Sports
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
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TACOMAWEEKLY.com
The Sideline is Tacoma Weekly’s sports-only blog, providing you with quick game recaps as well as some content that won’t appear in print! Check in for regular updates, and we hope you enjoy! http://www.tacomaweekly.com/sideline
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TACOMAWEEKLY 2014 ALL-CITY BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM
SAVVY VETERANS AND FRESH FACES COMBINE FOR IMPRESSIVE ROSTER
SECTION A, PAGE 7
2013 High School Baseball Preview
TACOMA SQUADS LOOK TO CASH IN ON THE DIAMOND
PHOTO BY ROCKY ROSS
FULL SWING. Stadium’s Matt Gunn
takes third as the ball sails over Bellarmine’s John Bjork. By Justin Gimse
jgimse@tacomaweekly.com
STADIUM
Stadium looks to field another Tacoma team on the rise. The Tigers finished in sixthplace in the highly-competitive 4A Narrows league in 2013 and coach Barry Fretwell sees a group of returning players that has put in the work to climb higher in the standings this season. Leading the team are senior pitcher Jake Vieth and senior catcher Matt Gunn, who both hit over .400 last year. Fretwell says they look even stronger this spring. Senior pitcher/ outfielder Michael Van Orden returns after batting .382 and look for breakout seasons from sophomores Tyler “Smurf ” Mick and Jacob Hinkle. With a strong offensive lineup, solid defense and pitching, look for the Tigers to move up in 2014.
WILSON
IVY SMITH JR. - WILSON
PHOTOS BY ROCKY ROSS
Wilson was the top Tacoma team in the 3A Narrows in 2013 finishing in fourth place and advanced to the playoffs. Coach Doug Rupe believes he has the makings of an all-around competitor this year and expects every game to be a good matchup for the Rams. Senior pitcher Brady O’Keefe, a second-team Narrows selection last year, has the ability to keep Wilson in the game whenever he’s on the mound. Senior leadoff hitter Thomas Norisahn was a second-team Narrows pick and is one of the team’s best gloves and fast on the base-path. Junior infielder and first team Narrows selection Matt Stortini may be the “best defensive baseball player I have ever seen in high school,” said Rupe. Curtis High School transfer John Halseth takes over at first base and brings a power bat to the middle of the Rams lineup. With a trio of senior pitchers – O’Keefe, Jared Horner and Evan Stout, along with talented sophomore Mack Larson – Wilson plans on going after opposition batters with a steady diet of strikes backed-up by a solid defense. Sophomore Noah Hill takes over behind the plate and is expected to excel calling games for the Rams.
FOSS
DAVID JENKINS - WILSON
LUCIOUS BROWN - STADIUM
Foss finished in the middle of the 3A Narrows pack last season and coach Roy Young sees potential for a step up the ladder. With five solid seniors returning - catcher Ryan Phillips (two-time all-league), pitcher Marcus Ransom, pitcher Omar Morris, first baseman Brady Todhunter and outfielder Erik DeRusha, coach Young will field a veteran group ready to battle for a league or even a district playoff spot. Keep an eye out for sophomore utility player Austin Eisenmenger.
LINCOLN
The Lincoln Abes are going to have to grow up real quick this season. Coach Ron Gee starts just one senior, Zach Bennett, who will at times be counted on to play nearly every position on the field. Junior shortstop and sophomore pitcher Mark Jones were both second-team Narrows selections last year. The Abes only won two games in 2013 and will rely upon new blood and enthusiasm to improve upon that mark. Look for sophomore Devan Brady and freshmen Austin Music, Zavier Huebner and Caleb Ford to step up for Lincoln.
MOUNT TAHOMA AR’MOND DAVIS - FOSS By Justin Gimse jgimse@tacomaweekly.com
FIRST TEAM Lucious Brown – Stadium – Sr. - 6-6 - Point Guard/Forward Brown was voted MVP of the 4A Narrows League. The big guard overpowered defenders on the outside and inside and his quickness and passing ability surprised and overwhelmed opponents. He averaged a triple-double 18 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, leading a surprise Tigers team to a 4A Narrows league title and the Regional Finals.
ALPHONSO ANDERSON - WILSON Ar’Mond Davis – Foss – Sr. – 6-5 – Shooting Guard Davis led both 4A and 3A Narrows in scoring with 26 points a game. He was a deep threat from the outside and amazing in transition. Spectacular dunks and the consummate Go-To Threat. Davis led the Falcons deep into the playoffs, falling one game short of the 3A State Tournament. Alphonso Anderson – Wilson – Soph. – 6-7 – Forward The young Anderson averaged a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds per game. After dominating the glass and working well from the high and low posts, Anderson was X See BASKETBALL / page A10
New coach Todd Roos has high expectations for the Mount Tahoma Thunderbirds this season. The squad returns five solid seniors: shortstop Kasey Baily, pitcher Garret Granvold, third baseman Kyle Couture, catcher Kyle Bailey and outfielder Lawrence Cade-Batek. New faces expected to step up are junior Kasey Hanipale and freshman Garret Rohrs. Coach Roos is counting on his experienced players to improve upon the teams three victories from 2013 and has set a team goal to make the Narrows 3A playoffs this year. Fun fact – Roos has fewer names to remember with two Kyles, two Kaseys, two
X See BASEBALL / page A10