Northwest Notes Nov. 19, 2025

Pocatello High standout Lusk signs with Gonzaga women

Gonzaga women's basketball head coach Lisa Fortier announced the signing of Abby Lusk for the 2026-27 season. Lusk, a 6-1 forward, will join the Zags next fall. 

Lusk arrives in Spokane as one of Idaho's most accomplished preps, excelling across basketball, volleyball and the classroom. A dynamic two-way playmaker, she led Pocatello High to its first 5A state championship in basketball, earning 5A All-Idaho Player of the Year in 2024-25. She averaged 16.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 3.4 assists, surpassed 1,000 career points, and secured a spot on the 5A District V All-Conference First Team.

Lusk is also one of Idaho's top volleyball players. The outside hitter is a two-time 5A All-State First Team selection (2023, 2024), a two-time 5A District V Player of the Year (2024, 2025), the state leader in kills in 2025 with 614, and the Pocatello High career record-holder with 1,496 kills.

"Abby is a is a versatile player who can play inside and out," Fortier said. "Her length is elite when playing the wing position, and her athleticism and toughness will serve her well when playing inside. She can score from all three levels, and she is eager to continue to work one her game at the next level."

Gonzaga's Ike named to Wooden Award Preseason Watch List

Gonzaga forward Graham Ike was named to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watch List announced Tuesday.

The list was selected by a preseason poll of national college basketball experts.

The Wooden Award winner will be honored at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on April 10.

Eastern Washington men's basketball signs pair of players

Eastern Washington men’s basketball coach Dan Monson announced the signing of Malachi Richmond and Lance Horntvedt Jr.

Richmond, from Vancouver, British Columbia and a guard from Edge Prep, averaged 24.2 points, 5.3 assists, shot 63% from the field, and 47.8% from 3 at the NPA National Championship Playoffs. Widely regarded as one of the top players in Canada, he enters the program as the No. 10 ranked player nationally and the No. 3 point guard in his class.

“Malachi is a mature, heady point guard that impacts winning in a multitude of ways," Monson said. "He has a great feel for the game and can create for himself and others on the offensive end. Defensively, he's a great athlete that will be able to guard at the college level right away."

Horntvedt, a guard/wing from Richland (Wash.) High, averaged 23 points and 8 rebounds per game as a junior, and is ranked seventh in Washington.He earned First Team All-MCC honors and Second Team All-State recognition. 

“Lance is one of the top-ranked kids in the state of Washington and we believe he's just scratching the surface as a player," Monson said. "With size and shooting ability, Lance will be able to make an impact from day one. He's a relentless worker who is hyper-focused on improving his game — which is a cornerstone of the kids we recruit to this program."