* BASKETBALL

The Spokane Stars AAU basketball team traveled to San Diego two weeks ago to compete in its final tournament of the year at Alliant International University.

In the elite division, the Stars beat Triple-G of Arizona 37-33, beat YEA Platinum 61-30, and a national under-17 team from China before losing its final two games.

Locals on the "Columbia" team included: Caelyn Orlandi of Coeur d'Alene High, who averaged 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and three assists a game; Hallie Gennett, who will transfer from University High in Spokane to Post Falls, averaged 8.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals a game; Kendalyn Brainard of Coeur d'Alene had 5.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals; Brooke Litalien of Post Falls averaged 6.8 points, four rebounds and 2.5 steals; Danielle Failor of Post Falls averaged 4.1 points and four rebounds. Sydney Williams of Coeur d'Alene 8.2 points and five rebounds, and Katie King of Post Falls 2.8 points and two assists per game.

The Columbia team finished 30-11 on the season.

The Stars "Royal Blue" comprised of Coeur d'Alene's Sydni Parker, Sara Chalich, Tabitha Wellstandt and Madison Sumner went 2-3 in the second group of the tournament.

* SWIMMING

Nine swimmers from the Coeur d'Alene Area Swim Team (CAST) competed at the Western Senior Sectional meet in Gresham, Ore., July 24-28. Athletes and teams from 11 different states competed, with CAST taking 15th overall, the highest finish at this meet in the team's history. The men's team was particularly strong, placing 10th.

Topping the meet highlights were the relay of Joe Loftus, Bryce Kananowicz, Ben Lovell, and Pat Loftus, breaking Inland Empire records in the 200, 400, and 800 meter relays, while just missing the record in the 200 meter medley relay. Those relays all scored points for the team, taking 10th, 15th, 12th, and 13th places respectively. Ethan Cordes replaced Pat Loftus on the 400 medley relay, which took 11th. Those relays all broke team records for Coeur d'Alene as well.

Four female CAST swimmers worked together to break team relay records. Kjirsten Magnuson, Anna de Tar, Nicole Rozier, and Anna Lovell went 5 for 5, besting team record relay events, finishing as high as 29th in both the 400 and 800 freestyle relays. Other team records include Anna Lovell's 800 and 1500 meter freestyles, Ben Lovell's 50 and 100 meter freestyles, and Kjirsten Magnuson's 100 meter freestyle.

Individual top-16 finishes were Ben Lovell (fourth in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly, 10th in the 100 freestyle), Bryce Kananowicz (13th in the 200 backstroke, 16th in the 400 individual medley, and 8th in the 100 backstroke), and Kjirsten Magnuson (11th in the 50 freestyle).

* SOCCER

Idaho Thunder's under-14 girls, aka Purple Hornets, took second at the Palouse Cup 5-on-5 tourney last weekend. Every field player scored in this tournament, including the first goals for Elisa James in her soccer career. The first game was a 2-1 score over the North Idaho Knockouts, second game was a 4-0 win over Soda Pop, and the third game was a 6-0 win over Electric Fire. Sunday's game against the Electric Fire resulted in a 0-0 tie and the championship game against the North Idaho Knockouts went to double overtime in which the Knockouts scored to take first place. Goalkeeper Emily Parson had shutouts in three games. The team is playing at the Northwest Cup in Spokane.

* SOFTBALL

Northwest Wildfire seeks

players for next season

The Northwest Wildfire softball team is looking for players that are committed to playing travel softball.

Both the 12-and under and 14U teams will hold a mini-camp and tryouts on Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake City High.

Cost is $20 with instruction from Division 1 and high school athletes.

Information: Brandon at (208) 819-7769 or Tye (208) 290-7336.

They will also hold tryouts at Post Falls High at 9 a.m. on Aug. 12 and 19 for any interested players.

Information: George Comack at 651-1972 or Todd Walker (509) 590-7776.

Submit items for youth and non-varsity high school sports by noon Tuesday for publication Wednesday. Email stories and photos (in .jpg format) to sports@cdapress.com.

Information: 664-8176, Ext. 2019