Chiefs' Loera lights up area hoopsters

PASCO — Moses Lake's Josh Loera, a sophomore for the Chiefs basketball team this season, was selected to play in the 14th annual Media Classic all-star game in Pasco.

The game, which brought together the top talent from the greater Columbia Basin area, is typically a showcase for the area's top senior basketball stars, according to organizers.

Despite being just a sophomore, Loera proved he belongs on the court with the area's best players, as the he finished the contest with a game high 35 points, including making seven 3-pointers.

Loera's efforts weren't enough to lead his team to victory however, as the Tri-Cities team was beaten by the Yakima team 140-123.

The Chief sophomore's 3-point shooting was not only in fine form during the game, as Loera also won the 3-point shooting contest earlier in the day. In the 3-point contest, Loera needed two extra rounds to defeat Davis' Tristan Cobane in a very competitive final.

Also representing the Columbia Basin was Othello's Courtney Kirkwood. The Othello Huskie guard scored 4 points her Tri-Cities team's 96-93 loss to Yakima.

— Staff report