Sports Briefs

BASKETBALL

Riley repeats as Coach of the Year

FARMINGTON, Utah — After winning the outright regular season conference title for the second consecutive season, the Eastern Washington Eagles was recognized with several 2023-24 Big Sky Conference honors, as announced by the league office on March 7.

EWU Honorees in 2023-24 Big Sky Men’s Basketball Awards

• David Riley — Co-Coach of the Year

• LeJuan Watts — Freshman of the Year (unanimous)

• Cedric Coward — First Team All-Conference (unanimous)

• Ethan Price — Second Team All-Conference

• Casey Jones — Second Team All-Conference & All-Defensive Team

Riley becomes the first Big Sky coach to pick up back-to-back Coach of the Year Awards since Wayne Tinkle did so for Montana in 2011-12 and 2012-13. It’s the eighth time an Eagle head coach has earned the honor, joining Shantay Legans (2019-20), Jim Hayford (2014-15), Ray Giacoletti (2003-04), Steve Aggers (1999-00, 1997-98) and Bob Hofman (1989-90).

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Loera, Gleason collect top honors

FARMINGTON, Utah — Separating herself on the court all season, Eastern Washington’s Jamie Loera earned Big Sky Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, as well as two more honors. Head coach Joddie Gleason earned Coach of the Year in her third season leading the Eagles the conference announced award winners March 7.

Eastern honorees in 2023-24 Big Sky Women’s Basketball Awards

• Joddie Gleason - Coach of the Year

• Jamie Loera - First Team All-Conference and All-Defensive Team

• Aaliyah Alexander - First Team All-Conference

• Jaleesa Lawrence - Second Team All-Conference

Eastern now has 18 All-Big Sky first team and 13 second team selections since 1984. EWU has three Big Sky Player of the Year and two Coach of the Year awards.

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FOOTBALL

Pierce returns as runningback coach

CHENEY — Eastern Washington University football Coach Aaron Best announced March 5 that Tamarick Pierce has joined the Eagles as runningback coach. Pierce, originally from Oakland, Calif., played running back for the Eags from 2015-21, appearing in 51 games and starting six while piling up 1,648 yards and 24 touchdowns on 285 career rushes. Among a number of awards, Pierce was also a three-time Big Sky All-Academic honoree.

Since graduating from Eastern with a degree in health psychology and a minor in communications, Pierce served as offensive quality control coach for the Eagles in 2022 before spending the 2023 season as a graduate assistant at San Jose State.

GOLF

Krasselt leads Cheney at Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Justin Krasselt finished with a 3-under-par 69 tying him for second and Ryan Howe was right behind a 70, good for fourth, as the Cheney boys began their golf season March 11 at Wine Valley in Walla Walla.

As a team Cheney finished with a 302, second to Lewis and Clark at 293.

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RECREATION

Airway Heights accepts parks grant

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The city unanimously accepted a Parks Foundation grant.

“The Spokane Parks Department has chosen to award $6,000 towards summer activities catering to children,” City Public Works Director Kevin Anderson said.

The grants are specifically designated for enhancing park and recreation services in areas or among populations that may have been under-served.

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SOCCER

Adderly’s late goal gives Cheney win

SPOKANE VALLEY — A late goal from Kade Adderly in the 89th minute allowed Cheney to open its soccer season with a 3-2 non-league victory at East Valley, March 11.

James Guske’s two goals in the 52nd and 59th minutes gave Cheney its early lead.

Cheney played at Shadle Park, March 13 and Medical Lake, March 15, both non-league contests.

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Rasmussen’s 3 goals leads Cardinals

MEDICAL LAKE — Medical Lake broke open a close season-opening game in the second half with Mavrick Rasmussen scoring a natural hat trick in a 5-1 non-league victory over Clarkston, March 9.

A goal from Kaden Rudy in the 26th minute gave the Cardinals that 1-0 lead but then Rasmussen went to work with scores in the 46th, 56th and 60th minutes. Rudy capped scoring in the 60th minute against the Greater Spokane 2A Bantams.

“We played strong in the back, our mids(fielders) were solid and our leading scorers from last year cashed in on a young team in Clarkston,” assistant coach Dan Collins wrote in an email.

Alex Grubaugh earned the victory in goal where he made four saves.

The schedule picks up for Medical Lake which opened Northeast A League play March 12 at Riverside, at West Valley, March 14 and home March 15.