored 9 points, grabbed four rebounds and blocked one shot.

The Reporter’s Prep Basketball Rankings

Erick Walker — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:46:54 +0000

Now that we’re a week into the boys and girls basketball season, it’s time to do some rankings.
Below is a look at how the Reporter’s Class 3A and Class 4A boys and girls state rankings panned out. It’s important to note that many sports writers in the company voted on this particular poll. If you have any questions, feel free to throw them my way and I’ll do the best I can in answering.

Interestingly, there are four teams from the SPSL North in the girls rankings. I was a little surprised Kentlake cracked the top 10, though the Falcons are off to an outstanding start (3-0) and Morganne Comstock has been huge thus far. Also, though KW won state last year, I was also a bit surprised the Conks ranked as high as four. The Seattle Times has KW ranked No. 1 and I think that’s a bit high right now. KW has returned some good talent, but it also graduated Lindsey Moore and Jessie Genger, it’s top two scorers.

In the Class 4A boys rankings, Federal Way is unquestionably No. 1 and KW belongs in the top five. I’m interested to see how Kentridge performs in the early season. I think Gary Bell could win the league MVP and Dave Jamison is a coaching wizard, but finding someone to replace the scoring punch of Shaquielle McKissic is going to be tough.

So here are the polls. Let me know your thoughts.

CLASS 4A BOYS
1. Federal Way
2. Gonzaga Prep
3. Kentwood
4. Ferris
5. Walla Walla
6. Garfield
7. Jackson
8. Beamer
9. Decatur
10. Kentridge
Others receiving votes: Lincoln, Inglemoor, Lake Stevens, Curtis, Lake Washington, Foss, Arlington, Skyline

CLASS 4A GIRLS
1. Auburn Riverside
2. Federal Way
3. Lewis and Clark
4. Kentwood
5. Garfield
6. Jackson
7. Mead
8. Bellarmine Prep
9. Woodinville
10. Kentlake
Others receiving votes: Issaquah, Pasco, Edmonds-Woodway, Newport, Lake Stevens, Mount Tahoma, Snohomish

CLASS 3A BOYS
1. Rainier Beach
2. Fanklin
3. Lakes
4. Enumclaw
5. O’Dea
6. Bellevue
7. Seattle Prep
8. Meadowdale
9. Mount Si
10. Union
Others receiving votes: Columbia River, Glacier Peak, Foster, Rogers, Squalicum

CLASS 3A GIRLS
1. Kennedy Catholic
2. Holy Names
3. White River
4. Prarie
5. Shadle Park
6. Mercer Island
7. Bonney Lake
8. West Valley
9. Lakeside
10. Glacier Peak
Others receiving votes: Meadowdale, Bellevue, Auburn Mountainview, Peninsula, Rainier Beach, Ferndale, Hanford, Franklin

KW-FW BOYS HOOPS: LET THE HYPE BEGIN

Erick Walker — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:24:32 +0000

Is it too early to start talking about next Tuesday’s boys basketball game between No. 1 Federal Way and No. 6 Kentwood?
This showdown (7 p.m., Dec. 8 at KW) isn’t just big in regards to the South Puget Sound League North Division, but the state as well.
A few things I’m interested in finding out in this game …

1) How much better can the Eagles be this season?
I traded e-mails with Federal Way Mirror sports reporter Casey Olson earlier today and he feels this Eagle team is even better than last year and, health pending, should win another state title.
I scratched my head and wondered, “How can they be even better? They were nearly flawless last year.”
Guard Michael Hale III has graduated and since moved on to North Idaho College, where he’s playing with Kentridge product Renado Parker. Hale is without a doubt one of the quickest guards I’ve ever reported on. Federal Way also graduated second-team all-leaguer Jeff Forbes.
So how can FW be better?

The Eagles certainly looked better in their season-opening 110-85 throttling of ninth-ranked Lincoln. Yes, 110 points folks. That’s a number Federal Way didn’t reach all of last year. And the Eagles did it against a very good Lincoln team. Ouch!

Sure, Federal Way graduated some top-flight talent, but it also received a solid transfer in Tyrell Lewis (Mount Rainier High).

2) Can Kentwood slow down Federal Way?
Federal Way took two of three games against Kentwood last year, though the Conquerors were one of the few teams that did slow the Eagles down. Federal Way averaged 72.5 points per game last year, but just 57 against Kentwood.
In addition, Kentwood held Cole Dickerson, Federal Way’s leading scorer last year, to a combined 31 points in three games. He averaged 17.5 per game.
So can KW slow down FW? I’d bet on it. How much, however, will be the key.

And the last thing I’m interested in finding out …
3) Will KW’s guards take the open shot or try and force the ball down low?
We all know what KW’s Josh Smith is going to deliver … around 25 points, 15 rebounds, a few blocks and four or five rim-rattling dunks. What got the Conquerors in trouble at times last year, however, was when they tried to force the ball into Smith, who often was double and triple-teamed.
Rest assured, Federal Way will drape at least two guys around Smith. If Kentwood’s guards can take — and hit — some open shots, this has the makings of a tremendous high school basketball game.

I’d love to hear some thoughts on those planning on attending. It should be fun.

Les Schwab Tipoff Classic slated for Thursday, Saturday at KW

Erick Walker — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:45:20 +0000

Defending Class 4A state girls basketball champion Kentwood headlines a strong field at the 2009 Les Schwab Tipoff Classic, set to begin Thursday (Dec. 3) at Kentwood High. The tournament will feature four girls teams and four boys teams.
The Kentwood girls cruised to the state championship last season with a 28-1 record and are the feature team of this year’s Tipoff Classic. Kentwood, under new coach Dean Montzingo, who led the Kentwood boys to a state championship in 2004, will face Bellevue (14-10) in a first round game Thursday at 7 p.m.
In the other girls matchup, Auburn Mountainview (18-9) will take on Inglemoor (16-7) 4 p.m.. Auburn Mountainview played in last year’s Class 3A state girls tournament.
On the boys side, Foster (18-9) will take on Class 3A Mount Si (15-9) at 5:30 p.m. while Renton (17-4) takes on Lake Washington (7-13) at 8:30 p.m. Foster appeared in last year’s Class 3A boys state tournament finishing eighth.
Tickets are $7 and available at the door.

2009 LES SCHWAB TIPOFF CLASSIC
At Kentwood High School

Thursday, Dec. 3
4:00 p.m.   Auburn Mountainview girls vs. Inglemoor girls
5:30 p.m.   Foster boys vs. Mount Si boys
7:00p.m.   Kentwood girls vs. Bellevue girls
8:30 p.m.   Renton boys vs. Lake Washington boys

Saturday, Dec. 5
2:00 p.m.   Girls consolation
3:30 p.m.   Boys consolation
5:30 p.m.   Girls championship
7:00 p.m.   Boys Championship

SPSL North All-league volleyball

Erick Walker — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:19:34 +0000

Coach of the Year: Chris Leverenz, Auburn Riverside
MVP: Brooke Bray, MH, Auburn Riverside

First Team
Brooklynn Bradbury, S, Auburn Riverside
Ally Patterson, OH, Kentwood
Erin Campbell, OH, Kentwood
Jaclyn Onosko, Opp, Kentridge
Maureen Sachs, OH, Auburn Riverside
Aryn McCarthy, L, Kentlake
Korin Hedlund, L, Kentwood

Second Team
Isia Johnson, M/OH, Auburn
Dani Brunelle, L, Auburn
Jane Han, L, Auburn Riverside
Cherene O’Hara, MH, Kent Meridian
Maria Bahlenhorst, OH, Tahoma
Kayla Ierlan, RH, Kent Meridian
Katelyn Nugent, OH, Thomas Jefferson
Sierra Atkinson, S, Auburn
Michelle Ernsdorff, OH, Auburn

Honorable Mention
Jaleecia Roland, Federal Way
Monica McConnaghey, Federal Way
Kendra Ansotique, Thomas Jeffeson
Michelle Boscole, Kentridge
Christi Bianton, Kentlake
Riley Butler, Kentlake
Kellie Zulauf, Auburn Riverside
Nicole Fairclough, Kentridge
Heather Restrepo, Auburn
Skyler Atkinson, Auburn
Tonya Pyatohka, Kent Meridian
Chloe Watson, Kent Meridian
Elle Mortensen, Kentwood
Kayla Hanus, Kentwood
Lychelle Roberts-Kirby, Kentwood
Tia Peterson, Kentwood
Megan Brothers, Tahoma

SPSL North All-League football

Erick Walker — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:18:10 +0000

SPSL NORTH ALL-LEAGUE SELECTIONS
OFFENSE
Offensive Back of the Year: Austin Embody, Auburn; Alphonse Wade, Auburn.
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Danny Shelton, Auburn
Quarterback
First Team: Nick Tanielu, Federal Way
Second Team: Tristan Askew, Kentwood
Honorable Mention: John Hakala, Auburn Riverside; K.W. Williams, Thomas Jefferson; David Jones, Kent Meridian.
Running Back
First Team: Austin Embody, Auburn; Trenton Pinson, Federal Way; Alphonse Wade, Auburn.
Second Team: Connor Bjornstad, Auburn Riverside; Va’a Logotala, Kent Meridian; Nico Madison, Tahoma.
Honorable Mention: Nick Kramlich, Kentlake; Jordan Smith, Kentlake; B.J. Arceneaux, Kent Meridian; Jared Fuller, Kentwood; Zach Corpuz, Kentwood.
Wide Receiver
First Team: Allain Songco, Kentwood; Ja’Juan Davis, Federal Way; Alden Coleman, Federal Way.
Second Team: Scott Stanford, Thomas Jefferson; Larren Wright, Kent Meridian; Tyler Wright, Kentlake; Austin Pernell, Kentlake.
Honorable Mention: Nick Alexander, Auburn Riverside; Jason Didis, Kentridge; Cameron McKernan, Kentridge; Mike Roy, Kentwood.
Tight End
First Team: Estafano Pina, Auburn
Second Team: Dalton Blackmore, Kentwood
Honorable Mention: Cameron Grad, Auburn Riverside; Brian Englund, Kentridge; Kyle Clark, Tahoma.
Offensive Line
First Team: Nick Conlan, Auburn; Danny Shelton, Auburn; James Seumaala, Federal Way; T.J. Markus, Kentwood; Konner Knudtsen, Tahoma.
Second Team: Mike Holzberger, Kentlake; Dan Duran, Auburn; Michael Vlasenko, Thomas Jefferson; Jon Kwon, Kentridge; Nathan Herrick, Kentlake.
Honorable Mention: Jacob Shewey, Kentwood; Derek Weston, Tahoma; Zach Platt, Auburn Riverside; Garrett Townsend, Federal Way; Boogie Yuhashi, Kent Meridian; Thomas Reinhart, Kent Meridian; Mana Victorino, Kentwood; Nick Bayer, Tahoma.
DEFENSE
Defensive Back of the Year: Dylan Zylstra, Kentwood
Defensive Lineman of the Year: Danny Shelton, Auburn
Defensive Back
First Team: Tristan Askew, Kentwood; Tyler Wright, Kentlake; Rian Miller, Federal Way; Brandon Reiter, Kentridge
Second Team: Dylan Rutledge, Auburn; Jonny Volland, Thomas Jefferson; Larren Wright, Kent Meridian; Cody Gilje, Tahoma.
Honorable Mention: Alden Coleman, Federal Way; Isiah Umipig, Federal Way; Kell Garrison, Auburn Riverside; Cole Luckett, Auburn Riverside; Zak Sauve, Auburn; Sean Ringor, Kentridge; Mike Roy, Kentwood.
Linebacker
First Team: Konner Knudtsen, Tahoma; DaShawn Horne, Federal Way; Lofi Luafatasaga, Thomas Jefferson; Dylan Zylstra, Kentridge.
Second Team: Nick Conlan, Auburn; E.J. Stickland, Auburn; Mitch Youngs, Auburn Riverside; Taylor White, Kentwood.
Honorable Mention: Va’a Logotala, Kent Meridian; Tyler Mortenson, Kentlake; Nick Bayer, Tahoma; Tyler Phippen, Tahoma.
Defensive Line
First Team: Danny Shelton, Auburn; James Seumaala, Federal Way; Nathan Herrick, Kentlake; Derek Weston, Tahoma.
Second Team: Byron Wilson, Auburn; Brandon Hand, Auburn Riverside; Jesse Salazar, Kentlake; Nico White, Kentridge.
Honorable Mention: Spencer Hicks, Thomas Jefferson; John Puaauli, Thomas Jefferson; Jefferson Aumua, Thomas Jefferson; Mike Holzberger, Kentlake; Saipele Siafuafu, Kent Meridian; Austin Robinson, Kentridge; Quijaan Lawson, Kentwood.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Special Teams Player of the Year: Kelyn Rowe, Federal Way
Special Teams Players
First Team: Aaron McMahon, Auburn; Phillip Raschkow, Auburn Riverside; Kelyn Rowe, Federal Way; Scott Stanford, Thomas Jefferson; Tyler Wright, Kentlake; Eddie Zhao, Kent Meridian; Ian Anderson, Kentridge; Matt Bell, Kentwood; David Stoecker, Tahoma.
Kicker
First Team: Kelyn Rowe, Federal Way
Second Team: Matt Bell, Kentwood.
Honorable Mention: Aaron McMahon, Auburn; David Stoecker, Tahoma.
Punter
First Team: Kelyn Rowe, Federal Way
Second Team: Josh Cline, Auburn Riverside
Honorable Mention: Tyler Wright, Kentlake; Wes Concepcion, Kentridge.
All Purpose Player of the Year: Tyler Wright, Kentlake
Head Coach of the Year: Gordon Elliott, Auburn
Assistant Coach of the Year: Walt Hunt, Auburn

All-SPSL North girls soccer

Erick Walker — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:16:29 +0000

SPSL North All-League Soccer Selections
MVP: Laura Rayfield, Kentlake
Coach of the Year: Jason Johnson, Tahoma

Forwards
First Team: Laura Rayfield, Kentlake; Mackenzie Meyers, Kentwood; Kaylee Osterman, Tahoma; Lindsay Dahl, Thomas Jefferson.
Second Team: Sarah Johnston, Auburn Riverside; Megan Amis, Auburn Riverside; Haley Ward, Federal Way; Kayla Berg, Kentridge.
Honorable Mention: Hayley Albrecht
Midfielders
First Team: Taylor Abrass, Auburn Riverside; Katherine Miccile, Kentlake; Kiana Kraft, Kentwood; Reilly Retz, Kentwood; Millie Picha, Tahoma; Brie Hooks, Tahoma.
Second Team: Molly Campbell, Federal Way; Taija Robertson, Kentlake; Nikole Cruz, Kent Meridian; Molly Shiroshi, Kentridge; Megan Harader, Kentridge; Laura Moore, Kentwood.
Honorable Mention: Kaylee Huie, Auburn Riverside; Kendal Feider, Federal Way; Leanna McCord, Kentlake; Emily Gordon, Kent Meridian; Marley Erickson, Kentridge; Kasey Carrel, Thomas Jefferson.
Defenders
First Team: Shannon Keith, Auburn Riverside; Micheal Paulston, Auburn; Frederike Dubeau, Kentlake; Rachel Bindl, Kentwood; Sara Bindl, Kentwood; Tarah Duty, Tahoma.
Second Team: Sadie Phonpadith, Auburn; Lydia Berger, Federal Way; Ashlann Wood, Kent Meridian; Dana Wareham, Kentwood; Tate Latimer, Tahoma; Sasha Nevin, Thomas Jefferson.
Honorable Mention: Danielle Robinson, Auburn Riverside; Jessica Hendricks, Kentridge.
Goal Keepers
First Team: Gina Cardenas, Auburn Riverside
Second Team: Amber Woolcock, Tahoma
Honorable Mention: Savannah Wood, Kentlake; Courtney Johnson, Kentwood.

As expected, Smith chooses UCLA

Erick Walker — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:41:14 +0000

Was anyone surprised earlier this week when Kentwood star Josh Smith chose UCLA over UW as his future home?
Though it was just officially reported this week, the rumor had been out there for well over a month.

Selfishly, I’m a bit bummed Smith chose UCLA over UW, but I’m not surprised. I think overall he’s making the right choice. That’s no knock on the UW, I just think Smith’s style of play is better suited for UCLA.
“It’s a relief and just good to finally get it off my chest,” Smith said. “I’ve known for a while (that I was going to UCLA).”
When talking with or about the big guy, I always find myself coming back to the same thing: What must it be like to be in his shoes right now? I can’t imagine what it would be like to be labeled a future NBA player before my 15th birthday. That’s just really the tip of the iceberg, too.
Think about it. Since his freshman year at KW, I bet a day hasn’t passed — heck, an hour — where someone didn’t say, “Hey, Josh, where are you going to go for college?”
The number of times per day he’s been asked that same question has swelled this year to …
“About a million,” said Smith, a 6-foot-10, 280-pounder who averaged 24.3 points per game last year en route to winning All-SPSL North MVP honors for the second straight year. “It has been very tiring. (The media attention) hasn’t settled down like I wanted it to (after the decision).”

Again, I can’t imagine what it has been like. However, as a member of the media, I’ve watched this unfold and I’ve made a strong effort to simply give Smith space. I can’t lie, however, I did ask him twice during the fall how close he was to making a decision. I even went as far as to ask him why Eastern Oregon University, a small school in La Grande I attended years ago, wasn’t among the finalists. I got a bit of a chuckle only after he realized I was in no way serious.

Regardless, I wish the big guy the best of luck. I look forward to not just watching his final prep season unfold, but his future as well.

BUSY WEEKEND AHEAD

Erick Walker — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:26:11 +0000

Things will be plenty busy this weekend as girls soccer, volleyball, football and cross country are in playoff mode.
Here’s a look at the schedule:

The 16-team West Central District volleyball tournament will be held at Kentwood High on Friday and Saturday. Four of the state’s top-10 ranked teams will be in competition. Those from the North competing will be Auburn Riverside, Kentwood, Auburn, Kentridge and Tahoma. Kentwood’s looking to advance to state for the sixth-straight year. Kentridge is hoping to move on for the first time since 2001. It’s going to be an uphill battle for both teams, especially in a stacked tournament. The opening round on Friday looks like this: Wilson vs. Auburn Riverside, noon; Bellarmine Prep vs. Puyallup, 1:45; Kentridge vs. Curtis, noon; Rogers vs. Gig Harbor, 1:45; Emerald Ridge vs. Olympia, noon; Central Kitsap vs. Kentwood, 1:45; Auburn vs. Stadium, noon; Tahoma vs. Graham-Kapowsin, 1:45.

In football, Kentwood (7-2) hosts Issaquah (6-3) in a state-qualifying game at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at French Field. This is a rematch of last year’s state opener, which Issaquah won 31-28. In that game, Issy’s Grant Gellatly ran wild on the Conks, going for a career-high 321 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries. Gellatly hasn’t run the ball much this season due to a tender hamstring.
“We’re really hoping he’s going to be a go,” Issy coach Chris Bennett told Issaquah Reporter writer Kevin Endejan. “I really think that in order for us to keep moving on deeper, we’re going to need him. Hopefully, for his sake, he can get it squared away.”
This should be a tremendous game. Issaquah’s three losses have come to No. 1 Bothell (36-14), No. 2 Skyline (42-0) and Mount Si (24-21).
I’ll take Kentwood by a touchdown, 28-21.

Also in football, No. 2 Skyline (7-2) will be hosting Kentridge (6-3) in a state-qualifying game at 7:30 on Friday. Talk about a tough draw. Skyline is coming off a 25-20 loss to No. 1 Bothell, a game that included several lead changes. Kentridge is coming off a 27-3 win over Kent-Meridian. Without question, this will be the biggest test of the season for the Kentridge defense, which has been fantastic. That said, the Chargers haven’t seen a quarterback like Jake Heaps or a wide receiver like Skyline’s Kasen Williams.
Can Kentridge pull off what would be the biggest playoff shocker of the week?
I’d love to see it, but I have a hard time believing Skyline won’t rebound from last week’s loss.
I’ll take the Spartans, 35-7.

Other SPSL North football teams gearing up for the postseason are Auburn and Federal Way.
Auburn (9-0) plays host to Kamiak at 7:30 p.m. Friday. It will be interesting to see how the Trojans react without star Chris Young in the lineup. For those who missed it, Young was suspended earlier this week for the remainder of the season. To find out more, log on to the Auburn Reporter (www.auburn-reporter.com).
Despite Young’s absence, I’m taking the Trojans, 35-14.
However, I don’t see Auburn making it past the state quarterfinals.

Federal Way travels to Skyview for a 7:30 p.m. game on Saturday. Federal Way, which finished fourth in the North this season, throttled Gig Harbor 35-21 on Tuesday in a pig-tail game. This team has got to be just gassed. That said, the Eagles have played as good as anybody in the second half and are worth keeping a close eye on.

In soccer, Kentwood and Kentlake both will be playing state-qualifying games on Saturday.
Kentlake (9-5-3) will play Tahoma (13-1-2) at 2 p.m. at Federal Way Memorial Stadium. The Bears were upset by Emerald Ridge on Wednesday night, 2-1, in a shootout. Have I mentioned yet how much I hate shootouts? Brutal. It’s just no way to end a game, any game, especially a playoff game. But that’s a rant I will save for another day. Kentlake lost to Tahoma 2-1 early in the year, then the two teams tied 1-1 on Oct. 10. This should be a great game. I suspect Tahoma’s tradition and playoff savvy will win out in this one. However, I have to say, it would be pretty cool to see the Falcons finally advance to state after a long dry spell.
Meanwhile, Kentwood (12-0-4) will travel to Bethel High on Saturday to play Gig Harbor at 3 p.m. in another state-qualifying game.

Finally this weekend we have the cross country state meet in Pasco. Kent-Meridian advanced its entire boys team for the first time since 2002. K-M’s Alexia Martin is the lone Royal female to advance. Has anyone been paying attention to Martin in recent weeks? She just keeps getting better and better and better. Only a sophomore, I’m excited to see what she’s able to accomplish in Pasco and in the future. Kentwood advanced a pair of runners to the meet: Danny Lunder and Kailey Ulland. Kentridge’s Alex Horton is the lone Charger making the trip.

Another flip-flop in SPSL North girls soccer race

Erick Walker — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:04:51 +0000

Kentwood High’s girls soccer team knocked off Tahoma 1-0 last week to take a one-point lead in the race for the South Puget Sound League North Division title.
Kentwood’s lead, however, lasted exactly five days.
The Conquerors (11-0-4) beat Kentlake on Saturday, but battled to a 0-0 tie with Auburn Riverside Tuesday night. A win in the North is worth three points in the standings while a tie is only worth one. Kentwood’s tie on Tuesday in conjunction with a pair of Tahoma wins, allowed the Bears (12-1-2) to sneak past the Conquerors with only tonight’s slate of SPSL North games remaining. Tahoma entered Thursday night’s match against Federal Way with 38 points while Kentwood, which played Kent-Meridian, was sitting at 37.

Regardless of tonight’s results, both teams already have earned automatic district berths. The top three teams from the North advance to the district tournament while the No. 4 teams has to play the No. 4 seed from the South for the final district berth.

No matter what happens, this has been a tremendous race for both teams.

KW leapfrogs Tahoma in soccer standings

Erick Walker — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:54:35 +0000

If it seems as though you’ve heard this one before, it’s probably because you have.
Thursday night, Kentwood handed Tahoma its first loss of the season on the girls soccer pitch, beating the Bears 1-0 in a South Puget Sound League North Division game. With the win, the Conquerors (10-0-3, 33 points) jumped past Tahoma (10-1-2, 32 points) and into first place in the SPSL North standings with just three regular season games to go.
Interestingly, Kentwood did the same thing to Tahoma in 2007, when the Bears led the division for most of the regular season only to fall to the Conquerors on Oct. 22, 2-1.
Talk about a repeat performance, even down to the day. Now that’s impressive. Of course, there were plenty of repeat performances going around for the Conquerors on Thursday. Kentwood’s goalkeeping tandem of Courtney Johnson and Megan Walburn posted their 12th shutout of the season. In fact, the duo has allowed just one goal all season, that coming in a 1-1 tie to Auburn Riverside.

Both of these teams very well could qualify for state again this year. Now, however, the question remains: When will one of them crack the state’s top 10? The SPSL North is traditionally good in girls soccer, which leaves me to wonder why neither are yet ranked. Hmmm …

KW-KR football game Friday should draw big crowd

Erick Walker — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:49:59 +0000

How big is Friday’s football game at French Field between Kentridge and Kentwood?
Well, for Kentwood, it’s clearly the biggest game of the season. The Conquerors will not advance to the postseason if they lose, plain and simple. Kentridge, on the other hand, can afford a loss and still advance thanks to its win over Federal Way several weeks ago.
Expect a big crowd for this one as is generally the case when these two football teams meet. However, considering a little more is riding on this one, I’d expect somewhere around 4,000 people there, so you may want to arrive early for parking purposes. It’s also worth noting that Kentridge has not beaten Kentwood since 2002, a game I distinctly remember as I picked the Chargers to win that one in the South County Journal, 24-21. I was close. Kentridge won 22-20. Despite the loss, Kentwood’s Will Thompson introduced himself to the league in that game in fine fashion, rushing for 135 yards on 10 carries, including a touchdown. After the game I couldn’t help but think if Thompson had gotten the ball more, KW would have won. That said, the Conquerors did just fine for themselves after that night, winning 13 straight, including their second straight state title (35-28 over Capital).
Interestingly, this year’s Kentridge defense reminds me a bit of that 2002 KW defense. The Chargers flat-out don’t allow any yards.
My pick for this one?
I’ll take KW in a low-scoring affair, 17-14. I’ll even take it one step further and say KW kicker Matt Bell, one of the SPSL North’s best at the position, will deliver a 38-yard field goal with 1:13 left in the game to win it.

I’d like to hear some thoughts on this game. Who’s going to win and why?

UW or UCLA FOR KW’s Smith?

Erick Walker — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:29:50 +0000

Does it seem as though we’ve all been waiting years for Kentwood High basketball star Joshua Smith to decide on where he’ll play college ball next year?
Smith’s decision has been narrowed down to two: the University of Washington or UCLA.
I, for one, can’t imagine what Smith, the top high school basketball recruit in the nation, is going through right now. Sure, years ago I had to decide on college, but my situation was vastly different than the one facing the 6-foot-10, 280-pound Smith. I know, it’s hard to believe that I didn’t have any Division-I universities banging down my door offering me scholarships. Which brings us back to Smith, a really likable kid who I’d imagine has felt at times through the last few years as though he’s got the world on his shoulders in regards to this decision. See, I met Smith when he was a sophomore. After an early season game, one of the first questions out of the mouth of a nearby reporter was, “Josh, do you have any idea where you might want to play basketball after high school? Who’s recruiting you? I heard you already made a verbal commitment … ”

The rumors and questions have been swirling for years. Before last season, one reader even “tipped” me that Smith would be attending Federal Way High School.
All this for a kid — I repeat, a kid — who still has yet to turn 18.

My advice to Smith is simple — go to the university that will make you the happiest. It’s really a no-lose situation. Both schools will provide an excellent education and have solid basketball programs.

That said, I’d like to hear some of our readers. Which school should Smith choose? Have your say on the Kent Valley Preps blog.

AR’s David Paulson shining at Oregon

Erick Walker — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:37:45 +0000

I can’t say as I am surprised that former Auburn Riverside football standout David Paulson is enjoying his new digs with the University of Oregon.

Paulson, a tight end, was a tremendous athlete during his high school days and, at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, is a great target in the Pac-10. Check out the story Auburn Reporter editor Mark Klaas wrote about Paulson at (www.auburn-reporter.com). Klaas was a Duck and knows college football better than anyone I know. The story is definitely worth a read.

Notes from Thursday night football …

Erick Walker — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:38:45 +0000

A few things I noticed from Thursday night’s two local football games: KR vs. Auburn and KL vs. Rogers.
1) Auburn running back Chris Young is a physical speciman. I don’t believe the kid has an ounce of fat on him. Matter of fact, I believe his arms are bigger than my legs. After a slow first half Thursday night, Young and the rest of the Auburn rushing attack figured things out, going for 274 yards in the second half.
2) The Kentridge defense deserves a lot of credit. Sure, Auburn put up 28 points, but it didn’t come easy. The Chargers were simply gassed in the second half. Of course, the Auburn defense deserves plenty of credit as well, especially when considering Kentridge had just one carry for more than 8 yards in the first three quarters.
3) I’m certain Kentridge has just one Dylan Zylstra, though it appeared there were several No. 60s on the field on Thursday. Zylstra, a linebacker, was everywhere. I have him down for four tackles for losses, though that’s an “unofficial” stat. He’s listed at 6-5, 223 pounds on the roster, but I’m guessing when he wakes up Friday morning, he’ll be closer to 215 pounds with all the work he put in.
4) I’m liking this sophomore quarterback for the Chargers, Caleb Smith. The 6-foot-5 sophomore in some ways reminds me of former KW quarterback Carl Bonnell and former KL quarterback Shane Simmons. Smith has similar quarterbacking tools to those two above mentioned QBs when they were sophomores. Smith is a poised kid with a good arm. He’s only going to get better. As much was evident Thursday night, when he completed 6 of his final 8 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.
5) How about Kentlake’s Latrelle Dukes? Since Week 1, when KR held him to two yards, the Kentlake sophomore has been doing nothing but producing. He rushed for 121 yards on Thursday in a loss to Rogers and now has eclipsed 100 yards rushing several times this season.
6) Kentlake’s Tyler Wright doesn’t get enough credit. He hasn’t had one huge game yet, but he’s done a lot of little things that have added up. He catches passes, runs the ball from time to time and also handles kicking duties for the Falcons. On Thursday, he rushed once, which resulted in a 51-yard touchdown. He also pulled in a pair of passes for 29 yards.
7) Finally, can we concede the SPSL North to Auburn? I personally think it’s a done deal. The No. 2 and No. 3 playoff berths, however, will go down to the wire. Look for the Tahoma-KR game and KW-KR game to settle things (or jumble them up even further).

BIG SPORTS SECTION COMING …

Erick Walker — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:29:13 +0000

You read correctly. On Wednesday (Sept. 30) we’re publishing an 8-page sports special section that looks at all the fall sports currently going on. It’s not necessarily a “Fall Sports Preview” since everything began three weeks ago, but it does have a lot of the same elements.
On that note, it will have the boys and girls golf preview since that was the last remaining preview we had yet to get finished. In addition, yours truly takes an A-to-Z look at some of the names and faces you need to know this fall. And I am not bending the truth when I say some of the greatest names I’ve ever heard are included on that list.

In addition to the 8-page special section, we’ll have our usual four pages of sports near the back end of the edition.

Anyway, take a look and let me know what you think.

WEEK 4 FOOTBALL

Erick Walker — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:41:55 +0000

Well, it finally happened … the Kentridge defense let down in a 24-0 loss to Bethel in a nonleague crossover game on Thursday night.
It’s worth noting, Kentridge was without linebacker/running back Devin Topps (sprained knee). Would Topps had made a 24-point difference? I seriously doubt it. I’m guessing KR coach Marty Osborn was playing it safe Thursday night, especially when considering the Chargers play fourth-ranked Auburn on Thursday night at French Field. That will be a huge game for Kentridge (3-0), which has looked great during the first three weeks, but is just now about to get into the meat of its schedule.
With the top three teams from the SPSL North advancing to the postseason, we should learn a lot about Kentridge on Thursday. It’s not going to be a game you’ll want to miss.

In other action, Tahoma drubbed K-M on Friday night. The Royals handed the game to the Bears (literally) in the first quarter, fumbling on their first three possessions. As expected, those turnovers resulted in three quick touchdowns and a 21-0 lead for the Bears. Tahoma did what it has done for more than a decade — run and run well. It was standard smashmouth Tahoma, which passed the ball just six times in a 47-32 win.
K-M did show some explosiveness, especially quarterback David Jones, who passed for 138 yards and a touchdown and ran for 159 yards, including an electrifying 84-yard score. The bottom line was, K-M couldn’t stop Tahoma. Tyler Phippen rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns while Jeff Thompson added 158 yards and a 64-yard touchdown run.

Meanwhile, Federal Way finally got into the win column in SPSL North play. The Eagles (1-2 in league) should have a say in the playoff race during these final six weeks. Federal Way plays Tahoma (3-1) on Friday at Federal Way Memorial Stadium in a pivotal showdown. If Tahoma can pull that one off, it will create a bit of separation near the top of the standings. If not, look for the annual jumbled mess between second and sixth place in the SPSL North.

Finally, Kentlake did little to solidify its postseason hopes on Friday in a 49-14 loss to Federal Way. I’m still trying to figure out the Falcons, a team that took care of business in Weeks 2 and 3 (wins over K-M and TJ) after a lackluster first week against Kentridge. Kentlake will play Rogers in a nonleague game on Thursday, then the Falcons enter the teeth of its schedule with Auburn and Tahoma in Weeks 6 and 7, then Kentwood in Week 9.

The way I see it right now, Auburn’s a lock for the playoffs. The Trojans are just too big, too fast and their offense is too dynamic to be slowed down. After that, I’d be surprised if Kentridge didn’t make it in after its 3-0 start. And, of course, Kentwood always has been a team that gets better as the season progresses. That 21-14 win over Tahoma last week for the Conquerors could (and I think will) pay huge dividends here in about a month.

TALKIN’ STREAKS II: Boys cross country, golf

Erick Walker — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:21:43 +0000

Just a couple of weeks ago I was on here talking about various winning streaks in volleyball, soccer and swimming.
Golf and cross country decided to get into the mix during the last several days, too.
Let’s begin with K-M’s boys cross country team.
The Royals knocked off powerhouse Tahoma last week 27-28 (remember, in cross country, the lower score wins). To put that win in perspective, keep in mind Tahoma has won three of the last four SPSL North crowns and entered this season with a 30-1 dual meet mark dating back to 2005.
K-M followed that up by winning the All-City meet on Wednesday afternoon.
“As of right now, it appears we’re in the driver’s seat (for the league title),” said K-M coach Ernie Ammons.
Which brings us back to streaks. Tahoma has won three of the last four North crowns, but let’s focus on K-M. The East Hill school hasn’t won a team title of any kind since 2002, when — you guessed it — the cross country team won it.
If I was a betting man … OK, at times I am … I’d put money on the Royals right now. With D.J. Jigre, Derrick Daigre and cross country newcomer Matt Bailey, K-M has one of the area’s most potent 1-2-3 cross country punches.
Ammons has been particularly impressed with Bailey, a state swimmer last winter.
“We’re going to run that ship to the state meet,” he said.

Now let’s move on to boys golf, a sport we’re previewing in next Wednesday’s edition.
Kentwood has won the last two SPSL North crowns, but was turned back by surging Kentridge on Tuesday, 90-87.
Medalist honors went to …
Not KW’s Kent Hagen nor Tom Zavada … or KR standout Sean McMullen.
Try KR freshman Ahren Young. That’s right, the new kid on the block has some game, carding a 2-under-par 33 at Fairwood Golf and Country Club. That round of 33 included five birdies. FIVE! I’ve spent a pretty good chunk of my life on the golf course and I’m not certain I’ve pocketed five birdies … in my life. For Young to pull that off is impressive.
“He left himself some really short putts and was just deadly from the fairways,” KR coach Mark Champoux said.
With the win, KR finished the first half of the season at 4-1 … just like Kentwood. Again, if I had to put money on it, I’d say this race is going down to the wire, which should work out well for everyone as KR and KW play one another at Meridian Valley on Oct. 8 in the final league meet of the season.

Lorenzo Romar at KW-Tahoma football game

Erick Walker — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:49:23 +0000

How badly does Lorenzo Romar want KW standout Josh Smith to become a Husky? The UW coach showed up at Friday night’s Tahoma-KW football game presumably to see Smith, who is now playing football. Smith spent roughly half of the game at defensive end, where he recorded his first sack of the season.

Being up in the press box, I probably would not have known Romar was in attendance had it not been for my 10-year-old son, Asher, who was at the game with two of his buddies. Now, I can’t imagine most 10 year olds would know who Lorenzo Romar was (no offense, coach). Asher, however, isn’t exactly your average 10 year old (he generally wakes up early every morning, flips the television on to ESPN and has all the scores and highlights ready for me when I roll out of bed around 7:20 a.m.).

Quick on his feet (and with his cell phone), Asher took a picture of Romar with his two friends and promptly sent it to my cell phone. He then politely asked and received the coach’s autograph.

PREPS OF THE WEEK

Erick Walker — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:40:01 +0000

I’ve been asked several times during the course of the last two weeks if 1) The Kent Reporter would be running its Preps of the Week this year and 2) If so, then when?
The answer is yes, we will be running our Preps of the Week and they will begin this Saturday, Sept. 26. The recent teacher strike altered the Prep of the Week schedule a bit as I send out the forms to schools on Sunday nights and Monday mornings. Because schools were empty, had I sent the forms out, nobody would have been present to get them into the hands of the student-athletes.
Rest assured, we’ll begin them in this Saturday’s edition.
Also, for those who want to nominate a Prep of the Week, just e-mail me at ewalker@kentreporter.com and give a short paragraph explaining what the student-athlete accomplished.

Talkin’ streaks: Swimming, volleyball and soccer

Erick Walker — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:27:59 +0000

Here the prep season has just begun and one streak already has fallen and another technically remains alive, but has taken a hit.
Let’s begin in swimming, where the Kentridge girls opened the season having won 36 straight South Puget Sound League North Division meets. It’s a streak that dates back to 2004, when the Chargers last lost a league meet, that coming against Kentlake. Well, the Chargers dropped their opener, falling to Kentwood 107-78. Kentridge has won the last four SPSL North titles, though now that streak is in big-time jeopardy.

Kentridge, in a roundabout sort of way, did get some revenge days later — on the volleyball court. Kentridge knocked off Kentwood on Tuesday night in five games — 24-26, 25-22, 25-16, 16-25 and 15-7. Kentwood entered the season having won 51 straight SPSL North league matches and the last four league titles. This is a tremendous win for the Chargers. The only sticking point comes from the fact that it was not an official league game. Sure, it was against a league opponent, but league games (essentially those that count in the standings) don’t begin until Sept. 23.
That said, the win remains a big confidence booster for the Chargers. Kentwood hadn’t lost to a North Division opponent — league or nonleague game — since Sept. 23, 2004, when they fell to Auburn Riverside.
In the end, Kentwood’s streak of 51 straight league wins remains alive.

And while we’re talking about streaks, it’s worth noting that the Kent-Meridian girls soccer team ended one last week when Ashlann Wood scored a goal. K-M hadn’t scored a goal since Sept. 11, 2007, a run of 31 straight matches. The Royals weren’t able to pull off the game, falling to Kentlake 6-1.

SPSL North football: Looking back, looking ahead

Erick Walker — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:58:16 +0000

It really was an interesting Week 2 in the SPSL North, a week in which I was left to follow scores on-line since I was out of town due to family obligations.
There are a few things we can take from Week 2 …
1) After beating K-M 49-20 on Friday, Kentlake is better than it showed in the opening loss vs. KR. Running back Latrelle Dukes (3 scores, 139 yards) delivered a solid game and the KL defense stopped a K-M offense that has as many weapons as any team in the league. It’s worth noting that K-M’s Va’a Logotala, a force in the backfield, hasn’t been able to avoid the injury bug (neck). The Royals could certainly use his leadership and ability on the field. K-M is a better team than Friday’s score indicated, though it won’t get any easier for the Royals, who face fourth-ranked Auburn on Friday.

2) How about that Auburn-KW game? A lot of people didn’t give Kentwood a chance, which is interesting considering its history and a coaching staff that is as prepared as any I have ever worked around. What can Auburn take from this win? What can KW take from the loss? I’d be surprised if Auburn lost a North game this year, though it’ll have its hands full with Kentridge (Oct. 1).

3) Speaking of Kentridge, is it time the Charger ‘D’ gets a nickname? If so, what? The starters havne’t allowed a touchdown this year. And sophomore quarterback Caleb Smith has been playing great. As always, don’t forget about KR in the SPSL North race.

4) Tahoma, like Kentridge, moved to 2-0 this week, though the Bears’ schedule stiffens this Friday at Maxwell Field, when it hosts KW. There’s something about KW-Tahoma games. No matter what the talent level on each side, the game is always a nailbiter. That said, the talent level is generally pretty solid for both programs. If I have to pick one game to be at this week, that’s it. Though, keep in mind, Friday is the annual Taylor Trophy game between Auburn and K-M. It’s the second-oldest football rivalry in the state. I’d like to know how familiar the players are with the Taylor Trophy history? Auburn has won the last 11 straight matchups and the Royals would need to pull off a tremendous upset in this one to end that slide.

Kentwood’s Boyce named Big Sky Conference Player of the Week

Erick Walker — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:24:59 +0000

Former Kentwood football and basketball standout Aaron Boyce was at it again this past weekend.
Boyce, a 2005 Kentwood High graduate, helped lead the Eastern Washington University football team past Western Oregon on Saturday 35-14. Boyce, a senior, pulled in six receptions for 126 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown. Boyce, along with Eastern free safety Kevin Hatch, who picked off two passes and collected six tackles, were named the Big Sky Conference’s co-Players of the Week.
Boyce, a 6-foot-3, 210-pounder, has 189 catches for 2,822 yards and 24 touchdowns in his career. He now ranks second in school history in all three categories, trailing only Eric Kimble (2002-05), who has records of 253 catches, 4,140 reception yards and 46 touchdowns.

Aaron Boyce

GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEWS UP NEXT

Erick Walker — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:11:17 +0000

Now that football and volleyball previews are behind us, we’ll be turning our attention toward the girls soccer season in this Saturday’s edition. I thought the North was loaded last year in girls soccer, but this year’s teams look even better. The top three teams in the North earn an automatic berth to the district tournament while the No. 4 team from the North competes in a playoff game for the final district berth.

While the season doesn’t begin until later this evening, I have a hard time telling who the top team is. I could see KW, KR, KL, AR, Tahoma or Jefferson winning the North this season. Kentwood has won three of the last four North Division titles, but KR and KL bring back more starters than any other team in the league. Even with the loss of Stephanie Horibe (ACL), AR is loaded. And Tahoma and TJ simply have two of the strongest traditions around in soccer.

Does anyone see a runaway favorite in this bunch? If so, I’d love to hear why.

FRIDAY NIGHT STARS

Erick Walker — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:01:55 +0000

I was at the KR-KL football game Friday night and came away rather impressed with the Kentridge defense. KR linebacker Dylan Zylstra was virtually unstoppable all night, leading a defensive performance that allowed just 71 total yards of offense (70 of which came in the fourth quarter, when the game was essentially decided).

Meanwhile, Kent-Meridian dropped a heartbreaker to Auburn Riverside, but had several really impressive performances to talk about. I mentioned K-M running back B.J. Arceneaux in the preseason preview as one to watch and he showed why Friday night, rushing for more than 200 yards in his varsity debut.

As for Friday night’s stars, here they are (in no particular order):
1) Arceneaux was the man. After seeing him on the track in spring, I was left to imagine what he could do on the football field. Friday night, I found out as he rushed for 208 yards and three touchdowns (65, 84 and 15-yards) on 17 carries. Nice night, young man.
2) Sure, K-M lost, but as I said, many good performances here. David Jones, K-M’s junior quarterback with speed to burn, rushed for 221 yards and a touchdown (81 yards) on 25 carries. Jones also passed for 82 yards, giving him 303 total yards. I haven’t seen anyone go for more than 300 all-purpose yards since Tahoma’s David Bentrott did it in 2006.
3) As I mentioned, Zylstra was unstoppable on defense. In leading Kentridge past Kentlake 34-7, he managed two sacks and four tackles for a loss.
4) Kentridge’s Axl Snure. Kentlake passed the ball 12 times against the Chargers, two of which landed in the hands of Snure.
5) Overshadowed by KR’s defense was a solid performance from Kentlake wide receiver Austin Pernell, who proved to be the Falcons’ bright spot. Pernell finished with four receptions, including a touchdown, for 80 yards.
6) Auburn Riverside quarterback John Hakala showed the Ravens have an aerial attack worth watching as he completed 13 of 30 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns.
7) Last but not least, I have to give a nod to the Auburn Riverside coaching staff, which decided to go for the 2-point conversion when the Ravens were trailing K-M 29-28 in overtime. It was a gutsy move that led to Cameron Grad’s game-winning run.

I’m sure there were some big performances that I missed. Such is life when you’re a sports staff of one. That said, feel free to chime in with those I missed.

Kentlake-Kentridge coming up

Erick Walker — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:57:58 +0000

I’m heading out to Kentlake-Kentridge here in the next 30 minutes or so. Log on around 11 p.m. tonight and I should have a game story up on our site and some random game notes on the blog, including a couple stars of the night. In addition, you can follow Kent Valley Sports on Twitter (kent_sports).

THURSDAY NIGHT STARS

Erick Walker — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:16:17 +0000

I spent Thursday night at French Field watching the season opener between Kentwood and Central Kitsap. In all honesty, I went into the game not expecting too much since it didn’t count in the standings and, after all, it was the season opener when every team has some rust to knock off.
I was, however, pleasantly surprised.
Kentwood beat CK 39-27. Despite allowing 27 points, Kentwood’s defense looked great. It only allowed 7 first downs and pressured CK quarterback Brett McDonald all night. Kentwood junior linebacker Dalton Blackmore (the younger brother of Hunter) gets the nod for the hit of the game, blindsiding McDonald with a hit I felt in the press box.
Other standout nights included:
1) KW quarterback Tristan Askew, who went for 172 yards of total offense, 80 in the air on one pass and 92 more on the ground. This kid has some wheels (he’s one of the school’s elite tracksters after all) and is slippery in the pocket.
2) KW quarterback Shane Green. He led the JV team to a 9-0 record last year and showed why Thursday night, completing 7 of 10 passes for 78 yards and one touchdown. What impressed me the most, however, was how calm Green was in the pocket, something that came in handy on a 48-yard strike to Allain Songco with less than a minute to play. The touchdown pass won the game.
3) Last but not least, Songco enjoyed a fantastic game. The kid has great hands and caught 4 passes for 141 yards. As if that wasn’t enough, he also threw one touchdown, a 25-yard score to Mike Roy.

If you were at the game, I’d love to hear what you think, especially with KW’s quarterback situation as both were impressive.

I’ll be at KR-KL on Friday night. Should be fun.

FALL SPORTS SEASON IS HERE!

Erick Walker — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:06:09 +0000

After a long summer that ended in a teachers’ strike, the prep season is upon us! This week’s football Game of the Week? Kentlake vs. Kentridge, Friday night at 7 p.m. at French Field. Both teams have high hopes this season. This will be the first chance to get a glimpse of KR’s new I-formation offense, which is expected to focus on the running game of Devin Topps and Alex Tyson. This game also will be a good opportunity to get a look at KL’s offensive line, which should be one of the best in the SPSL North this year. In addition, it will be the debut of sophomore running back Latrel Dukes, who has impressed coach Mike Shepard in the preseason.

It should be a good game.

I’ll be at KW-Central Kitsap Thursday night. The game doesn’t have any impact on the standings, but it’s always nice to see the first game of the year. The game is slated for 7 p.m., Thursday at French Field.