The Seattle Times: High School Sports Blog

Video highlights: Jackson Timberwolves v. Eastlake Wolves

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15:03 PST

Highlights of the T-Wolves' 38-15 win courtesy of Jackson videographer Matthew Robertson.

Final high-school football rankings

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:57:37 PST

It doesn't seem possible. Just like that, we're into the first round of the playoffs. Only 16 teams left in 4A and 3A. Instead of a top 10, I ranked all 16 teams in each classification.

There aren't many changes in the top 10.

After winning a three-way playoff and knocking off Wenatchee, Ferris jumps into the No. 10 spot. Marysville-Pilchuck, Bethel and Eisenhower all jump up one spot.

There are some interesting matchups in the round of 16, starting with Marysville-Pilchuck at Auburn. Both teams are undefeated. Both teams have strong running games. The Trojans played well without Chris Young last week. It will be interesting to see of they can slow down the Tomahawks' ground game.

No. 2 Skyline has to play No. 6 South Kitsap on the road and Issaquah travels to No. 4 Jackson. The Timberwolves looked good against their first KingCo 4A playoff opponent in Eastlake. We'll see how they matchup against the Eagles.

The winner of that game looks to get No. 1 Bothell in the quarterfinals. At this point, the Blue Train is the favorite to win it all.

After an impressive come-from-behind victory over Peninsula, Glacier Peak jumps to No. 9. The Grizzlies put up huge numbers. Quarterback Zach Richter completed 34 of 56 passes for 455 yards and six touchdowns. He didn't throw an interception.

They were down 35-13 with 3:45 left in the third quarter and rallied for a win. With the victory, Glacier Peak travels to No. 7 Timberline.

Capital claimed the final spot in the top 10 and gets to travel to No. 4 Union.

Mount Si get to play top-ranked Bellevue for the second time this year and, after edging Camas, No. 3 Liberty has to play No. 5 O'Dea at Seattle Memorial.

There are plenty of exciting matchups this week and we'll have more on those games throughout the week.

1. Bothell (10-0)

2. Skyline (Sammamish) (8-2)

3. Auburn (10-0)

4. Jackson (Mill Creek) (10-0)

5. Curtis (University Place) (10-0)

6. South Kitsap (Port Orchard) (10-0)

7. Marysville-Pilchuck (10-0)

8. Bethel (Graham) (9-0)

9. Eisenhower (Yakima) (10-0)

10. Ferris (Spokane) (7-3)

11. Skyview (Vancouver) (8-2)

12. Issaquah (7-3)

13. Southridge (Kennewick) (9-1)

14. Kamiakin (Kennewick) (8-2)

15. Rogers (Puyallup) (7-3)

16. Central Kitsap (Silverdale) (7-3)

1. Bellevue (8-2)

2. Lakes (Lakewood) (10-0)

3. Liberty (Issaquah) (9-1)

4. Union (Vancouver) (9-1)

5. O'Dea (9-1)

6. Meadowdale (Lynnwood) (10-0)

7. Timberline (Lacey) (10-0)

8. Mount Spokane (9-1)

9. Glacier Peak (Snohomish) (8-2)

10. Capital (Olympia) (7-3)

11. Mount Si (Snoqualmie) (6-4)

12. Ferndale (8-2)

13. Lindbergh (Renton) (9-1)

14. North Thurston (Lacey) (7-3)

15. Columbia River (Vancouver) (5-5)

16. Hanford (4-6)

Video highlights: Jackson vs. Eastlake

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:48:02 PST

Video highlights: Liberty vs. Camas

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:42:21 PST

High-school football playoff brackets

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:25:11 PST

Here are the links to both the 4A and 3A high-school football playoff brackets. There are some dates and times listed.

The final rankings of the season will be posted at 9 p.m.

WIAA 4A bracket.

WIAA 3A bracket.

State volleyball brackets posted

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:54:03 PST

The state volleyball brackets are up on the WIAA website.

Instead of linking you to each of them individually, I'm just going to send you to the brackets page here and all you have to do is click on the classification you're interested in.

The football and soccer brackets are there, too.

I'll warn you that there's a glitch in the 4A bracket. I've been holding off posting this in hopes that it would be fixed, and I'm sure it will be before long. But I'll just explain the problem. At last check, the bracket does not show which team is the No. 1 seed from District 3 (West Central). That should be Curtis, which will play Woodinville -- that's a tough first-round matchup. Woodinville was the KingCo 4A regular-season champion.

The bracket actually shows Woodinville/Heritage, but Woodinville won that playoff yesterday.

The other glitch is that Curtis is shown in the bracket as the No. 2 seed from District 3 (game 7) with Jackson as the opponent. That should be Olympia playing Jackson.

And in game 5, it should be Skyview of Vancouver against Southridge of Kennewick. Skyview beat Bothell yesterday.

If you go to the link and the glitches have all been fixed, obiously you can just disregard this.

We'll have some more discussions about the 4A and 3A tournaments in the next few days. Here's one dynamite first-round match in the 4A tourney that stands out: Kamiak vs. second-ranked Graham-Kapowsin. Not the kind of draw you'd expect as a district champion, but that's what Kamiak winds up with -- thanks in part to Tahoma's first-round upset of G-K in the West Central tournament the other day.

Speaking of Tahoma, the Bears will have to try to play giant killers again. Their opening opponent is top-rated Mead of Spokane.

Nothing really jumps out at me when I look at the 3A bracket. I think the tournament is pretty wide open, although top-ranked Mount Spokane is the favorite. Seattle Prep is in the same half of the bracket and those two could meet in the semis. Blanchet is in the other half along with Mount Si.

We'll be keeping an eye on Archbishop Murphy in 2A and King's in 1A as well.

State girls soccer fields set for Class 4A/3A

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:59:03 PST

Based on Saturday's reported results. Match-ups are set up to mirror the WIAA brackets found here (4A bracket, 3A bracket).

Schedules to be updated as announced.

Class 4A

Monroe at Emerald Ridge (Tuesday 7 p.m. at Sparks Stadium)
Bellarmine Prep at Issaquah (Tuesday 7 p.m. at IHS)

Pasco at Lewis and Clark (Tuesday at Joe Albi Stadium)
University at Kamiakin (Tuesday at Lampson Stadium)

Kentwood at Eastlake
Kamiak at South Kitsap (Tuesday 7 p.m. at SKHS)

Skyline at Tahoma (Tuesday 7 p.m. at THS)
Beamer at Jackson (Tuesday 7 p.m. at Everett Memorial)

Class 3A

Columbia River at Holy Names (Tuesday 7 p.m. at Seattle Memorial)
Lindbergh at Meadowdale (Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Edmonds Stadium)

Bainbridge at Kennedy Catholic
West Valley (Yakima) 2, Mount Spokane 1 (played Saturday)

Lakeside at Union
Camas at Bonney Lake (Tuesday at Sunset Chev)

Glacier Peak at Sumner (Tuesday at Sunset Chev)
Auburn Mountainview at Mercer Island (Tuesday, 7 p.m. at MIHS)

First-round football matchups for 4A and 3A

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:20:33 PST

Here are the matchups for the first round of the WIAA playoffs. I will post dates, times and locations as I get them. I will also post links to the WIAA brackets.

Marysville-Pilchuck at Auburn

Bethel at Skyview

Kamiakin at Ferris

Southridge at Eisenhower

Skyline at South Kitsap

Central Kitsap at Curtis

Issaquah at Jackson

Rogers at Bothell

Ferndale at Lindbergh

Liberty at O'Dea

North Thurston at Lakes

Mount Spokane at Hanford

Mount Si at Bellevue

Glacier Peak at Timberline

Columbia River at Meadowdale

Capital at Union

What a road to state volleyball

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:13:03 PST

It's been a wild day of volleyball as teams try to reach their dream of qualifying for state.

I was back at the West Central District 4A tournament, where No. 3 Curtis beat No. 8 Olympia to earn their second straight title. The Vikings look good. Good enough to win the state title? Maybe. We'll find out next week in Kennewick.

Who else looked good? Graham-Kapowsin. After that stunning, opening-round loss to Tahoma in Friday's first round, the Eagles showed what they're made of and were involved in one of the most exciting matches I've ever seen today, a loser-out battle against No. 6 Gig Harbor. This was an epic, 2 1/2-hour match that had as many twists and turns as any John Grisham novel.

G-K won in five, then beat Puyallup 3-0 to earn the first state volleyball berth in the school's five-year history.

That loss to Tahoma might just have been the best thing to ever happen to the Eagles. We'll see next week. I see this as a trophy team, but they have to play the way they did against Gig Harbor -- a team that also could have done well at state, I beleive, if not for the way this district bracket worked out.

At any rate, I want to update you on who's in state thus far, that I know of. Out of the WCD 4A tourney, it's Curtis, Olympia, Auburn Riverside, Tahoma, Graham-Kapowsin and Kentwood.

Issaquah advanced earlier and I see where Woodinville beat Heritage today to grab a berth. Bothell wasn't so fortunate. The Cougars battled No. 5 Skyview of Vancouver to the end, but wound up losing 3-2. After losing the first two sets, Bothell came back to win the next two and lost the fifth 17-15. What an effort.

Over in the Eastern Regional, top-ranked Mead beat Lewis and Clark in the final. L-C, the defending champion, has come on strong down the stretch and beat No. 7 Richland in the semis. From what I can tell, it looks like Richland and No. 10 Southridge of Kennewick got the other two berths.

Up North, Kamiak beat Edmonds-Woodway in the Northwest District final, with both advancing to state. I haven't seen results yet of who emerged as the No. 3 qualifier.

In Class 3A, it looks like Seattle Prep and Blanchet earned state berths and played for the SeaKing District title. Results should be on our website soon. If I'm looking at the bracket correctly, Mount Si and Holy Names napped the other two state berths.

In the West Central/Southwest 3A bi-district tournament, it wasn't a good day for the locals in most regards. Camas, Capital, Prairie and Peninsula swept the top four spots. But Auburn Mountainview and Lakes came back through the consolation bracket to advance along with Timberline and Columbia River.

No. 10 Kennedy didn't survive, ending a four-year state run.

Meadowdale and Everett captured the Northwest District 3A berths.

I haven't been able to find results of the 3A Eastern Regional, where top-ranked Mount Spokane is favored.

That's it for me tonight. But I'll be back tomorrow with the state draws.

Video highlights: Skyline Spartans v. Kentridge Chargers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:41:03 PST

Highlights of Skyline's 42-0 win in the preliminary round of the Class 4A state playoffs courtesy of Matthew Robertson.

Read our story on the game here.

Joshua Smith: No decision yet

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:26:03 PST

Now that Kentwood's football season is over (the Conquerors were eliminated by Issaquah last night), it shouldn't be long before Joshua Smith announces whether he plans to continue his basketball career at Washington or UCLA.

But he's apparently not ready yet.

I saw Smith this morning at the West Central District 4A volleyball tournament at Kentwood -- the 6-foot-10 senior is here supporting the K-dub team that still has a chance to qualify for state.

I asked him when he was going to announce his decision, and he said he didn't know. I asked him if he's made his decision and he said no.

The early signing period starts next Wednesday, which happens to be Veteran's Day.

Smith, regarded as the No. 1 high-school center in the country by internet sites, is a friendly guy who is easy to talk to most of the time. We were chatting about last night's football game and the cut he had on his left hand as a result of a fingernail gouge.

But when the conversation turns to his college decision, Smith can't wait to change the subject and/or walk away -- without being rude, mind you. He visited Washington last weekend (and was at UCLA earlier last month). His mother had said earlier that Joshua likely would make his decision soon after the UW visit.

I expect it will be announced at some kind of press conference -- several TV networks have asked him to have the ceremony live at their complex. Personally, I'm hoping he and his family put something together at Kentwood, his home turf. But that couldn't happen Wednesday as there's no school that day.

Basketball turnouts start a week from Monday. The Conquerors open South Puget Sound League 4A North Division play on Friday, Dec. 4, against Kent-Meridian. Then on the 8th, a Tuesday, they take on Federal Way, the defending state champion.

I really think Smith wants to get the announcement out of the way before the season starts -- or at least before we move too far into it. We'll certainly keep you as updated as we are.

Final thoughts on Friday night football

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:24:36 PST

Well, after rushing for 150 yards and five touchdowns Friday night, it seems safe to say Issaquah running back Grant Gellatly is finally healthy.

After the Eagles' 42-10 victory over Kentwood in the preliminary round of 32, the senior said he is still struggling with his breakaway speed, but he seemed thrilled just to be back and healthy.

Just his presence on the field seems to give his teammates a confidence boost. He adds a nice complement to the impressive passing numbers Issaquah has put up all season. On rainy nights like this one, Gellatly's pressence adds another dimension to an already talented offense.

I expected this to be a closer matchup. It sounds like the Conquerors had some players out with the flu. They kept the game close early. I was particularly impressed with the play of Josh Smith, the basketball standout who decided to give football a try his senior season. The kid can play. The most impressive thing he did all game was chase down Nik Landdeck at the end of a 50-yard run. Smith caught Landdeck from behind and showed impressive speed.

I was also impressed with Landdeck, a linebacker who was all over the field.

Speaking of Smith, I saw University of Washington basketball coach Lorenzo Romar in the stands with assistant coach Paul Fortier watching the big man play football. Smith has yet to decide where he will play hoops next season.

Here is a look at the rest of Friday night's playoff action.

Upsets make the (volleyball) world go 'round

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:30:02 PST

There are a lot of reasons why I love covering high-school sports.

Today was just another great example.

I'll admit I wasn't there to see this. I arrived at the West Central District 4A volleyball tournament at Kentwood in time for the quarterfinals. I was anxious to see what I figured were some predictable match-ups -- Auburn Riverside vs. Puyallup, Curtis vs. Gig Harbor, Kentwood vs. Olympia and Graham-Kapowsin against....hmmm, I was thinking Auburn could beat Stadium.

I had the first three pairings right. But boy was I wrong about that last quarterfinal. As I walked toward the big bracket posted on the wall, I saw an Auburn fan leaving in disappointment. The Trojans, who had been enjoying their best season in recent years, had just been eliminated....by G-K.

G-K??? That meant the second-ranked Eagles had lost in the first round to....Tahoma??

Ah, it's a prime example of why they play these things out. Tahoma came in as the 10th and final seed out of the South Puget Sound League (and had to survive a playoff to even get to the league tournament). G-K, which beat Tahoma 3-0 in a nonleague match a week and a half ago, was the SPSL champ.

"We gave it everything we had," Tahoma senior Maria Bahlenhorst said.

The Bears went on to beat Stadium of Tacoma to clinch their first state berth since 1978. They play No. 8 Olympia in the semifinals tomorrow at noon. The other semifinal pits No. 3 Curtis against No. 4 Auburn Riverside, and that should be a dandy. Curtis beat AR early in the season. Both teams have improved since then.

All four of those teams have wrapped up state berths, and just two more remain. G-K still has a shot, but must win twice tomorrow -- starting with No. 6 Gig Harbor at noon.

Others still alive in the consolation bracket are Kentwood, Bellarmine Prep, Rogers, Stadium, Emerald Ridge and Puayllup.

I figured it might be a wild week and weekend of volleyball, and sure enough it has been If you missed it, Issaquah won the KingCo 4A championship and direct berth to state with a 3-0 victory over No. 9 Woodinville Thursday.

Congratulations to the Eagles, who had some adversity to overcome early in the season as their setter, Riley Sorenson, recovered from a back injury. You can read more about her in a story I'll be writing for Tuesday.

Woodinville, the regular-season KingCo champ, still has a shot at a state berth tomorrow, and I'll be pulling for them against the No. 2 Greater St. Helen's qualifier.

Check back tomorrow and I'll have some more highlights, especially from the West Central District 4A tournament.

Graham-Kapowsin offense has Tomahawks' attention

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:17:02 PST

Marysville-Pilchuck coach Brandon Carson, who served as defensive coordinator for seven seasons at Granite Falls and M-P before being named head coach prior to the 2007 campaign, will likely call upon this defensive acumen for Saturday's contest against Graham-Kapowsin (6-3) in Snohomish.

"We've got to play some pretty good defense because Graham-Kapowsin is really explosive offensively," Carson said.

Besides the fact that the Eagles are so incredibly balanced (more than 1,500 yards rushing and passing), Carson also mentioned the deceiving nature of their record. G-K's losses -- all in the South Puget Sound League South Division -- were by single digits to No. 5 Curtis, No. 9 Bethel and playoff-bound Rogers.

"They've had a chance in every game," said Carson, who is 18-1 the past two years.

Fortunately for No. 8 M-P (9-0), it has a lights-out defense that has surrended just 15.5 points per Wesco North game and is led by brothers and middle linebackers Siti and Suli Tamaivena. Carson said both are hard-hitting and ballhawks: "They've got a knack for the football, and are talented kids that we're glad to have in the program."

Kickoff at Veterans Memorial Stadium -- the Tomahawks can't host playoff games because their stadium doesn't have field turf -- is slated for 7 p.m.

High-school football live chat

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:35:39 PST

High-school football live chat

More national high-school hoops rankings

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:34:09 PST

Here are the rest of the ESPN RISE preseason basketball rankings. There are no local teams included, but it's an interesting look at the national hoops landscape.

Nos. 1-10

Nos. 11-25

I posted this earlier in the week, but here is 26-50, which includes Federal Way at No. 45.

Feel-good story: The Ike Special

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:20:06 PST

I've heard and read a lot about Ike Ditzenberger recently and I wanted to share these video clips that were passed along to me by Lake Stevens videographer Tony Soper.

The Ike Special (KOMO TV Coverage) from Tony Soper on Vimeo.

The Ike Special from Tony Soper on Vimeo.

PNFOA officials to honor slain SPD Officer Timothy Brenton

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:40:47 PST

Pacific Northwest Football Officials Association members from the greater Seattle area are donating game fees from contests played Friday and Saturday to help out the family of slain SPD Officer Timothy Brenton.

"Because the police are the unsung heroes that serve us day in and day out, and never get the respect they deserve. This is not just a crime against a single person, but rather an entire community. This is simply a small way the PNFOA can show their gratitude and support of the Seattle PD for everything they do for us." -- a quote from the Web site on why people should participate.

Here is a link to The Fallen Hero Fund.

Memorial service set for Joyce Hedlund

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:29:05 PST

A memorial service for Mercer Island tennis coach Joyce Hedlund, who died earlier this week after suffering a stroke, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.

The funeral is open to anyone. There will be an open-casket funeral.

Mercer Island Presbyterian Church
3605 84th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040-3699
(206) 232-5595

Here is a link to the story we ran on Hedlund.

Local girls soccer roundup: district and state tournaments

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:45:29 PST

Northwest 4A District (3 berths)
Clinched state berth: Jackson, Monroe
Still alive: Kamiak, Edmonds-Woodway
Thoughts: The top seed from each division, Jackson and Monroe battle to take the district championship and the No. 1 seed. Look for a great game between Kamiak and E-W for the final berth to state -- each team advanced in the last round via PK shootout.

Northwest 3A District (2 berths)
Clinched state berth: Meadowdale
Still alive: Glacier Peak, Everett
Thoughts: Meadowdale stomped the Grizzlies for the district title, now Glacier Peak plays Everett for the final berth to state. The defending-champ Seagulls knocked out Mount Vernon on Thursday to keep their season alive.

AAA Washington Varsity News -- Episode 10

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:54:11 PST

One more game for Tyee, Evergreen tonight

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:21:03 PST

Tyee and Evergreen didn't get to play their Seamount League game earlier this season because Tyee did not have enough eligible players.

Tonight at Highline Stadium, they'll have their shot -- although it will not count in the Seamount League standings as the original forfeit will stand. This is just a nonleague game.

For both teams, it's the chance to experience victory on the field for the first time this year. Tyee is 0-8, with three losses by forfeit (and one bye). Evergreen is 1-8, with the lone victory the forfeit from Tyee back on Sept. 25.

I think it's great the Highline School District is letting the teams play and hopefully some fans will get out there tonight to support them. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

You chance to pick our Top Ticket games

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:51:01 PST

Memorial for Newport assistant John Fullerton next week

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:34:06 PST

John Fullerton, a longtime assistant football coach at Newport, died last week after suffering a heart attack on a fishing trip in Eastern Washington.

There will be a memorial for the 67-year-old, who spent 44 years in the program, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 11 in Newport's main gym.

"John was sort of the glue that held things all together," Newport coach Mike Miller said.

Fullerton's coaching career began under Rollie Robbins, who started the program. Fullerton was the line coach, but also spent time as the offensive coordinator and, over the years, earned the nickname, "the wizard of the wishbone."

"The head coaches come and go, but the stability of that line coach was always there," said Dan Holden, who was the school's head coach from 1992-97. "For as many wins as he was pretty much directly responsible for, he would always say what was important was just to be able to compete. If you scored more points than your opponent that was the icing on the cake."

Last year, the Knights' booster club honored Fullerton for his dedication to the program. Holden said players going back to the early 1970s came back to the school to greet the coach, who helped the Knights win a state title in 1992 and also worked with the track team.

"John was just kind of bigger than life," Holden said. "He donated all of his time to, basically, his extended family, which were his players."

SPSL 4A all-league cross country

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:21:03 PST

NORTH DIVISION

Athlete of the Year
Alexia Martin, Kent-Meridian, So.

First team
Julianna Mock, Tahoma, So.
Elizabeth Oosterhout, Tahoma, Fr.
Hannah Mittelstaedt, Tahoma, Sr.
Kailey Ulland, Kentwood, Jr.
Blair Slater, Tahoma, Sr.
Allie Willson, Tahoma, Sr.
Lindsay Deck, Tahoma, Sr.

Second team
Anna deCarteret, Auburn, Fr.
Sarah Robbins, Kentlake, Jr.
Marisa Stoick, Kentwood, Sr.
Andrea Antrim, Kentridge, Sr.
Erin Chinchar, Kentwood, Jr.
Alayna Wachter, Kentwood, Jr.
Emily Duerson, Tahoma, Jr.

Associated Press high-school football poll for Week 10

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:16:57 PST

How a state panel of sports writers voted in the weekly Associated Press poll with won-loss record and total points (first place votes in parentheses):

Class 4A
1. Bothell (7) 9-0 70
2. Skyline 7-2 59
3. Auburn 9-0 58
4. Jackson 9-0 47
5. Curtis 9-0 38
6. Wenatchee 9-0 34
7. South Kitsap 9-0 33
8. Eisenhower 9-0 18
9. Marysville-Pilchuck 9-0 14
10. Mead 7-2 8
Others receiving 6 or more points: none.
———
Class 3A
1. Lakes (5) 9-0 68
2. Bellevue (2) 7-2 64
3. Union 8-1 54
4. Liberty (Renton) 8-1 46
5. Timberline 9-0 41
6. O’Dea 8-1 37
7. Mt. Spokane 8-1 28
8. Meadowdale 9-0 26
9. Peninsula 8-1 12
10. Camas 7-2 7
Others receiving 6 or more points: none.
———

Memorial for Robin Hoof this Sunday

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:25:03 PST

We just heard that a memorial service for Robin Hoof, longtime swim coach and teacher for the Highline School District, will be this Sunday 1 p.m. at the Highline Performing Arts Center, located next to Highline High School in Burien.

Hoof, 44, lost her battle with cancer on Oct. 22. She taught French at Evergreen High School and was the boys and girls swim coach at Highline, a career spanning 20 years. She was known as "the voice" of diving at the state meets (as well as Seamount League and West Central District), handling the P.A. duties for that event.

Hoof also coached track at Evergreen for many years and was a fixture at district and state track meets as a timer.

"There are just very few people who give as much as she did for so long," said Coy Jones, former swim coach at Hazen.

I had the pleasure of covering some of her teams and top swimmers over the past two decades. Her 1993 girls team won a state championship. She was a big-time advocate for the sport and for kids in general. It's another sad loss in what has been a heart-wrenching couple of weeks for the local prep sports community.

Hoof was reconginzed at the Seamount League meet last weekend with a plaque, which will be displayed at Highline. We've posted a photo of the plaque and also one of a swimmer who payed her respects in her own way.

According to one posting I saw, Hoof's mother has suggested those attending the memorial service to wear purple -- the coach's favorite color. Not surprising, since Highline's school colors are purple and gold.

Information on how to donate in Hoof's honor, in lieu of sending flowers, is available here.

Issaquah faces Woodinville in KingCo 4A volleyball final

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:33:03 PST

Just wanted to clear up an error we had in today's story about Woodinville advancing to the championship match of the KingCo 4A volleyball tournament (also known as the SeaKing 4A District tournament).

The top-seeded Falcons indeed moved on with a 3-0 semifinal victory over Newport last night.

But it was third-place Issaquah winning the other semifinal match last night over second-place Bothell, 3-1, avenging a regular-season loss against the Cougars. Alyssa Schultz led a balanced Issaquah attack with 15 kills, while Rachel Roeder had 12 and Stephanie Stoll 11. Riley Sorenson piled up 48 assists, while Alexa Batquin provided 25 digs.

So, Woodinville and Issaquah square off tomorrow night at 5 p.m. at Bothell (that's where our freelance reporter got confused, I think) with a direct state berth on the line.

The loser of that match will still have a shot at advancing to state -- as does Bothell, which would have to win three straight matches to get there.

Mercer Island tennis coach Joyce Hedlund dies after stroke

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:27:07 PST

Joyce Hedlund, the longtime tennis coach at Mercer Island, died Wednesday morning after suffering a stroke earlier in the week.

Mercer Island athletic director Craig Olson said Hedlund, who would have turned 67 next week, was having lunch with friends on Monday and she began slurring her words. She was rushed to Overlake Medical Center where doctors discovered a blocked carotid artery.

She died at 10:05 a.m.

"She is a legend," Olson said. "She has been in this community for years. She was an elementary school teacher, an alternative school teacher and her longtime involvement with the tennis community, obviously.

"It's quite a loss."

The Islanders had recently won a championship at the KingCo tournament. It was the seventh title for the boys under Hedlund. The girls team won 10 league titles and nine state titles, while the boys won a total of four state titles.

I just found out about this a few minutes ago. I will update this with more information as I receive it. She was definitely a legend in the local tennis community, one of the first coaches I had the pleasure to interview when I was first starting out.

I recently spoke the boys and girls captains of the Mercer Island tennis team. Here is what they had to say about Hedlund:

Julia Zook, Sr.

"Instead of dwelling on the sad stuff, we focus more on all the things that she did for us and how much we laughed and had fun with her."

"She always thought about others before she thought about herself, which not many people do, especially these days. The fact that she never put herself before anybody else had a really lasting impact."

Max Franklin, Sr.

"She focused on making sure that we had the best time possible, not necessarily trying to change anything about our games, but using what we have and doing the most she can with that."

Julia Schubach, Sr.

"She wasn’t just a coach. She was a friend and someone who was always there for us."

Valerie Gage, Sr.

"She was the gravity, the center of everything on our team. Next year it’s going to be really hard to pick it back up where she left off, because no one can really fill her shoes."

I am working on a story for Thursday's paper. I will update this with any other information I receive.

Final high-school football playoff spots are nailed down

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:14:59 PST

Here are the results from the play-in games last night.

Federal Way knocked off Gig Harbor, 35-21.

The Eagles now travel to Skyview (7-2) on Saturday. The game will be played at Kiggins Bowl in Vancouver at 7 p.m.

As I mentioned yesterday, Ferris won the three-way playoff with Gonzaga Prep and University and will play at Wenatchee on Friday at 7 p.m.

Everett defeated Sedro-Woolley, 41-6.

The Seagulls now get to play the second-ranked Lakes Lancers (9-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Harry Lang Stadium.

Liberty coach Steve Valach talks about Camas

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:25:39 PST

When third-ranked Liberty heads down to No. 10 Camas on Saturday, there is more to plan for than just the game.

First the Patriots had to set up the team breakfast sponsored by the parents. Then, after they leave around 11 a.m. and head down to Camas, there was an afternoon stop for lunch that needed to be arranged.

"There’s a lot of planning that goes into it to make sure the day is as normal, routine-wise, as it can be, so that the kids are ready to go like they would be any Friday," Valach said. "It throws curve balls at you, but that’s part of the fun of it, too."

This is not a typical preliminary round of 32 matchup. These two teams don't get the opportunity for a tuneup early round game. They are meeting in a tough test, what might be the most difficult matchup in this first round of postseason play.

The good news for the Patriots (8-1) is that they have been playing games that carried a playoff-type atmosphere for weeks. It started in Week 8 against Bellevue and continued last week against Mount Si, the third-place team out of KingCo 3A/2A.

"We feel like we’re battle tested enough to play a good team for sure," Valach said.

Valach also said there are plenty of similarities between the Patriots and Papermakers.

"They are really a well-balanced team," he said. "They run it well. They throw the ball ball well and Mount Si threw the ball well on us last week. I’m sure Camas is looking at that and saying these guys have some vulnerabilities to the passing game. I think we need to shore up our pass defense big time against these guys."

For more on Liberty's trip to Camas, check out our high-school football notebook in Thursday's paper.

There was some football played on Tuesday.

Ferris claimed the final 4A spot out of the GSL after winning a three-way playoff against Gonzaga Prep and University.

The Saxons knocked off the Bullpups, 14-7, and the Titans, 10-0. They will play at Wenatchee (9-0) on Friday at 7 p.m.

Gregg Kalina talks about Phil Lumpkin on the radio

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:53:48 PST

To get to the interview, click to about the 21:30 mark.

More audio at MyNorthwest.com

Some area district volleyball brackets

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:07:02 PST

We've had a few inquiries about where to find some of the various brackets for the district volleyball tournaments this week/weekend.

I wish there was one place I could send you, believe me. But if there is, I'm not aware of it.

However, I've done some legwork and can help you out on a few. In many instances, you can go to the WIAA website (which is revamped and looks crisp), click on "About Us" and then "Districts & Leagues" and then click on the are of the state you are interested in.

The problem with some, like the SeaKing District, is that the brackets aren't updated. I'll get back to SeaKing in a minute.

Here are some up-to-date sites.

You can get the West Central District 4A bracket here.

You can get the West Central/Southwest 3A Bi-District bracket here. Thanks to Momi Bowles and her super Auburn Mountainvew website for that info. The West Central District website likely won't be updated until after the completion of Wednesday's sub-district matches (you'll see who's playing in those when you go to the Mountainview link).

You can get the Northwest 4A District bracket here.

You can get the Northwest 3A District bracket here.

Now for SeaKing. I'll start with 4A. Basically, this is the KingCo tournament. The winner advances directly to state. The second- and third-place finishers face playoff matches with the top teams from the Greater St. Helen's 4A League for the final two berths.

You can find the basic SeaKing 4A bracket here. You'll have to fill in the teams: (1) Woodinville, (2) Bothell, (3) Issaquah, (4) Skyline, (5) Newport, (6) Ballard, (7) Eastlake, (8) Redmond.

The quarterfinals are tonight -- Newport at Woodinville and Issaquah at Bothell, both at 7 p.m. The winners play in Thursday's championship match. It's a long road through the loser's bracket, as you'll see.

You can find the basic SeaKing 3A bracket here. Again, you'll have to fill in the teams. In Metro, the are: (1) Seattle Prep, (2) Bishop Blanchet, (3) Eastside Catholic, (4) Holy Names, (5) Nathan Hale, (6) West Seattle, (7) Bainbridge, (8) Cleveland. In KingCo they are: (1) Mercer Island, (2), Mount Si, (3) Juanita, (4) Liberty.

There is the potential for a great quarterfinal Thursday between Eastside Catholic and Mount Si. The semifinal and championship matches are on Saturday at Sammamish. Four teams advance to state.

If you are interested in other district brackets, I'd suggest following the WIAA route detailed above. But this gives you some basics for 4A and 3A.

A first look at national high-school basketball rankings

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:31:34 PST

Yes, it's getting to be that time of year. Football is heading into the playoff and basketball is about to tip off. I noticed that ESPN RISE unveiled Nos. 50-26 in its Fab 50 on Tuesday. I figured I would pass those rankings along, considering Federal Way checks in at No. 45.

Click here

This week's national high-school football rankings

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:33:32 PST

It is pretty impressive when you think about it. Two teams from KingCo 4A have been ranked in national polls this season. I doubt two teams from the same league end up nationally ranked often. That's quite an accomplishment.

USA Today Super 25

The Spartans opened the week ranked No. 15 in nation, but drop out of the rankings after their 25-20 loss to Bothell.

Click here

ESPN RISE Fab 50

Bothell jumps into the Fab 50 with its big win last Thursday. The Cougars are ranked No. 44. Skyline falls out of this poll as well, but did receive votes.

Click here

ESPN West Region Top 20

Bothell jumps to No. 7 here. Skyline is No. 13.

Bellevue, Auburn and Lakes are on the bubble.

Click here

RivalsHIGH 100

Bothell is now No. 51 in this poll.

Lakes comes in at No. 78

Click here

MaxPreps Freeman Rankings

Bothell is now No. 32 is this poll.

Skyline is No. 87

Click here

State girls soccer rankings -- week nine

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:10:03 PST

State tournaments start next week, so I expect a lot of moving and shaking to take place in the league and district tournaments across the state in the next couple days. Maybe a big surprise or two.

Just a heads up, this is the second-to-last installment of these rankings for me. The final edition will run prior to state.

The 4A teams had a pretty clean week, so there aren't a lot of changes at that classification. Kamiakin supplants Richland for the No. 10 spot after the Braves beat the Bombers for the district championship on Saturday. Monroe also works its way onto the bubble after securing the No. 1 4A berth to districts out of the WesCo North Division.

We did see some movement at the 3A level. Everett survived two shootouts to close out the regular season with a perfect record. The Seagulls accomplishment is especially impressive considering they're the only 3A school in the division.

The Metro League teams have continued to knock each other around. Lakeside earned the top seed out of the Mountain Division, so the Lions are ranked highest. Seattle Prep, which has placed second in the last three state tournaments and has been a fixture in the rankings all year, is out.

Another league that saw some action was the GSHL 3A league, with both Union and Camas suffering defeats. Lastly, Enumclaw supplants Auburn Mountainview on the air-tight bubble -- the Hornets finished second in the SPSL 3A league.

If you notice any inaccurate win-loss records, please let me know. Records are compiled by coach reports, media reports and the WIAA website.

Rankings after the jump:

Final state volleyball rankings

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:57:03 PST

If you are a high-school volleyball fan (and you must be if you're reading this!), you gotta love the next two weeks.

I am excited to get out and finally see some volleyball this weekend (I'm pretty sure I'll be at the West Central District 4A tournament at Kentwood).

There was a ton of great action last weekend, and consequently some shake-ups in both final polls. I'll let you see below where everyone landed -- and of course the real rankings will emerge at the end of next week with the 4A and 3A state championships in Kennedy (I'll be there).

Here are some of the "upsets" last week/weekend that impacted these rankings:

* Previously unranked (but highly regarded) Gig Harbor knocked off No. 2 Olympia for the Narrows League title.
* Richland beat Southridge for the Big Nine championship (both were ranked, and still are, but Richland is now ahead of Southridge).
* Lewis and Clark, the defending 4A champion, is back in the picture (not not the rankings) after a strong showing in the Greater Spokane League tournament, finishing second to No. 1 Mead.
* Seattle Prep, which lost to Bishop Blanchet twice in Metro League play, beat the Braves for the Metro tournament title and now sits at No. 2 in the 3A poll.
* White River of Buckley, which has had some impressive matches this season, put everything togeter in the SPSL 3A/Seamount sub-dsitrict tournament and beat two team in last week's top-10 -- Kennedy and Auburn Mountainview -- to take the title.
* Mercer Island knocked off Mount Si for the KingCo 3A championship and a rightful spot in the poll.

It should be another thrilling week and weekend of volleyball action with various district tournaments, so get out and watch.

Class 4A

1. Mead (Spokane)
2. Graham-Kapowsin
3. Curtis (University Place)
4. Auburn Riverside
5. Skyview (Vancouver)
6. Gig Harbor
7. Richland
8. Olympia
9. Woodinville
10. Southridge (Kennewick)

Others (alphabetically) -- Auburn, Bothell, Edmonds-Woodway, Eisenhower (Yakima), Gonzaga Prep (Spokane), Issaquah, Jackson (Mill Creek), Kamiak, Kamiakin (Kennewick), Kentwood, Lake Stevens, Lewis and Clark (Spokane), Marysville-Pilchuck, Monroe, Puyallup, University.

Class 3A

1. Mount Spokane
2. Seattle Prep
3. Bishop Blanchet
4. Pairie (Brush Prairie)
5. Eastside Catholic
6. West Valley (Yakima)
7. North Kitsap (Poulsbo)
8. White River (Buckley)
9. Mercer Island
10. Kennedy Catholic (Burien)

Others (alphabetically) -- Auburn Mountainview, Bonney Lake, Camas, Columbia River, Everett, Holy Names, Lakes (Lakewood), Lakeside, Lynnwood, Meadowdale (Lynnwood), Mount Si (Snoqualmie), Shorecrest (Shoreline), Timberline (Lacey).

SPSL wants to hear more about Federal Way investigation

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:14:02 PST

The South Puget Sound League wants some additional information and clarifications regarding the independent investigation the Federal Way School District completed last week looking into grade changes made for a former Federal Way High School student and basketball player.

The nine-day investigation, handled by an attorney hired by the school district, concluded there was no wrong-doing in the grade changes.

A special committee of SPSL athletic directors met last Friday to hear details of the report and ask questions, but some details were not immediately available as Fedreral Way athletic director Miguel Perez was unable to attend.

Rick Wells, president of the SPSL ADs and a member of the special committee, reported to the SPSL Principals Association today. According to Curtis principal Dave Hammond, president of the principals' group, the special committee wants clarification on some dates and other information not included in the report.

With all of the post-season events going on this week, the principals gave the special committe until the start of the basketball season (turnouts begin Nov. 16) to reconvene with Fedreal Way representatives, this time including Perez. Wells will report back to the principals at their Dec. 7 meeting.

We have reported extensively on this situation since it broke last month. You can read the latest story, which ran last week with details about the investigation, here.

Preliminary round of 32 high-school football matchups

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:26:22 PST

The high-school football preliminary round of 32 starts next week.

We have most of the dates and times now.

Eastlake (6-3) at Jackson (9-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 1 No. 1

Graham-Kapowsin (6-3) at Marysville-Pilchuck (9-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 1 No. 2

Central Kitsap (6-3) at Mountlake Terrace (6-3) on Saturday at 1 p.m. – District 1 No. 3

Stanwood (4-5) at Bothell (9-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. – District 2 No. 1

Kentridge (6-3) at Skyline (7-2) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. – District 2 No. 2

Wilson (6-3) at Curtis (9-0) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. – District 3 No. 1

Kamiak (4-5) at Auburn (9-0) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. – District 3 No. 2

Heritage (4-5) at South Kitsap (9-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m.– District 3 No. 3

Lake Stevens (5-4) at Bethel (8-1) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 3 No. 4

Issaquah (6-3) at Kentwood (7-2) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. – District 3 No. 5

Rogers (6-3) at Olympia (7-1) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. – District 3 No. 6

Federal Way or Gig Harbor at Skyview (7-2) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 4 No. 1

Southridge (8-1) at Mead (7-2) on Friday at 8 p.m. – District 5/6/8

Walla Walla (6-3) at Eisenhower (9-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. – District 5/6/8

Kamiakin (7-2) at Central Valley (6-3) on Saturday at 3 p.m. – District 5/6/8

GSL No. 3 at Wenatchee (9-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. – District 5/6/8

To see how these teams fit into the 16-team state playoff bracket: Click here.

Still to be decided:

Federal Way (SPSL North No. 4) plays Gig Harbor (Narrows No. 5) on Tuesday for the opportunity to play Skyview.

Ferris, Gonzaga Prep and University play a mini-playoff Tuesday for the GSL’s final playoff spot.

Renton (6-3) at Meadowdale (9-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 1 No. 1

West Seattle (6-3) at Ferndale (7-2) – on Saturday District 1 No. 2

Bonney Lake (6-3) at O’Dea (8-1) on Friday at 7:45 p.m. – District 2 No. 1

Rainier Beach (6-3)* at Bellevue (7-2) on Friday at 7 p.m. – District 2 No. 2

Columbia River (4-5) at Nathan Hale (5-4) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 2 No. 3

North Thurston (6-3) at Seattle Prep (7-2) on Saturday at 5 p.m. – District 2 No. 4

Kennedy Catholic (6-3) at Timberline (9-0) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. – District 3 No. 1

Bainbridge (5-4)* at Lindbergh (8-1) on Friday 7:30 p.m. – District 3 No. 2

Everett or Sedro-Woolley at Lakes (9-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. – District 3 No. 3

Enumclaw (7-2) at Capital (6-3) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 3 No. 4

Mount Si (5-4) at Hazen (7-3) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 3 No. 5

Glacier Peak (7-2) at Peninsula (8-1) on Saturday at 7 p.m. – District 3 No. 6

Olympic (6-3) at Union (8-1) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. – District 4 No. 1

Liberty (8-1) at Camas (7-2) on Saturday at 6 p.m. – District 4 No. 2

Sunnyside at Mount Spokane (8-1) on Friday at 5:30 p.m. – District 5/6/8

Spokane East Valley at Hanford on Friday at 7 p.m. -- District 5/6/8

To see how these teams fit into the 16-team state playoff bracket: Click here.

*Bainbridge defeated Rainier Beach, 34-7, at Seattle Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Bainbridge is the No. 5 seed out of Metro and plays at Lindbergh. Rainier Beach is No. 6 and gets to play at Bellevue.

Still to be decided:

Everett (WesCo No. 3) plays Sedro-Woolley (Northwest No. 2) on Tuesday.