Cheney has 18 named to all-league teams

The following Cheney High School student-athletes have been named to All-Great-Northern-League teams for fall sports. We have included comments from their respective coaches along with the teams for which they were selected.

Cross country

Comments by head coach Derek Slaughter.

Boys

Bas Holland - First team

"Became one of the state's best runners in his sophomore season. The sky is the limit with Bas. He has the winning mentality and the training ethic. Ready for him to emerge as a state champion contender next year."

Tucker Cunningham - Second team

"Had a breakout season this year. (He) has such potential going into his senior season. Once he puts in the miles over the summer he will become an elite runner in the state."

Beckett Schoenleber - Second team

"Freshman phenom. Had an amazing first season as a Blackhawk XC runner. Ran varsity for us the whole season and had an amazing attitude through adversity at the end of the season. Big things to come."

Girls

Hannah Spakousky - First team, Most Valuable Player

"I can't say enough about how hard she worked over these last four years to get to where she ended up this year. Came off a major surgery this summer to have her best season ever in the Blackhawk jersey. She will truly be missed next year."

Marion Mager-Reeser - First team

"One of our freshman superstars on the girls squads. I had no clue how good she was going to be when she came out this last year. From what she accomplished her freshman year we are going to have some phenomenal racers for years to come."

Jolene Whiteley - Second team

"Finished top 15 in the state. Truly a comeback story (like Hannah). I think she is just tapping into her potential as a runner. Some team next year is going to get lucky and score an amazing runner on their squad."

Jaela Thornburg - Second team

"One of three freshman that pushed our older varsity girls this season. She is a tough, gritty and competitive runner. One of the most coach-able freshman I have ever coached."

Megan Habegger - Second team

"Really grew up her sophomore year. Really figured out the work needed to have a successful season. I am excited for her growth as a team leader her junior and senior year."

Brette Draper - Second team

"Senior power" was a slogan this year on the team. We had amazing seniors and Brette was a main part of this crew. She turned from a basketball player that could run to an elite runner in the state of Washington."

Football

Comments by head coach Bobby Byrd

Charles Johnson - First team offense – running back

"Charles has had big play potential his entire career here at Cheney High School. He has great field vision and an extra gear that very few athletes have. He has been a central part of our offense and will greatly be missed."

Logan Kendall

First team defense – defensive end

"He has been fun to watch these past few years with his power and ability to create havoc in opponents in the back field on defense. He has also been a big part of our power run game and his ability to steam roll defenders. Our team has big shoes to fill to replace." him."

Mekhai Goodloe

Second team defense - linebacker

"He has a great nose for the football at linebacker. He is always around it, always making plays and as the year went on only got better. He showed great poise and leadership having to play both sides of the ball and filling in at quarterback. I am glad we have him for another year and expect a great senior performance for this young man."

Girls soccer

Comments by head coach Nels Radtke

Makenna Benson

First team – Forward

"Her speed, hard work, and crafty play led to her to be one of the most dangerous players in the league," head coach Nels Radtke said of the team's leading scorer. "With Makenna's attitude and work ethic, she will continue to be a dominant player in the league the next three years as well."

Kaitlin Teeters First team – Forward

"Whether it's in the midfield or as a forward, Kaitlin is a player you want around the ball as much as possible," Radtke said of the two-time all-league selection. "She constantly outworks the other team which creates great opportunities for herself and her teammates."

Lelie Holland Second team – Defender

"It has been an honor to coach Lelie over the last four years," Radtke said of the three-time all-league player. "Over her four years, she started all over the field as a defender, midfielder, and forward and played a major part in helping to turning our program around."

Emma Scott Second team – Midfielder

"Emma really stepped up this year as a playmaker and goal scorer for the Lady Blackhawk soccer program," Radtke said. "Her vision and playmaking ability helped lead the Blackhawks to some great goals this season."

Lexi VanHorne

Second team – Midfielder

"Lexi was a difference maker this year as a starter on defense, using her speed to be a shutdown defender on the left side," Radtke said. "Often defending players much bigger than her, she used her speed and physical play to take them out of the game."

Radtke was named the GNL's Coach of the Year for girls soccer.

Volleyball

Comments by head coach Heather Zorrozua

Peyton Stark

First team – Setter

"She has been a leader on and off the court both in the classroom and through her play. Peyton (a four-year varsity starter) has always supported her teammates. As a setter, she has done an amazing job building her own skills and that of others."

Cheney Free Press editor John McCallum and staff intern Grace Pohl contributed to this story.