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Northwest Sports Update: State tourney tips off in Yakima, WWU women earn postseason honors, Rams make blockbuster trade and more

Northwest Sports Update: State tourney tips off in Yakima, WWU women earn postseason honors, Rams make blockbuster trade and more

Photo: Saga Communications/Jason Upton


HS Basketball News

Three Whatcom County teams are tipping off their state tournaments today.

First up, the Nooksack Valley boys had their season come to an end in a 78-44 loss to Seattle Christian at the SunDome in Yakima.

Next up, the Lynden boys are fighting for their season as the 9th-seeded Lions face 8th-seeded Renton, with the winner moving on to play R.A Long in the 2A quarterfinals. Coverage begins at 8:45 and tipoff is at 9:00 on KPUG with Randy Farmer and the coach Dan Kaemingk on the call.

Over in Spokane, the 8th-seeded Lummi Nation girls are also playing a loser-out game against 9th-seeded Almira Coulee Hartline. The Blackhawks tip off at 9:00 from Numerica Veterans Arena.

 

Coming up tomorrow, the top-seeded Lynden girls are facing a tough test against 2nd-seeded Deer Park in the 2A quarterfinals. Coverage begins at 10:15 am and tipoff is at 10:30 tomorrow morning on KPUG with Rick Todd and Jason Upton on the call.

After that, the 2nd-seeded Lynden Christian boys take the court against 8th-seeded Seattle Christian. Coverage begins at 1:45 and tipoff is at 2 on KPUG with Randy Farmer and the coach Dan Kaemingk on the call.

Later on, the 3rd-seeded Lynden Christian girls will go up against the winner of tonight’s game between Montesano and Annie Wright. Coverage begins at 7 and tipoff is at 7:15 on KPUG with Randy and Dan sticking around for that one as well.

And if the Lynden boys beat Renton tonight, they’ll face 2nd-seeded R.A. Long at 9 pm, which we’ll also have on KPUG.

Meanwhile, the top-seeded Lummi boys are playing 7th-seeded Neah Bay at 10:30 tomorrow morning in Spokane.

WWU Vikings News

Several of Western’s women’s basketball players are earning recognition for their stellar seasons.

The Vikings had three players named to the All-GNAC teams announced yesterday.

Senior forward Olivia Hodges was named to the First Team and also garnered Newcomer of the Year honors after transferring Cal State LA. Former Lynden Christian standouts Libby Stump and Demi Dykstra were also named to the All-Conference First Team.

And Carmen Dolfo took home her sixth Coach of the Year award after leading the Viks to their seventh GNAC regular season title.

The Western women begin their postseason journey at Carver Gym on Friday when they take on the winner of Western Oregon and Northwest Nazarene at 2:15 pm in the GNAC Championships semifinals.

NFL News

A Seahawks’ division rival put the league on notice with a big trade today.

The Los Angeles Rams made waves by acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for four draft picks. Those picks include the No. 29 overall selection in the upcoming draft, along with 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks and a 2027 third-round pick.

ESPN reports that McDuffie, who is entering the final season of his rookie deal, is expected to sign a long-term extension with LA. He’ll look to bolster a Rams squad that fell to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship earlier this year.

Kraken News

The Kraken are back tonight as they look to continue a strong start to their homestand.

They’re hosting the St. Louis Blue in the third leg of their extended stay at Climate Pledge.

Seattle will look to get revenge after falling to St. Louis 5-1 on the road last week.

They’re searching for their third straight win after beating the Canucks and Hurricanes in their earlier home games.

Coverage for tonight’s game against the Blues begins at 6:30 and puck drops at 7 on KGMI.

Mariners News

The 2026 World Baseball Classic kicks off today and 16 Seattle Mariners are participating in the international tournament.

Cal Raleigh and pitcher Gabe Speier will look to lead the U.S. team to a second title after losing the last WBC final to perennial powerhouse Japan in 2023.

Julio Rodriguez is playing for a strong Dominican Republic team, while Randy Arozarena and closer Andrés Muñoz will take the field for Mexico.

First baseman Josh Naylor signed a big five-year deal with the Mariners this off season after helping lead the team to the ALCS.  He’s been named captain of team Canada and will play along with his brother Bo Naylor on a team looking to make some noise in the tournament for the first time.

The WBC runs through March 17.  Team USA plays its first game against Brazil on Friday at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, the M’s continue spring training tonight against a familiar face.

They’re playing the San Francisco Giants, with former Mariner Robbie Ray taking the mound. First pitch is at 6:05 from Scottsdale, AZ.

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