HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW SECTION
winter sports ’25-26 Thursday, December 11, 2025
BOYS BASKETBALL I GIRLS BASKETBALL I GYMNASTICS I BOYS WRESTLING I GIRLS WRESTLING
Pictured: Addison Wells Morrison, right, enters her fourth season as a starter for Mead basketball, where her father Adam starred more than two decades ago. JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER also today I
WV’s MVP QB ready to help Eagles basketball defend titles PAGE 5
With a game eerily similar to her dad Adam’s, Addison Wells Morrison ready to cap her brilliant Mead career PAGE 2
A majority of GSL schools will field girls wrestling teams for first time PAGE 7
T2 • Thursday • December 11, 2025
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
winter sports preview ’25-26
JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Mead senior Addison Wells Morrison, right, standing next to her dad and former Gonzaga star Adam Morrison, has signed to play with the University of Idaho next season.
LEGEND IN THE MAKING
Mead’s Addison Wells Morrison makes name for herself under watchful eye of her famous father senior – it just happens really quick.” “I’m proud of the way she’s created her own path,” Adam Morrison said. “I always told her, ‘If you play hard and put in the time, good things will happen.’ “
By Dave Nichols
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
The name Morrison is synonymous with Spokane basketball. Adam Morrison enjoyed a record-setting high school career at Mead, helped lead Gonzaga to the national spotlight and was a two-time NBA champion and played internationally before returning to his hometown to become a respected analyst for the Zags. But for the past three years, his daughter Addison has been ruling the courts of the Greater Spokane League and making a name for herself. Entering her fourth year as a starter for the Panthers, the younger Morrison has received all-league honors each of the past two seasons. She has helped Mead reach the state tournament each of the past three seasons earning a second- and third-place trophy. As she embarks on her senior year, Morrison is secure in the knowledge that she has already committed to University of Idaho to continue her education and basketball pursuits. “It’s really nice to just know that I can put all my effort and energy this year into one program,” she said. “I’ll start my senior year knowing where I’m going and having that pressure relieved I can just go out and play, have fun, enjoy the moment with my teammates in this program.”
Nature vs nurture
JAMES SNOOK/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Mead’s Addison Wells Morrison during a 2024 game against Gonzaga Prep. Mead coach Quantae Anderson has known Morrison since she was in grade school. He says the time has gone by like a blink of an eye.
“It’s crazy,” he said. “I was just telling her dad ... it happened so fast. She used to come to our camp when she was in fourth, fifth grade, and now to see her and to be a
GSL GIRLS BASKETBALL AT A GLANCE By Dave Nichols
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2025-26 Greater Spokane League girls basketball teams. In alphabetical order by division. Records and standings from 2024-25 season.
GSL 4A/3A
Central Valley (27-0, 9-0, first): The defending State 3A champion Bears will look radically different this season, with four starters – including McDonald’s All-American, Gatorade state player of the year and GSL MVP Brynn McGaughy now with the Washington Huskies. But the cupboard is not bare for third-year coach Jason Wilson, as four letterwinners return, led by junior guard Drea Domebo, who was allleague as a frosh before missing most of sophomore year with injury. Cheney (5-17, 1-8, ninth):
New coach Bryce Currie has five letterwinners and two starters back from a team that took some lumps last year in league. “We are starting the season with a strong foundation of athleticism and quickness,” Currie said. “With a guard-heavy roster and a mix of experienced seniors and young talent this group will play a fast game.” Seniors Natalie Richards, Sarah Hanson and Izzy Weed are key returners. Ferris (9-15, 4-5, sixth): Third-year coach Courtney Gray saw the program’s all-time leading scorer Kayla Jones graduate in the spring, but she has six letterwinners and three starters back, including senior post Mateia Eschenbacher, senior guard Brooke Chisholm, and sophomore Juju Lewis. “Our core three returners will be able to score for us from different areas of the floor,” Gray said. “We have a scrappy group that can put defensive pressure on teams and
force turnovers.” Gonzaga Prep (15-8, 6-3, fourth): The Bullpups were knocked out at districts last year, but return eight letterwinners – including guard Aylah Cornwall, who was all-state her freshman season and missed all of last year with injury. She’ll be joined by second-team all-league senior Laura Thompson and two-year starter junior Quinn Pederson. “Health is going to be paramount,” coach Geoff Arte said. “We are small, so we will have dictate the pace a bit more than in the past on both sides of the ball. But we have the chance to be really good by the time the playoffs roll around.” Lewis and Clark (9-14, 2-7, eighth): The Tigers are a seniorand junior-heavy team that has “big goals,” according to second-year coach Sydney Floriani. Senior starters Ruby Shaw and Olivia Baird are joined by Kayla Vue and Lindsey
The first thing one notices about Addison on the floor is just how much her game resembles her dad’s. Mannerisms, movement – even his famous drop step – are all on display. It’s remarkable, really. Some of it is intentional. Adam was Addison’s first coach, of course. But some of it is genetic. “I think it’s a combo of both,” Adam said. “Obviously, she’s putting a lot of time in in the gym by herself, and then, obviously, with me and then other trainers. You know, we have a similar gait and kind of how we move, but she’s definitely a better defensive and rebounding player than I ever was. And that’s not even like trying to be funny.” “I’m definitely very lucky having my dad and who he is, and he’s helped me a lot with my game and it definitely has made me the player I am today,” Addison said. “I would say it’s probably 70-30 that his skills have definitely formed who I am, and then part of it is just trying to find who I want to be different and be my own player.”
Zimmerman, who both missed last season with ACL injuries. “We are a seasoned team with a united hunger to compete each game,” Floriani said. “We want to bring consistent energy and establish ourselves as a tough defensive team.” Mead (17-6, 7-2, third): The Panthers were eliminated in the first round of state last year but return eight letterwinners and four starters, including two-time first-team allleague guard Addison Wells Morrison for her senior season. It’s a guardheavy lineup, with senior Reese Frederick and junior Ellie Thornton expected to help lead. “Varsity experience, along with some key newcomers, will bring a fun dynamic to a team,” coach Quantae Anderson said. Mt. Spokane (8-14, 3-6, seventh): Veteran coach Jim Redmon is in his third season with the Wildcats after a one-year retirement from Lewis and Clark. He has five letterwinners and two starters back, including Jaelyn Rubright and Dakota Wyss. “I think we have a talented group,” Redmon said. “But with a lot
See MORRISON, 8
of new players, we need to see how long it will take to get them on the same page. Ridgeline (20-5, 8-1, second): The Falcons will be young. How young? Try seven freshman on varsity. The returners are strong, though, as first-team all-league post Madi Crowley will be joined by junior point guard Grace Sheridan, who returns after missing the 2024-25 season with injury. “This team will be much different looking this year as we have had eight of our 11 players from last year either graduate or decide not to play this year,” veteran coach Freddie Rehkow said. “We will be scrappy and fun to watch, and hope to make another state tournament run this year.” Shadle Park (4-16, 0-9, 10th): New coach Ben Sherman moves from Oregon to Spokane and inherits eight letterwinners and two starters, including senior all-league guard Makenzie Fager, who Sherman says “is poised for a big senior season.” Fellow seniors McKenzie See GIRLS BASKETBALL, 3
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
winter sports preview ’25-26
December 11, 2025 • Thursday • T3
DEER PARK’S ‘FAB FOUR’
COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Deer Park’s Jacey Boesel, sisters Ashlan and Emma Bryant and Berlyn Zimmerer return for a Stags’ team that lost in the State 2A semifinals a season ago.
With quartet of returning starters, Stags put lengthy league winning streak on the line By Dave Nichols
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
It’s been almost four calendar years since the Deer Park girls team has lost a league game – either regular season or in the district playoffs – a period which included moving up a classification from 1A into the Greater Spokane League 2A division. In fact, they’ve only lost seven games total over that span, which includes a loss in the State 2A semifinals last season and in the 1A title game in 2024 – losses that prevented two undefeated seasons. “My sophomore year, we got second, and then getting third (last season) was kind of disappointing,” senior Emma Bryant said. “I mean, we worked our butts off. ... But I think we’re coming back ready this year. So, it’s kind of just more motivation than anything.” Stags stalwart Brooklyn Coe – a threeyear first-team all-league guard – graduated, but four starters return: two-time league MVP junior Ashlan Bryant, her sister Emma, and fellow seniors Jacey Boesel and Berlyn Zimmerer. All four will play at the next level. Ashlan Bryant and Boesel are undecided, while Emma Bryant signed at Idaho State and Zimmerer is headed to Rocky Mountain College in Billings. “I’m kind of sad, just because it’s my sister’s last season. All my seniors that I love, it’s their last season, and I’m going to kind of be a little bit on my own next year,” Ashlan Bryant said. “But I have faith in us this year, faith in us next year, so I’m just hoping for a ‘ship.’ “ “I think about it every day,” Emma Bryant said of graduating and leaving Ashlan behind in high school. “I mean, it’s just so sad. We love playing with each other. We’ve played together since we were
little. Play with each other every day. I mean, I can’t imagine playing without her. But I’m excited for this last season with her, so that’s really another reason why we want to win. Just make it that much more special.” “I’m trying not to look ahead, but boy, we’re gonna miss them next year,” Deer Park coach KC Ahrens said. “We’re gonna have to change our schedule, for sure.” That schedule includes games against bigger schools such as Kennewick, Coeur d’Alene, Bonners Ferry and University, and smaller powers Toppenish, Selah and Zillah before they get to league play. “We’re really excited about the new games we picked up this year,” Boesel said. “We have a little bit more competition at in the beginning. We want the biggest challenges we can get so that when we go the SunDome (for state), we’re the best prepared we can be.” “We are traveling all over,” Ahrens said. “We had to do a lot of calling to try and get people to play. And when you’re going to be, you know, pretty good or really good, it’s hard to get people to pick up the phone sometimes.” “I feel like last year we didn’t really get a chance to have any tough games before state,” Ashlan Bryant said. Admittedly, the GSL 2A division has been top heavy the past couple of seasons. “I think Clarkston and Pullman are going to be good, with length and athleticism. And then I think West Valley kind of got a kid, so they’re competing,” Ahrens said. But realistically, Deer Park will be judged against themselves most of the season. And the ‘Fab Four’ will carry them as far as they go. “We’re not big. But they can all shoot. They can all dribble the basketball,” Ahrens said. “It’s just a testament that
GIRLS BASKETBALL Continued from 2
Duncan and Tameira Thompson help provide a solid nucleus. “We had a great summer and that has translated to a good start to practice,” Sherman said. “We have a long way to go, but our goal is to be competitive every game by relying on our defense and rebounding.” University (11-12, 5-4, fifth): The Handran sisters, seniors McKenzie and Keely, are the two starters who return for third-year coach Angel Rivera. Lilly Heaton – an all-league soccer player – and Chloe Ahumada return for their senior seasons, though, after not turning out last year. “We have the most athletic team from top to bottom that we have had in the last three years,”
Rivera said. “We have to use that to our advantage, and get the ball out and run.”
GSL 2A
Clarkston (18-6, 10-2, second): Kellie Kromrei is the new coach with five letterwinners back, but just one starter – GSL co-MVP senior Jaelyn McCormack-Marks. Her sister, sophomore Joslyn, got plenty of playing time last season, as did seniors Preslee Dempsey and Aneysa Judy. Kromrei expects the Bantams to be “strong defensively and physical.” Deer Park (26-1, 12-0, first): The Stags lost one game all of last season – in the State 2A
Deer Park guard Ashlan Bryant drives to the hoop against Coeur d’Alene last December. CHERYL NICHOLS FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
they all put in the work.” “I feel like we play to our skills big time, because we don’t have a lot of height,” Ashlan Bryant said. “We’re all kind of around 5-foot-7, so we’re pressing the whole time and we like to play fast.” Zimmerer, who has known Ahrens since she was in his sixth-grade class, is the only one of the four who grew up in the Deer Park system. The Bryants came in when Emma was a sophomore and Boesel transferred in last year as a junior. “It was hard at first to adapt,” Zimmerer said when the transfers happened. “But they came in and they’re just great people. It’s really easy to when you have great people to come together and put aside any differences. We love each other off the court as much as we do on the court, which I think really helps.” Boesel helped Okanogan reach the State 2B title game as a freshman and sophomore before moving to Deer Park, so she’s played in a state semifinal three years in a row. “I think everyone on this team has definitely wanted to win for a while,” Boesel said. “Coming from a school that also lost the championship, and then we also lost the championship – we definitely have been in that spot, and we are definitely
semifinals. They bounced back to place third in the tournament and have four starters back from that team, including two-time league MVP junior Ashlan Bryant, her sister senior Emma Bryant (Idaho State), and seniors Jacey Boesel and Brelyn Zimmerer (Rocky Mountain College). The team has won 42 straight games against league competition including district playoffs. “If we remain healthy, we will be very competitive at league and state level and have a chance at a fourth straight league and district title,” coach KC Ahrens said. East Valley (3-18, 1-11, sixth): The Knights have seven letterwinners and four starters as second-year coach Tierre Warren continues rebuilding a once-proud program. “Our strength this year will be our shooting and quickness,”
hungry to get back.” Using one’s self as a measuring stick can also set one up for disappointment if those goals go unfulfilled. “I watched my siblings win state, so it’s definitely been a dream of mine,” Boesel said. “But as long as we all work really hard and put our best effort, whatever our last game comes to and whatever the outcome is, I think we’ll be happy if we try our best.” “I think we have a good chance of winning,” Emma Bryant said. “If we lose, it’ll be disappointing. But if we bust our tails, work our way up – I mean, it’s all you can do, right?” It’s Ahrens’ job to keep things in perspective while encouraging his crew to reach for the highest goal attainable. “If we can win in league and in the district championship, we get a chance to play at state,” he said. “It’s hard to not look ahead. We’ve talked to our parents, and I said, ‘You don’t get to go 26-1 every year.’ You kind of get spoiled. ... So, I won’t see it as a letdown if we don’t (win state), but if we don’t get there, I think that would be disappointing. “You’d hate to have this group of kids not get to the state tournament. That would be heartbreaking.”
Warren said. “We surprised a lot of teams with our play last season and want to continue trending upward with projections.” Senior guard Italia Salina earned honorable mention allleague last year. North Central (5-15, 5-7, fifth): New coach Kelly Harmon has six letterwinners and three starters returning, led by seniors Micaela Mendez and Mia Shaw, and junior Arkayla Brown, who was the team’s leading scorer at 10.4 points per game. “Our senior posts will give us inside presence,” Harmon said. “We are looking for our young athletes to strengthen our overall defense.” Pullman (14-8, 8-4, third): The Greyhounds bring in longtime Colton boys coach Seth Paine to take over. He’ll have eight letterwinners and four starters back, including senior guard Grace Kuhle and senior
post River Sykes. “We are an older team with some experience,” Paine said. “This league is very tough so we will have to bring our very best every night.” Rogers (2-19, 1-11, sixth): The Pirates have one returning starter, leading scorer Saige Stuart. Seventhyear coach Lindsay Hernandez indicated senior Jordyn Bridges will be a key newcomer. “We’re small, but mighty,” Hernandez said. West Valley (10-12, 5-7, fourth): Six letterwinners and three starters return for coach Tyrone Ashley, who starts his third season at the helm. “Our strengths are the core of returning players,” Ashley said. “To be competitive, we need to be consistent and solid defensively, and show up every night.” Senior forward Brynlee Ordinario and junior guard Avery Spunich are key returners.
T4 • Thursday • December 11, 2025
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winter sports preview ’25-26
JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Mt. Spokane’s 6-foot-9 forward Jaden Ghoreishi has high expectations for the Wildcats during his senior season.
A TITLE’S WITHIN REACH
‘Big, strong’ senior Jaden Ghoreishi hopes to lead Mt. Spokane boys basketball into rarefied air By Dave Nichols
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
The Mt. Spokane boys basketball team has reached the State 3A semifinals each of the past four seasons, with two thirdplace finishes and two fifth-place trophies to show for it. If they are going to reach those lofty heights again this year, senior Jaden Ghoreishi will have a lot to say about it. Ghoreishi, the 6-foot-9 returning Greater Spokane League MVP, won’t have to worry about where he’s going to play next year as he navigates the GSL season then district and state playoffs – he has recently committed to Colorado State. But after the Wildcats have come so close the last few years, he knows where the bar is set. Even if it’s arguably in the toughest bracket in the state – which features a consensus five-star recruit and the topranked player nationally in the Class of 2026. “I think we have a legit chance to actually win it this year,” he said. “Rainier Beach will be tough, for sure, because Tyran Stokes just went there. But I think we can get there and give them good run for their money. “When the No. 1 player in the country transfers to our division ... you just want to play them and show the world what you
can do.” “What a fun opportunity,” Mt. Spokane coach David Wagenblast said. “We’ve got to have some good luck when we get there ... but that’s what we’re going to end up with at the end of the day, is us against them. What a great opportunity for our kids. And you know, there’s nobody you’d rather have on your team than Jaden.” To get ready for the rigors of the season, Ghoreishi has put on 10-15 pounds of lean muscle between his junior and senior seasons. “Honestly, I’ve been eating a lot, and then protein shakes every day. That’s helped me,” he said. “Just that, lifting and basketball every day.” “He’s put a lot of time and effort into the weight room, and you can see it,” Wagenblast said. “He’s put even more time into his game, and he’s really transformed his game to just an unbelievable all-around player.” The extra muscle will help once he runs into some of the bigger bodies he’ll face in a rigorous nonleague schedule, plus the ones he’ll see in Tacoma. “You just gotta prepare yourself, especially when you go to the west side,” Ghoreishi said. “It’s always really physical, and the way the refs call things. You got to be ready to be physical.” “He’s bigger, he’s stronger and he’s just
JAMES SNOOK/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Mt. Spokane Wildcats forward Jaden Ghoreishi was GSL MVP a season ago. really taken to heart how much you have to put into working on your body,” Wagenblast said. “He’s turned into just a real, absolute force who cannot necessarily just be pushed around. Last year, he was a tall, skinny kid who a lot of football guys, you
GSL BOYS BASKETBALL AT A GLANCE By Dave Nichols
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2024 Greater Spokane League boys basketball teams. In alphabetical order by division. Records and standings from 2024-25 season.
GSL 4A/3A
Central Valley (12-12, 5-4, fourth): Most of last year’s varsity team returns – 10 letterwinners and three starters – for coach TJ Milless’ third season at the helm. Point guard Cameron Wells is dynamic, guard Orland Axton can fill it up and post Emerson Lippoldt is an imposing presence. And they are all juniors who got good experience when the team reached the regional round of state last season. “In the ‘transfer portal’ era of basketball, their willingness to help rebuild a program through hard times is rare and admirable,” Milless said. Cheney (7-15, 3-6, sixth): A core of three seniors – guards Juleon
Horyst and Mason Stinson, and 6-foot-8 forward Kade Adderly – lead six letterwinners back for fourth-year coach Travis Peavey. “We have to play for each other and build on the trust we built during the offseason,” Peavey said. Ferris (8-15, 3-6, sixth): Former Ferris and Gonzaga big man Sean Mallon starts his 10th season with the Saxons and has six letterwinners back, but just two starters: sophomores Boston Hess and Cole Floyd. “We’re a competitive group that keeps getting better each day,” Mallon said. “We’re capable of scoring the ball on a consistent basis, but need to improve defensively but I think we can get there.” Gonzaga Prep (26-2, 9-0, first): The defending State 4A champions return eight letterwinners and three starters for coach Matty McIntryre’s 17th season. Seniors Ryan Carney, Carter Nilson and Jackson Mott bring a ton of big game experience, and the Bullpups should get a boost around the holidays with the return of 6-foot-6 wing Dylynn
Groves who missed all of last season with injury. “We’ll move some of the returners into new roles this season,” McIntyre said. “We hope to play our best basketball late in the season.” Lewis and Clark (5-19, 2-7, ninth): George Petticrew is the new coach after four years as a varsity assistant with Mt. Spokane. Seniors KJ Kinkade, Porter Pearson and Ben Conklin will lead a young Tigers squad. Freshman post Cooper Lewis will be one to watch. “We just need to be us,” Petticrew said. “We will play fundamental basketball and continue to grow throughout the season.” Mead (19-6, 8-1, second): Five letterwinners return from a team that missed state by one win last season, but just two starters. The Panthers get a boost from transfer senior guard Trevelle Jones, who was at North Central last season. “Jones adds a tremendous dynamic to our team that we look forward to utilizing,” fifth-year coach Luke Jordan said. First-team all-league point guard junior Karson Maze and
know, took it as a mission to push him around. And this year, he’s the big, strong kid.” The ball goes through his hands on
senior wing Brady Thornton will be counted on as leaders until Jordan gets the newcomers up to speed. Mt. Spokane (19-10, 7-2, third): After a third-place finish in league, the Wildcats made a run through districts and finished fifth at state. Three starters graduated, but reigning GSL MVP 6-foot-9 post Jaden Ghoreishi returns for his senior season with a commitment to Colorado State in his pocket. Point guard Rock Franklin and 6-6 sophomore Tysen Lewis will be impact players as well. “Our size will present teams with a lot of problems,” 11th-year coach David Wagenblast said. “We have the best shot blocker in the state and have three other posts that are all 6-5 and can jump.” Ridgeline (7-14, 3-6, sixth): Senior guard Caden Andreas scored his 1,000th point in the Falcons’ final game last season, and he’s the unquestioned leader of the squad. He’s joined by fellow senior guard Matt Ehlers and sophomore guard Joey Duff as returning starters for second-year coach Nick Seaman. “We are a young team with lots of potential, striving be an aggressive defensive team that can play team
See GHOREISHI, 8
basketball,” Seaman said. Shadle Park (3-17, 0-9, 10th): Third-year coach Tim Lamanna has six letterwinners back and two starters, including juniors Ja’Mir Johnson and Carter Lund. Senior Dylan Nelson, who did not turn out last year, should provide a spark. “This will be the most depth that Shadle has had since I have been here,” Lamanna said. “Our strengths will be our guard play as that is the most experience that we have back.” University (8-14, 5-4, fourth): Graduation hit the Titans hard, with four starters moving on. Seniors Brady Bell and Quinn Lipke are key returners as are juniors Sam Delegard and Eli Rigsby. “We will be the hardest working team in the league,” second-year coach Rich Tesmer said. “I’m excited for my players who have been under the radar to start reaping the benefits of their hard work.”
GSL 2A
Clarkston (11-12, 6-6, fourth): Coach Justin Jones returns for his 14th season at the helm with five letterwinners and three See BOYS BASKETBALL, 5
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December 11, 2025 • Thursday • T5
winter sports preview ’25-26
QUARTERBACK ON THE FLOOR
West Valley junior point guard Nathan Zettle makes the quick shift to basketball mode following his MVP football season
By Dave Nichols
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
West Valley’s Nathan Zettle hasn’t had much time to rest. It’s a good thing young bodies bounce back quickly. Fresh off quarterbacking an 11-game football season, a disappointing loss in a State 2A playoff game, and Greater Spokane League 2A MVP award, the junior point guard had just a weekend off before joining a basketball team trying to defend its GSL 2A and District 6 titles from last season. “I’d say probably the weekend right after football I got to rest for a little bit. But then I had to get back into basketball shape right away,” he said. “It’s just running back and forth the whole time,” he joked. “It’s a lot different than playing quarterback and just sitting back there and throwing a football.” He deflected praise when asked about the football MVP. “It was really cool, but it just speaks more about my team than me,” he said. “You know, my coaches, my O-line, my receivers, running backs, everyone making plays. All that sets it up for me and makes it possible for me to have success.” He was almost embarrassed when it was revealed his basketball coach called him the preseason pick to be basketball MVP too. “I just want to win,” he said. “That’s not really important to me right now, as long as we just keep winning.” The Eagles got a tough draw in the state football playoffs, and despite a halftime lead, they lost to sixth-seeded Lynden 2814 in a first-round matchup. “We were in it the whole time,” Zettle said. “The score says different ... but it was a super close game. I’m proud of how the football season went. We were supposed to be a rebuilding team, and we went that far in the playoffs, which was unexpected from us.” In an age where younger and younger athletes are specializing in one sport, even at the 2A level, it’s almost out of place to see the quarterback/point guard combo. “The success of football has been great, and it’s been years and years now that now football’s been meshing into basketball,” third-year boys basketball coach Mike Hamilton said. “I always have said that success breeds success. So when we have success in football, it usually translates. Those guys come in, they’re in a good spot headspace wise, and they come and compete right away.” “I love it, you know,” Zettle said. “I love going straight from football and basketball. I love both sports equally. They’re super fun. I love both teams. Man, I just love these guys.” When pressed if he had to pick just one sport, Zettle couldn’t do it. “Honestly, I don’t know,” he said. “I just hope I can get an offer to get my (college) paid for, for either one.” “We’re super lucky to have him,” Hamilton said. “And when your point guard is your hardest worker and leads by example, you know, it kind of makes everything else fall into place.” Leading will be a point of emphasis for the 6-foot-1 junior – the team graduated nine seniors off last year’s team that reached state and will be comprised this season of two seniors, three juniors, seven sophomores and a freshman. “Last year, we were very senior-laden team. And by the end of the year, our seniors started to look to (Zettle) for leadership,” Hamilton said. “And so he kind of took that by the horns. Now, this year we’re very young, and so now guys are obviously looking up to him for advice. And the best advice is with your eyes and seeing how he does it in person every day.”
COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Fresh off an MVP football season, junior point guard Nathan Zettle hopes to lead West Valley to another GSL 2A basketball title. “I take pride in being a leader of this group right here,” Zettle said. “You know, it’s a really young team. I know they look to me for an energy boost, just anything. I’ve just got to set the tone, keep the pace of the game the way it is, and whether it’s scoring, passing or being the loudest on defense – I take pride in all of that.” This year’s team doesn’t have a lot of size, but Zettle says, “everyone of us can shoot on the floor.” “You have to guard all five of us. You can’t just leave one of us open – every one of us can knock the shot down. And I feel like as a team at West Valley, we just have an itch to win.” That’s good, because with the way they are racking up league titles everyone is coming for them in every game. “We’ve been preaching that to the guys right now,” Hamilton said. “We had a lot of success last year ... and, you know, some guys’ mindsets are probably that people
BOYS BASKETBALL Continued from 4
starters back, but the Bantams are still young, with junior Niko Ah Hi and sophomores Kendry Gimlin and Braxton Forsmann as leaders, along with senior Jason Rinard. “I like the pieces and roles that we have at each position along with the overall culture, experience and depth as a team,” Jones said. Deer Park (2-18, 0-12, seventh): One starter and four letterwinners return for third-year coach Samual Howard. “We are more athletic than past years and should be able to handle ball pressure
better,” Howard said. “We don’t have a forward who can enforce down low and rebounding may be an issue.” Senior guard Cooper Rich and sophomore guard Chase Bates are impact returners. East Valley (3-18, 2-10, sixth): It was a tough year for Knights basketball, and more starters graduated (three) than return (two). Senior posts Malaki Nunn and Brady Flahavin, along with senior guard Gabe Martin, will be expected to lead.” Although we haven’t logged major minutes together, the group
think that we’re in a reset, or something like that. So we’ve been stressing to them that we have a bullseye on our chest from what’s happened last year, from our past, with the tradition and the winning.” “I don’t feel any pressure, really,” Zettle said. “The expectation, you know, is obviously to win the GSL. That’s like an easy expectation. In football, we always break on ‘GSL champs.’ Same thing with basketball. That’s definitely an expectation that I set for our guys, and I’d take pride in making that expectation.” Part of that pride comes from the town’s personality. “Millwood is definitely a pride thing here, for sure,” Zettle said. “That’s why we’ve got it on the front of our jerseys.” “It’s more than a cool slogan for us,” Hamilton – who graduated from West Valley in 2000 – said. “It’s a blue collar town, and we’ve always had a concept of trying to be the toughest team.”
made noticeable strides over the summer and is trending upward the start of this season,” fifth-year coach Ty Fowler said. Senior Carsen Mertens returns after missing a year due to knee surgery. North Central (20-8, 9-3, third): The Wolfpack finished third in GSL 2A league play, pigtailed into the district 3A tournament and won three games there advancing to state. Three starters have moved on, but a nucleus of Miles Spencer, Isaac Williams, Tyson Vogrig and Nick Elliott with keep NC competitive for third-year coach Robert Sacre. Pullman (16-7, 10-2, second): Coach Craig Brantner is back for his 19th season with the
“A guy like Nate – his older brother went here, so he’s kind of lived through the system forever,” Hamilton continued. “He came to the ‘Little Dribblers’ camp, been in the stands. A couple of other guys that have been West Valley through and through, have seen that. My stepson (freshman Jayce Lagerstrom), has seen it since he was five.” Zettle echoed his coach’s words about the team’s work ethic. “We’ve just gotta go out compete every night,” he said. “If we can take pride on defense and be unselfish, I think we’ll definitely be a hard team to deal with in the league. I think that’s why we’ve got the big target on our chest.” “He is just a invaluable piece of our program,” Hamilton said. “And for me to get to have him for two more years, I almost feel like I’m a GM in the NBA, because I’ve got a franchise player for the next two years.”
Greyhounds and 30th overall. He has seven letterwinners and four starters back – all of whom are juniors – but will have to replace all-state forward Daniel Kwon. “Our defense will be a major strength due to returning players, and we expect scoring ability from all five positions,” Brantner said. Rogers (9-12, 4-8, fourth): Eight letterwinners and four starters graduated, so eighth-year coach Karim Scott will lean on senior Alex Peabody until things come together. “We don’t have a lot of size, so we are going to be a team that will try to apply pressure and create turnovers,” Scott said. Fellow seniors Kayoni Yoeun and Davontae Muhammed,
along with junior Hands Warrick, will start. West Valley (20-5, 11-1, first): The Eagles won league and district titles last year before being ousted in the first round of state. But nine letterwinners graduated and the lone returning starter is junior Nate Zettle, fresh off quarterbacking the football team to the state playoffs and winning league MVP. “We will have very little varsity experience, but return the best point guard (Zettle) in the league with one of the best shooters (senior Noah Willard) in the league,” third-year coach Mike Hamilton said. “With a great young core we will scrap, improve and compete every night.”
T6 • Thursday • December 11, 2025
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
winter sports preview ’25-26
BROTHERLY SHOVE
Kaysic and Trandyn Lundquist fuel each other’s fires for Mead wrestling
MADISON MCCORD PHOTOS/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Brothers Trandyn Lundquist, left, and Kaysic Lundquist – posing for a picture at the Lakeside Takedown Tournament last week – are two of the top wrestlers for Mead.
By Madison McCord
FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Kaysic Lundquist has no fear when it comes to facing some of the best wrestlers in the state. For one, he’s a two-time State 4A champion senior for the Mead Panthers with more than 100 wins already in his highschool career. And secondly, he’s grown up under the same roof as one of the toughest competitors he knows – his younger brother, Trandyn Lundquist. “It’s actually kind of hard for me, because I hate wrestling him,” Kaysic said. “He’s family to me, and being that for the last two years we’ve had to battle at basically the same weight it’s hard because I want him to shine. “But I am also competitive, too.” No one can question the competitiveness from either brother coming into this season. Mead coach Phil McLean envisions the pair playing key roles in getting the Panthers back to the top of the Mat Classic podium. But McLean, who has known the brothers for longer than they’ve been wrestling for him, said that their dynamic has only made them better on the mat.
“They come in every day and get to business,” McLean said. “Yeah, they’re brothers and family so obviously they have some history with each other. But they are completely different personalities and wrestling styles. It’s just a healthy, brotherly dynamic that makes us a better team.” Part of the dynamic that has made the past two years difficult for the brothers has been the fact that they have wrestled at the same weight. And with just one wrestler per weight in duals and the lower-ranked wrestler typically getting the tougher postseason draw, Trandyn hasn’t found the same prep success his brother has. “I love seeing him have the success he’s had, especially winning state the past two years,” Trandyn said. “But that motivates me, and to be honest I want to be better because I see him do what he’s doing. I don’t like being behind anyone.” This year may present an opportunity for both brothers to shine though as Kaysic is expecting to wrestle at 138 pounds, while Trandyn – a junior at Mead – has shot past his brother to 144. One person who has had a front-row view of the pair’s success is their father, Ty Lundquist.
“It’s been incredible to watch, but it’s nothing I can take credit for,” Ty said. “I stopped coaching them when they were 12, and since then it’s been Phil and everyone else in the massive Mead wrestling community that has made them into the men they are today.” Ty said growing up the boys didn’t tend to get into more tussles than any other brothers do, but when a scrap did arise it was always Trandyn that had to be pulled off of Kaysic. “Trandyn is a fighter, while Kaysic is the peacemaker,” Ty said. “You can even see that in how they wrestle. Kaysic is technical and a tactician, where Trandyn is a bulldog.” Now entering his senior season and looking to become a three-time state champion, Kaysic is embracing his leadership role not only on the team, but also with the teammate across the hallway from him. “I just want to soak up this year and enjoy it with my brother and team,” Kaysic said. “If we come up short, I want us to show grit and bounce back. But winning or losing just comes with the effort we put in, so it needs to start with that.” McLean knows well what kind of effort is required to get back to being state
champs at the 4A level. The Panthers won three consecutive titles from 2022-24 in 3A, but last year in their first season back at the top level finished second to Tahoma by just six points. “To be honest, we never talk about it because you just have to go one match at a time,” McLean said. “You shake hands, go battle and the result comes from there.” As Kaysic’s career comes to a close, his father is anxious to see how it all ends. But there is one thing he won’t miss – especially on days the brothers go to battle against each other. “The car ride home after they wrestle is rough,” Ty said. “If they get heated on the mat, I just really hope they don’t bring that home because their rooms aren’t far apart.” And as Trandyn looks to create his own path separate from his brother, the younger Lundquist hopes he sees a lot of success out of Kaysic this year – sort of. “Honestly, I tell him that I kind of hope he doesn’t win a third title, that way I still have a chance to tie him at two,” Trandyn said. But Kaysic was quick with another tactical takedown. “You have to get one first,” he joked.
Mead is counting on brothers Kaysic Lundquist, right, and Trandyn Lundquist, far right, to carry the Panthers back to the Mat Classic podium.
GSL WRESTLING AT A GLANCE By Madison McCord
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2025 Greater Spokane League wrestling teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2024 season.
GSL 4A/3A
Central Valley (2-7, seventh): Junior Braxton Beard (150-pounds) is the lone Beard brother remaining to come through
the Bears program, and will look to build on his fifth-place finish last year at state. Senior Aiden Farley also returns for coach Jacob Fry. Cheney (7-2, third): Junior Kaden Rasmussen (157) came up one match short of the quarterfinals at Mat Classic last year, and will be leaned on to produce again with the Blackhawks losing four medalists to graduation from last season’s squad. Two-time GSL coach of the year Brian Skaff returns a total of six state participants, along with senior Ethan Guske, who was injured last year.
Ferris (2-7, seventh): The Saxons only lost two wrestlers from last year’s squad, and will once again be led by junior Willis Tomeo (106), who is a two-time state placer. Fellow Mat Classic participants Sawyer McManus (215) and Paul Cassel (285) also return. Gonzaga Prep (4-5, fifth): Coach Danny Pearson lost just one starter from last year in three-time state placer Noah Holman, so the Bullpups have plenty to work with to try and make a run. Defending state champ Izzy Acosta will try to make it
two in a row for his senior year, while six more state qualifiers remain in the lineup. Lewis and Clark (27, seventh): S-R survey not submitted by coach. Mead (9-0, first): Two-time state champion Kaysic Lundquist (136) is back for his senior campaign, and he’s just one of 11 state qualifiers back for longtime coach Phil McLean. Also returning for the Panthers are Logan Ullah (2nd at state), Ethan Harvey (3rd), Billy Weisgerber (3rd), Bodie Slater (4th) and Trandyn Lundquist (5th). Mt. Spokane (6-3, fourth): After losing last season to a knee injury, 2024 state champion Brendan
Hughes (285) is back for the Wildcats and coach Todd Slatter. Junior Maddox Taft (106) also returns after taking third at Mat Classic last season. The Wildcats also bring back state participants Grayson Slatter (126) and Matthew House (144). Ridgeline (4-5 fifth): Seniors Judah Eck (165) and Lance Hilton (190) are back for the Falcons, joined by junior Wyatt Schmauss (120) – all of whom were state participants a season ago. Fifth-year coach Brice Gretch says this season brought the largest participation numbers in program history. Shadle Park (1-8, 10th): See WRESTLING, 7
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
December 11, 2025 • Thursday • T7
winter sports preview ’25-26
OFFICIALLY A TEAM SPORT
MADISON MCCORD PHOTOS/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Wrestlers prepare for the finals matches during a Greater Spokane League girls takedown tournament on Dec. 1 at East Valley High School.
GSL girls wrestling expands; most member schools to participate in new dual meet schedule By Madison McCord
FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Jalisca Holmgren still remembers her freshman year at Cheney High School, being one of the only girls in the wrestling room. “I was unsure if I would be able to be in any tournaments, what my schedule would look like or if I was basically just there to practice,” Holmgren said. “I just knew I wanted to have the same chances that the boys have.” Now, getting ready to start her senior campaign, Holmgren will have that opportunity. Although girls wrestling is nothing new in the region, this year will mark the first season that the majority of Greater Spokane League schools will field complete girls wrestling teams. This explosive growth in interest also means that girls wrestling will have a dual meet schedule for the first time this season. “There has always been success with girls from our area at state, or in national freestyle tournaments, just kind of offseason stuff. But now we get the chance to see how we can perform as a team for really the first time,” Rogers coach Whitney Bowerman said. “It’s not just a couple girls here and there anymore. This league has girls numbering in the hundreds and a huge middle school pipeline ready to keep growing.” Bowerman, who is in her seventh year
WRESTLING Continued from 6
Graduation hit the Highlanders hard this offseason with five state placers – one of which was a state champion – now gone. But third-year coach Dew Rogers hopes their success can help the next group succeed, led by state alternate senior Kane Johnson (215) and junior Lincoln Kuttner (138). University (8-1, second): Czar Quintanilla will look to join rare company this season as the Titans senior tries to win his fourth state title. Also back for coach Ryan Montang is seventh-place state finisher Paxon Cunanan and three other state qualifiers in Isaiah Ramirez, Bo Thompson and Jaxon Lefler.
GSL 2A
Clarkston (2-3, fourth): Senior Mat Classic qualifier Clayton Ockwell, junior Colby Valdez and sophomore Casey Kimball are back
Cheney’s Jalisca Holmgren earns a takedown during a Greater Spokane League tournament last week at East Valley High School. running the Pirates program, has been envisioning this step happening for several seasons. Two years ago, the Pirates were the first GSL team to host a girls dual against Othello. Then last year, Rogers hosted the GSL’s first girls double dual with Cheney, Quincy and Eastmont. “We’re now in a situation where we need to think about not only the girl at 100 pounds, but also at 235, because we are trying to fill this roster out and be as competitive as we can,” Bowerman said. “And everyone is buying into that. The community is involved, you see coaches like Phil (McLean) at Mead who is out here with his girls and they have a huge boys tradi-
for the Bantams. Coach Corey Thivierge also has high hopes for seniors Ryan Marksmeier and Markus Ellenwood. Deer Park (6-0, first): State placers Jonas Bond (4th place) and Tucker Miller (6th) are just two of eight starters returning for coach Ryan Jorgensen and the Stags. Deer Park – which has finished in the top six at state every year since 2007 – also brings back talented seniors Parker Hamilton and Blake Berger. East Valley (4-2, third): Six starters return for the Knights, led by seniors Hunter Nicholson and Conner Nicholson. A trio of sophomores – Breton Rehia, Russell Smyly and Joey Seamone – will also help fill out the lineups for coach Keith Larson. North Central (0-6, seventh): Third-year coach Bryan Wais returns six starters from last season, led by junior Araeleo Hammer (175) and sophomore Leo Cooper (138). Wais also has high hopes for freshman Cooper Hempel
tion as well. It’s amazing.” Of the 17 GSL schools, 15 are scheduled to participate in dual meets this winter, and the plan is for the matches to take place between the junior varsity and varsity boys matches. This scheduling gives the girls the same crowds and spotlight as the boys duals have had for years. “Our girls are just super pumped to get this stage because they care just as much as the boys do when they get on the mat,” Cheney coach Jeremy McGee said. “You’re starting to see the girls circle things on calendars and start to look at matchups a little more instead of just a tournament every other weekend.” McGee also believes adding these du-
(106). Pullman (1-4, sixth): S-R survey not submitted by coach. Rogers (2-3, fourth): District champion and state participant Roman Gumm returns for his senior year, joined by fellow Mat Classic participant Alijah Rhoades. Longtime coach Rod Tamura brings back a total of seven starters from last season’s squad. West Valley (5-1, second): 11 starters are back for coach Geoff Hensley, led by Mat Classic placer Jaiden Peak and Tri-State placer Logan Riley. Mat Classic participants Cohen Clark and Ryder Markezic also return for an Eagles squad looking to challenge for the GSL 2A title.
Girls
Cheney: Senior Jalisca Holmgren is coming off a fifth-place finish at Mat Classic, and will be joined by sixth-place state finishers Paige McGee and Jenny Tian. State participants Addison Lathrop, Skylar Buckner, Kali Bentanzos and Ren
als, which some of the bigger schools throughout central and western Washington have done for several years now, will also benefit the girls when it comes to the postseason. “I think more exposure and mat time will make our girls less of a mystery to the rest of the state now,” McGee said. “The schools on the east side will have a better idea of where we stand and our girls should benefit more when it comes to seeding and that kind of stuff as well.” Another change coming into this season will be a new WIAA rule that keeps girls from wrestling in boys duals throughout the season. The message sent out to districts from the WIAA Wrestling Weight Management Program Staff stated “Due to the rise of numbers in girls wrestling, the boys and the girls will stay in their separate seasons and will not be allowed to compete against each other.” More girls also means more chances for state qualifiers to February’s Mat Classic in Tacoma. Girls team scoring hasn’t been a strong suit for GSL teams in recent years, but Bowerman believes the added numbers and a more complete schedule should change that quickly. “I think you’re going to see as soon as this year a GSL team or two leave state with a trophy of some sort,” Bowerman said. “That’s the benefit to really making this a team thing for the girls and not just individual.” It’s that ability to create a legacy moving forward that excites Holmgren so much going into her final season. “We work so hard every day and then we haven’t had the chance to celebrate that as much in front of our fans. But that changes now,” Holmgren said. “And then just getting to see all of these girls grow alongside me as teammates, it’s honestly a better feeling than winning.”
Schaber also return for coach Jeremy McGee. Central Valley: Senior state participant Davina Kostecka graduated for the Bears, who will have a team for the first time this season. Ferris: State qualifiers Ezri Gutierrez (110) and Lezah Kennard (135) return for the Saxons, and are joined by state alternate Maddy Fox (170). Lewis and Clark: District runner-up and state qualifier Maci Benson (110) is back for her sophomore campaign, joined by fellow state qualifier and first-team All-GSL selection Naomi Sauders (190). Mead: The Panthers have high hopes for freshman Briella Portrey, who competed for Team Washington this summer at the Women’s National Duals and also took fifth place at the Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals in Iowa this October. Mt. Spokane: Mat Classic
participants Hazel Finnegan (235) and Aliayah Wakan (125) return for the Wildcats. North Central: Sophomore Kayla Morgan (100) is the lone returning starter for the Wolfpack. Rogers: Junior Addy Steppe (170) is coming off of a third-place finish at Mat Classic in February and will ago be a key piece for the Pirates. 2024 state placer Savannah Taylor (115) and state participant Jaelynn Luna also return for coach Whitney Bowerman. University: A total of nine state qualifiers are back for the Titans, following the graduation of fourtime state champion Libby Roberts. Sophomore Lilly Cunningham was fifth in Tacoma last season, while junior Mariah Denney took sixth. West Valley: The Eagles bring back a trio of state participants in senior Sabryna Pasamonte, junior Iraina Swift and sophomore Aviana Marek. Senior Olivia Schlosser is also a first-time wrestler for the program.
T8 • Thursday • December 11, 2025
winter sports preview ’25-26
GSL GYMNASTICS AT A GLANCE By Dave Nichols
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2024 Greater Spokane League gymnastics teams. In alphabetical order. Central Valley: The Bears sent two athletes to state last year, where senior Kylie Morais placed 25th in all-around. The returning varsity girls are senior Dakota Buege and juniors Lilah Haymore and Kali Geissinger. “We have an amazing and talented
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
group of girls this year,” coach Arreal Blakesly said. “They are positive and excited for the season and ready to hit the floor running and flipping. They are in the gym everyday ready to work hard.” Mead: The Panthers were league champs and placed third at districts and state last year and have eight letterwinners returning, but lost top athletes Dezlyn Lundquist (fifth allaround at state), Tabitha Pierce and Abagail Fielding. “We graduated four solid seniors who were a very big
part of our program,” coach Hanna Bjerkestrand said. “This group will be stepping into a new role of competing all around more consistently.” Firstteam all-GSL performers senior Delaney Christoff and sophomore Makena Christoff – both state participants – are key returners. Mt. Spokane: Chloe McQuesten is the new head coach after earning state assistant coach of the year last season. State qualifiers Aleah DeWitt (all-around) and Nora Houske (all-around) graduated, but state
participant junior Layla Meyer and sophomore Lily Gammon return. McQuesten is also excited about ninth-graders Savannah Haney and Evelin Williams. North Central: The Wolfpack finished first in the district in 3A/2A and placed eighth as a team at state last year. State placer Brooklyn Lawrence graduated, but three other state placers – senior Jasper Stapleton (beam) and sophomores Olivia Aronsen (all-around) and Reagan Cook (all-around) – return, as does district placer Adele Iannelli (vault). Newcomer juniors Lizzy Riggs (vault) and Alaina Browell (bars) should make an impact.
University: Christine Curtis enters her second season as the coach at U-Hi with three letterwinners returning – senior Kyla Roberts (all-around), junior Madi Fox (allaround) and sophomore Kennedi Downie (bars, beam, floor). Roberts and Downie were state participants last season. Newcomers Emme Baldwin and Paycee Nebel join the team after years of club gymnastics experience. “Our team has several strong gymnasts, but they have not competed together as a team before,” Curtis said. “These five gymnasts will give our team a competitive opportunity to place in the top three teams this year”
“
My dad has always told me to be my own person.” Addison Wells Morrison,
on learning basketball from her father, Inland Northwest Hall of Famer Adam Morrison
MORRISON Continued from 2
Their relationship as “dad” and “coach” over the years has fluctuated over the years. But both agree that the basketball instruction element of the equation has waned and is more refinement than anything else as Addison enters her senior year. “I feel like right now it’s a lot more of a father-daughter relationship moving into that next step,” Addison said. “I’m about to be in college, and that’s kind of like giving me my opportunity to, like, move into this new phase of life, and this new phase of basketball. When I was younger is definitely a little bit more of a coaching-slash-player relationship. But he was always a great father, and that part was never an issue.” “Early on ... it was more the coach’s hat,” Adam admitted. “There were certain things in her game that she had to get rid of, and it’s hard. Anybody that’s coached their kid understands it’s not fun sometimes. So it was more 70-30 (then) and then now it’s more 70-30 the opposite way, because she’s obviously created her own path. “Now I kind of give her pointers, but now it’s more of just supportive and, you know, ‘Go play hard. You know what you’re doing,’ type of thing.” “(Addison) has a savviness to her game that a lot of people aren’t used to,” Anderson said. “If they want to guard her with a big, she can go around them. If they put a guard on her, she can post them up. I think Idaho sees that, and I think that they see that she’s super dynamic. “And, she’s probably our best passer.”
Carrying the name
Adam Morrison’s father, John Morrison, was a basketball coach, and the family moved between Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana before settling in Spokane with Adam was in fourth grade. He understands about living up to the family name. “My dad used to always say, ‘I’m more nervous as a coach than when I played.’ I never understood it,” Adam said. “And then obviously you become a parent, and then a coach, you’re like – yeah, way more nervous as a coach. Because you prepare your kids and your team, but you don’t know what they’re going to do.” He thinks Addison has done an exemplary job of handling the pressure that could have come from being the daughter of a Spokane legend. “My dad has always told me to be my own person,” Addison said. “You won’t get opportunities based off just your last
COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Former Mead and Gonzaga basketball great Adam Morrison was inducted into the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. name. This is my experience, and what I put into it is what I get out of it. So he’s been very clear on that.” “When she got a little bit older, it started to become a little bit more of a thing,” Adam said. “I told her, ‘Hey, once you get to about sixth or seventh grade, people are going to know who you are, and they’re going to target you on the floor, just because. If you’re not ready for that, that’s fine, but there’s nothing you can do about it. But to counter it, if you play hard, then you’ll be fine.’ ” Adam rarely misses one of Addison’s games in town unless he’s on assignment covering the Zags. He tries to be as inconspicuous as possible out of respect for his daughter and the Mead program, often sitting as far away from the floor as he can. “I like to kind of sit by myself, because just the way I watch the game, I might offend somebody when I’m not trying to, you know?” he said. “I’m not avoiding people. I don’t want to be like, ‘Oh, why didn’t such and such pass it.’ It’s more of a respect thing for Addison. I don’t want to kind of be an opposing figure, I guess, sitting right behind the bench or whatever.” “Every once in a while I’ll catch her eyes in the stands,” Anderson said. “He’s a parent, right?” “I think (Adam) has been really respect-
ful and understanding that, like – we have a program, and she’s not our only player on the team,” Anderson said. “But we do have some conversations about how she can be a better basketball player, or what is it that we want from her as a leader. There’s been nothing like ‘This is what I want my kid to do. My kid should be getting this many minutes or points a game,’ like with some parents.” “My dad will vocalize some things, but it’s always from a place of respect and just like a suggestion,” Addison said. “I feel like Quantae takes what he’s saying, and will appreciate it, and like, see if it works for our team or our program.”
One last ride
Mead enters the 2025-26 season as one of the favorites in the always competitive GSL girls 4A/3A division. Last season, Central Valley won the State 3A title, the 32nd Greater Spokane League girls team in 48 years to play for a 4A or 3A state title – and the 19th to bring one back home. The Panthers have had their opportunities the past few years, falling just short in the 3A title game – a 62-59 loss in Addison’s sophomore season – and taking third when she was a freshman. But they were unceremoniously ousted in the first round at the Tacoma Dome last year in the 4A
GHOREISHI Continued from 4
every offensive possession regardless of which position he’s playing at the time. He’ll go around or through posts guarding him, or post up smaller players, or knock down a 3 to loosen up the defense – something he’s a fan of early in halves. “He’s like 6-10, moves just like he’s 5-10 and he jumps out of the gym,” Wagenblast said. “And yet, he is a great shooter and he’s a great ball handler. So he’s a kid who has given himself a chance to really have a great year, and to position himself as being a guy who’s kind of an all-timer.” Ghoreishi’s play automatically elevates him to leadership status, but he realizes as a senior the job is a little more official. “Last year when I was junior, I was one of the players, but wasn’t the guy,” Ghoreishi said. “This year, that’s my role, and I feel this drive to be way more vocal on defense and just telling guys where to go. Because ultimately, that’s just gonna help everybody out.” “Jaden is really coming into his own. You know, seniors take great pride in being leaders, and he’s starting to really show what that looks like,” Wagenblast said. “He’s much more confident, and not only in his game, but also how he acts and how he speaks with everybody. He’s really taken a step in his own growth in maturity, and a lot of that comes from probably the
JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Forward Jaden Ghoreishi, at 6-foot-9, anchors a big Mt. Spokane lineup. recruiting process where he was forced to talk to people a lot, and he’s much more confident in his conversations.” That recruiting process really amped up over the summer when he transferred from a Seattle circuit team to Select Basketball in Boise where he played on their Puma Pro 16 circuit team. “The exposure on that circuit,” he trailed off. “First game, there’s like 50
coaches. It was eye-opening.” He processed offers from all over the country before realizing Colorado State was where he wanted to be. “It was awesome when I went down there,” he said. “Their coaches have been texting me the longest and just checking on me every day, checking on my family. That stuff means a lot. And then when I went down there, the campus was so nice.
bracket, and had to turn around and come right back home after one game. While expectations are high for this season, a title opportunity won’t define Addison’s career. “We’ve been so close,” she said. “It’s always the dream, and going into every season that’s kind of like our end goal, just as a team in general. And I think it’s something I’d greatly appreciate, but I don’t think it’s something I’d regret later in life. I’d rather put in my effort to have a good season, have good relationships and just put our best foot out there, whatever that means and however that means we finish.” Anderson might feel the expectations – at least externally – more than the players. “The last four years, we’ve been (to state) a lot. But people forget that, like, after we won in 2013, we didn’t go back until ’22,” he said. “But then, we just got some players that love basketball, Addi included. We had great athletes and some great teams, that would fight and fight and fight. “Our goal is to bring home that state title. The 4As are tough. But if we happen not to win, then, you know, I’ve always said, ‘If we if we can go through a game and say that we played as hard as we could for as long as we could, and we played together and we loved each other through it, then, that was a success.’ ”
It’s definitely a college town.” “Once he got started in July, it happened really fast, where multiple Division I coaches were reaching out to me, and every day,” Wagenblast said. “The big thing was him just continuing to stay grounded in who he was and what he knew he was looking for in a program. And I think he had some people that had given him really good advice, and I thought it was a really mature decision with Colorado State.” But first, there is the matter of his senior year and trying to get the Wildcats over the hump. The league is no picnic either, with reigning State 4A champion Gonzaga Prep and school district rival Mead among others trying to keep them out of the top spot in the GSL. “We’re very lengthy this year. We have 6-5, 6-5, 6-5, then me at 6-9 in the starting lineup, and then we have (point guard) Rock (Franklin),” Ghoreishi said. “We’re just super lengthy. That’s gonna help on defense a lot. It’s gonna be tough for teams to score on us. And then offense, we’re huge, so it’s gonna be hard for teams just match up against us.” “I know that it’s really easy to look down the road and go, ‘What is this kid going to be? And could he play in the NBA?’” Wagenblast said. “Well, yeah. He’s got tools that most people don’t, and so he has a great chance. But what’s in front of him right now is what I think could be a really fun senior year.”