Eleven Basin football players earn all-state nods
HERALD SPORTS STAFF | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO
SILVERDALE — The Washington State Football Coaches Association released its all-state list earlier this week, with 11 Columbia Basin football players earning all-state honors.
The Royal Knights led all local teams with six players earning all-state nods, including junior Lance Allred — Royal’s quarterback and linebacker — being named the WSFCA 1A Overall State Player of the Year. Along with Allred, senior offensive lineman Juan Morales, senior receiver Case Christensen, senior defensive lineman Bennett Brown, senior linebacker Jared Lee and senior defensive back Caden Allred all were named all-state to their respective positions.
The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors had two players receive all-state honors, both on the defensive side of the ball; senior defensive lineman John Pierce and junior linebacker Carter Pitts.
On the 4A All-State First Team, Moses Lake senior Kyson Thomas was named all-state at the wide receiver position.
In 2A, two Basin athletes received an all-state distinction; Ephrata senior Eric O’Neel at tight end and Othello junior Mason Perez at defensive lineman.
The 2023 WSFCA All-State Football Teams list was compiled by committees representing each classification across the state. Each committee appointed a chairperson, a current head coach in the state; Shane Keck of Glacier Peak (4A), Monte Kohler of O’Dea (3A), William Garrow of Tumwater (2A), Wiley Allred of Royal (1A), Josh Fay of Napavine (2B) and Darin Reppe of Wilbur-Creston-Keller (1B).
Editor's Note: Congratulations to all of the area players that made the all-state list. The staff of the Columbia Basin Herald appreciate how hard you worked over the season to earn the respect of your teams, coaches and opponents across the state.
ARTICLES BY HERALD SPORTS STAFF
BASIN BOX SCORE: Soap Lake 3-on-3, collegiate athlete updates, and BMX
COLUMBIA BASIN – On this week's episode of the Basin Box Score podcast, Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard discuss the second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament hosted by the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition. The reporters also discuss how local athletes have been faring at the collegiate level and a BMX rider who is heading abroad. Check out this week’s episode here: http://bit.ly/44QM2am

Wildcats Ntekpere selected as GNAC female athlete of the year
PORTLAND, Ore. — Emy Ntekpere’s 2025 track and field season at Central Washington University was nothing short of spectacular, according to a statement by Central Washington Athletics. She broke records seemingly every time she competed, won three NCAA Division II national titles and on Thursday was announced as the 2024-25 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Female Athlete of the Year, according to the statement. She is the second woman and fourth student-athlete in school history to earn the top individual award from the conference and is the 12th women’s track and field athlete to receive the honor. Other CWU winners were LeAnne McGahuey (volleyball) in 2005-06, Mike Reilly (football) in 2008-09 and Johnny Spevak (football) in 2009-10

BASIN BOX SCORE: College commitment, NBA championships and Special Olympics
COLUMBIA BASIN – On this week's episode of the Basin Box Score, reporters Mike Maynard and Caleb Perez revisit the last week of sporting events in and out of the Basin. Mike Maynard touches on a local athlete announcing his commitment to a college and Seattle sport fans role in the NBA championship. Caleb Perez recaps the Dru Gimlin basketball tournament and the Special Olympics. Check out this weeks episode here: https://bit.ly/447U3IE