High schools revamp state basketball tournaments

RENTON — Mike Colbrese, the executive director of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, referred to the Washington high-school basketball tournaments as a sacred cow.

For years, the tournaments have been the WIAA's cash cow, generating a healthy profit. However, in recent years, that cow has grown skinnier as attendance has dwindled, especially in consolation games.

The WIAA's executive board attempted to breathe new life into the events, announcing major changes to the state's basketball tournaments for the 2010-11 season during Friday's Representative Assembly meeting.

"We truly believe we can create a better event for kids and fans," Colbrese said. "I truly believe that's what's driving it. The reason for that is, if people really thought what we were providing them right now is the way it should be, our attendance during consolation brackets would be greater."

In the old format, Washington was the only state in the country to run 16-team, double-elimination tournaments. The new model will still start with 16 teams, but the first round will be held at local venues in a seeded regional format.

After the field is down to eight teams, it becomes modified double-elimination, eight-team tournament. There will be three sites with two classifications at each venue, boys and girls. All state tournaments would be held over the same weekend, March 3-5.

"We're not making as much (money) as before and we don't think the experience is there for the fans like it used to be, and we want to try to regenerate that interest," Colbrese said.

The Class 4A and 3A tournaments will be at the Tacoma Dome. The 2A and 1A will be at the SunDome in Yakima and the 1B and 2B will be at the Spokane Arena. Each site will be a two-court setup, and trophies will be awarded for first through sixth places.

"It's a heavy dose, but if you're a basketball fan, you don't mind that at all," said Issaquah girls basketball coach Kathy Gibson, who added she understands the need for a change given the economic realities. "I think it's exciting to have 3A and 4A together."

By consolidating the tournaments to three sites and one weekend, the WIAA not only saves money on staffing and venue rental fees, it also allows players to wrap up the winter season without overlap with spring sports.

Jackson boys coach Steve Johnson said he liked the old format but understands the realities the WIAA faces.

"It's a little sad," said Johnson, whose team played in this year's 4A state title game. "The 16-team, double-elimination, everyone gets a chance to go down and play at least two games and there's something to play for even if you lose. I think that was kind of a unique thing that was great for our state. It sounds like they've sort of split the difference in my mind."

Franklin boys coach Jason Kerr said, "It's hard to say whether anything is good or whether it's bad. You've got the whole financial part of it with dwindling crowds, dwindling numbers, which means dwindling money, which has to be addressed.

"At the end of the day, that's their job — to find out what the best angle is."

Note

• The WIAA Rep Assembly voted down amendments that would have sanctioned boys and girls lacrosse for high schools and middle schools.

Mason Kelley: 206-464-8277 or mkelley@seattletimes.com