Northwest Notes: July 28, 2026

Vandal Hoops finalizes roster 

with Mode Prep’s Zuby Toms

MOSCOW — With the fall semester just around the corner and no more than a couple of months until ICCU Arena is packed once again, Alex Pribble has put together the final piece of the 2026-27 puzzle, signing freshman Zubayr (Zuby) Toms to the roster.

Originally hailing from Nevada, Zuby played his prep career at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas before moving north to Mode Prep in Liberty Lake. As a junior in the entertainment capital, he was one of the top scorers in the state, putting up 36 critical points in a 61-54 win over Western and 26 in an 82-46 rout of Southeast Career Tech. He was a consistent playmaker on the defensive end of the court with 2.5 steals per game, according to MaxPreps.

Toms made his way to Mode Prep for his senior campaign, where his scoring ways didn’t stop. He averaged 27 points per game, far and away a team lead, at the Grind Session Play-in Tournament in Kentucky. At the Memphis Live Period in May, he had two outings of 26+ points, averaging 4.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in that span, leading Mode Prep to a 4-0 record at the tourney. His efforts earned him a shoutout from PrepHoops as one of Washington’s six “Red Hot 17U Spring Prospects” in June.

Spokane’s Burcar named 

to U.S. Under-18 select team

USA Hockey announced that Spokane Chiefs forward Gavin Burcar is among the 23-player roster for the 2026 U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team that will compete at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta from Aug. 3-8.  

From Cota De Cazo, Calif., Burcar played 63 games for the Spokane Chiefs as a rookie last season, recording 7 goals and 17 points. Burcar is also committed to play at Michigan State after the Chiefs. 

The team, which includes 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders, was selected following the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp at TRIA Rink in St. Paul, Minn.