De La Garza leads Jimmer's Buddies to 'Got Game' title

MATTAWA - Juan De La Garza of Mattawa led a group of  hoopsters from Columbia Basin College to the championship of the We've Still Got Game basketball tournament at Wahluke High School.

The eight-team tournament for adults was staged as a fund-raiser for the Wahluke High School summer program, according to coach Cody Marlow. Money was raised through sponsorships from community businesses and entry fees paid by the teams.

There were 23 games that led to a final that pitted Jimmer's Buddies against Los Gallos. That team featured the play of former Wahluke athletes Hunter Contreras and Misa Olivares.

"It was a great success, and we were able to raise some money for the high school boys basketball team to help pay for our summer basketball program," Marlow said.

Sponsors of the tournament included Mattawa Community Medical Center, Halbert's Store, Fabela's Market, Windflower Fertilizer, Tacos La Parrilla, Sabin Farms, Rio's Auto Ag Supply, Wilbur Ellis, Eckenberg Farms and Wahluke Produce.

"Thank you from the Wahluke High School boys basketball team and coaches," Marlow said.