WWU Vikings News
Western’s women’s basketball team is moving on in the national tournament.
The Vikings beat Point Loma 74-60 in the opening round of the D-II tourney this afternoon. Western trailed by two points at halftime, but doubled up Point Loma 26-13 in the third quarter to spark the win.
Junior Libby Stump led the way with 21 points and 8 assists. Senior Olivia Hodges added 13 points and 15 rebounds to help Western win its 10th in 11 games.
The 2nd-seeded Viks now move on to face 3rd-seeded Cal Poly Pomona in the second round of the tournament at 5:00 tomorrow, which will also take place in Ellensburg.
WBC News
The United States-Canada rivalry is back on tonight.
The two countries are facing off once again, this time in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.
Canada will look to get revenge after the US beat them on both the men’s and women’s sides for Olympic hockey gold last month. It will also be a reunion between several Mariners, with Cal Raleigh and Gabe Speier on the US side and Josh Naylor with Canada.
The winner will advance to the WBC semifinals on Sunday against either Korea or Dominican Republic. Tonight’s game starts at 5:00.
Seahawks News
A looming piece of legislation in Olympia could have a significant effect on the state’s pro sports teams.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider said on Seattle Sports 710 yesterday that he believes the state’s so-called “millionaire tax” will hinder the team’s ability to sign free agents.
The bill, which is expected to be signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, will impose a 9.9% tax on annual income of more than $1 million starting in 2028.
The Seahawks have been one of eight NFL teams that play in states with no income tax.
Kraken News
The Kraken are hitting the road on the heels of a nightmare end to their homestand.
They fell to the Colorado Avalanche 5-1 last night to drop their fourth straight game. Ryker Evans was the lone player to score, as Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon scored his NHL-leading 44th goal of the season.
The Kraken have now been pushed to a single point out of the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
They’ll look to rebound up north tomorrow night against the Canucks, who own the worst record in the NHL. Coverage begins at 6:30 and puck drops at 7 tomorrow on KPUG.
HS Basketball News
The All-Conference selections were just released for Whatcom County high school hoops.
Lynden’s Finley Parcher and Lummi’s Jemma James each won Player of the Year for their respective conferences, while Lummi’s Ailina Rabang and Jerome Toby won State Player of the Year.
Lynden’s Spencer Adams, Lynden Christian’s Dawson Hintz and Gunner Dykstra, Bellingham’s Joe Harward, Lummi’s Chayce Waite-Kellar and Sehome’s Xavier Kelley all earned a 1st-Team nod on the boys’ side.
The 1st-Team girls selections included Lynden’s Payton Mills, Lynden Christian’s Ella Fritts and Tyra Dykstra, Nooksack Valley’s Grace DeHoog, Mount Baker’s Rebecca Soares, Lummi’s Bri Metteba and Squalicum’s Lexi Robbins.
Lynden’s Rob Adams and Lummi’s Jerome Toby each won Coach of the Year as well.
Speaking of the county’s top hoopers, they’re gathering tonight for the 38th annual John Clark Senior Classic.
Senior boys and girls basketball players will take part in a 3-point contest, dunk contest and All-Star games. The games will pit city teams against county teams on both the boys and girls sides.
It all begins at 6:00 tonight in Jake Maberry Gym at Lynden High School.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Open Hands, a local non-profit that helps to fight hunger in young children across the county by offering weekend meals during the school year.
