Northwest Notes Jan. 11, 2023

Former Press sports writer Malone dies

Former Coeur d’Alene Press sports writer George Malone died of cancer Monday morning at his home in Sammamish, Wash. He was 52.

Malone, a Stanford graduate originally from Oklahoma, covered local sports for the Press from 1994-95. His focus included the inaugural teams for just-opened Lake City High School.

Following his stint in Coeur d’Alene, Malone joined MSNBC.com, where he eventually served as sports editor. He later served as editorial manager for NBCSports.com and also worked for MSN Sports, MSN Autos, Microsoft Sports, Microsoft Finance and FOX Sports.

Idaho's Jones, EWU's Venters share Big Sky honors

Idaho's Isaac Jones and Eastern Washington's Steele Venters were named Big Sky men's basketball Co-Players of the Week.

Jones averaged 28.5 points and 11.0 rebounds in two games last week, as Idaho fell to Portland State (74-58) and Sacramento State (85-83 in OT).

Venters scored 25 points in each game, while shooting 56.7 percent from the floor and 47.4 from three-point range, as Eastern beat Portland State 92-80 and Sacramento State 78-75. He added four rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals.

Against Sac State, Venters sank a 3-pointer with two seconds left, giving the Eagles the victory.

Eastern Washington will host Idaho on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., following a 1 p.m. clash between the two women's teams.