Media from around the state submitted ballots (voted for five first-team players, and five second-teamers) for the Associated Press all-state high school basketball teams for boys and girls.

** AP ALL-STATE BOYS TEAMS

CLASS 4A
Player of the year: Zach LaVine, sr., Bothell.
First team: Zach LaVine, sr., Bothell; Jason Todd, jr., Jackson; Tucker Haymond, sr., Garfield; Lucas Miekle, sr., Bellarmine Prep; Dominic Robinson, sr., Curtis.
Second team: Terry Dawn, sr., Arlington; Austin Rehkow, sr., Central Valley; Nate Streufert, jr., Richland; Braxton Tucker, sr., Spanaway Lake; Carlos Vijarro, sr., Davis.

CLASS 3A
Player of the year: …

Read more »

Two weeks ago, it was audition time at the WIBCA all-state basketball games where seniors were showcasing themselves for an even bigger honor.

The 19th annual Washington-versus-Oregon “Northwest Shootout.”

The rosters are set for the all-star game, which will be held April 20 at the University of Portland.

WASHINGTON BOYS’ ROSTER: Marquis Armstead, Mountlake Terrace; Brett Bailey, University; Will Dorsey, Rainier Beach; D.J. Fenner, Seattle Prep; Tre’Shaun Fletcher, Lincoln; Tucker Haymond, Garfield; Lucas Meikle, Bellarmine Prep; Isaac Reismer, Lynden Christian; Dominic Robinson, Curtis; Dezmyn Trent, Foss.

OREGON BOYS’ ROSTER: Caleb Dozier, Southridge; Austin Dyer, Central Catholic; Evan Garrison, Tigard; Zach

…

Read more »

An all-star showcase suddenly turned into a real basketball game.

That normally isn’t how it goes when the Class 4A and Class 3A boys hook up at the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association all-state game.

But as soon as the 4A squad started making shots late, suddenly a more serious expression came over the face of coach Tim Kelly, who just led Curtis High School to the WIAA state title two weeks ago.

“I said, ‘Can you play just a little bit of defense now?’” Kelly said with a chuckle.

And after trailing by as many as 17 points in …

Read more »

Newly-minted high school basketball champions – meet the new governor of the state of Washington.

Seven of the schools, including Class 4A state boys’ basketball tournament winner Curtis High School, will be represented Friday when players and coaches meet new governor Jay Inslee as part of a guided tour of the capitol building.

“It’s a real pleasure to meet and congratulate Washington’s top basketball programs on their accomplishments,” Inslee said in a released statement. “These student-athletes have put in tremendous hard work and training. I know how much this sport taught me about leadership and teamwork and I know these …

Read more »

From Pensinsula Gateway sports editor Neil Pierson

Gig Harbor High boys basketball coach Craig Brooks has resigned his position after two seasons, Tides’ athletic director Bob Werner confirmed Wednesday.

Brooks was placed on paid administrative leave in January after parents complaints led to a Peninsula School District investigation. The investigation is still ongoing, Werner said, but Brooks didn’t wait for its conclusion, turning in his resignation.

Controversy began swirling around the program in early January after four players were suspended for undisclosed violations during a trip to Ketchikan, Alaska. The school district declined to name the players, citing student privacy …

Read more »

Open to the public, Curtis High School will host a “Champions Rally” for its Class 4A state-winning boys’ basketball team in University Place on Monday night.

A host of special guests, including district superintendent Patti Banks, high school principal David Hammond, athletic director Terry Jenks, varsity basketball coach Tim Kelly and a couple of players, will be guest speakers at the ceremony, which is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Vikings’ home gymnasium.

A video tribute, plus performances by the school’s cheerleading squad and marching band will follow. Also, Curtis basketball championship apparel will be available for purchase.

No hangover from state high school basketball?

Get your added fix at the Cloud 9 South Sound All-Star Boys’ Basketball Event, which takes place March 22 at Auburn High School.

The schedule:

G1: Nisqually League all-stars vs. Seamount League all-stars, 4 p.m.
G2: SPSL 2A vs. SPSL 3A, 5:30 p.m.
G3: Narrows 3A vs. Narrows 4A, 7 p.m.
G4: SPSL North vs. SPSL South

Some of the players scheduled to compete include Lincoln High’s Ahmaad Rorie, Bellarmine Prep’s Isaiah Flynn, Auburn’s Harold Lee, Tahoma’s Coleman Wooten, Spanaway Lake’s Braxton Tucker, Curtis’s Dominic Robinson and Federal Way’s Brayon …

Read more »

Jason Kerr, one of the most successful high school boys’ basketball coaches in Washington the past two decades at Franklin High School, resigned Monday, citing the need to spend more time with his family.

In his 14 seasons, he won 271 games. During that span, the Quakers made 10 trips to the state championships – earning state trophies eight times, including Class 4A titles in 2003 and 2006, and a 3A championship in 2009.

Kerr is one of 10 coaches in state history to win three or more 4A or 3A titles, joining Mike Bethea (Rainier Beach), Dave Denny (Mark …

Read more »