December Basketball Gallery, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN – The local high school athletes have been working hard at the start of their basketball seasons. With the schedules slowing down for winter break, it’s a good time to look back on the past month of competition and check in on some of the local athletes.

Wildcats’ Sims named conference player of the week

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University junior women's basketball forward Capri Sims was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week after multiple double-digit performances during the winter break games. “Capri's performances last week were critical in our ability to get three wins, especially starting off against Cal State LA after our first loss last Saturday,” CWU Head Women's Basketball Coach Randi Richardson said. This is Sims third-career player of the week, first this season, and now joins Asher Cai as Wildcats to earn the distinction this season.

Adams Co. commissioners approve 2026 budget

RITZVILLE — Adams County Commissioners approved a $62.5 million budget Tuesday, the last step in what commission chair Mike Garza said was a difficult job. “It was a tough, drawn-out process,” Garza said. “I think we came up with something that’s as fair as it can be.”

Van Dyke signs contract extension through 2030

SEATTLE — Having led the Huskies to one of the most successful seasons in program history, Washington women's soccer Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke has signed a contract extension through the 2030 season, according to a statement by UW Athletics.

Legals for December, 26 2025

Nazarene Church toy swap brings needed Christmas joy

WARDEN — The Moses Lake Nazarene Church’s toy swap was scheduled for two hours Sunday afternoon, but it didn’t last nearly that long. “People were lined up from one o’clock on,” said Kaleigh Sullivan, who organized the event.

Knights claim home victories over the weekend

ROYAL – The Royal Knights earned two victories at home over the weekend with the first being against the Wahluke Warriors on Friday and the second being against Cashmere on Saturday. “I think both nights we played pretty good defense,” said Knights Head Coach Tim Ravet. “The defense seems to be ahead of our offense as far as keeping guys in front and moving the ball.”

Legals for December, 24 2025

MLPD logs for Dec. 19-21, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Royal gets two wins over the weekend

ROYAL – The Royal Knights girls basketball team played a home game against the Wahluke Warriors on Friday where they added an 85-26 victory to their season. This matchup was one of two for the Knights over the weekend as they get their season going.

Jacks overcome Huskies in overtime

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (2-5) defeated the visiting Othello Huskies (1-6) 58-54 in overtime Saturday. Quincy Head Coach Johan Farias said a league win was a great confidence booster for them. “We have a fairly young team and just knowing time and situation management, especially when we're up. That game should have not gone to overtime, but it did, but we pulled it off, so I'm happy,” Farias said.

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: Dec. 24, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026

MOSES LAKE — Christmas and New Years are upon us and while many get the holidays off some college athletes will still have big matchups over the next week. See where your favorite team will be heading this busy holiday week.

Cecil 'Dick' McNeese

1934 – 2025

Cecil R. McNeese, affectionately known as Dick, was born on November 16, 1934. Following his birth, he was placed in an orphanage located in Seattle. When he was just three weeks old, he was adopted by Cecil B. and Florence Norling McNeese. The couple welcomed Dick into their home in Pasco, Wash., where they began their life together as a family.

Basin nonprofit CEO appointed to WA Board of Education

OLYMPIA — Sue Kane, CEO of the NCW Tech Alliance, has been appointed to the Washington State Board of Education, Position 1, according to an announcement from the SBA. Kane lives in East Wenatchee and runs NCW Tech Alliance with offices throughout North Central Washington, including Moses Lake.

Bierlink makes history in Jacks’ 80-71 win over Huskies

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (2-6) defeated the Othello Huskies (2-6) 80-71 to earn their second win of the season. They also celebrated Pierce Bierlink becoming the all-time scoring leader in Quincy basketball history. “It feels amazing. I grew up as a kid in Quincy watching Quincy basketball games. My dad's been a coach here for quite a while. My brother played here, and I just think it's been a really big part of my growth here at Quincy,” Pierce said.

Mavs bowling off to strong start

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks bowling team is sitting at 5-3 on the season and are second in the Big 9 right behind Eastmont. The Mavs look to improve upon the season once they return from winter break.

Legals for December, 23 2025

Cougs best Utah State in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

BOISE — The Washington State University Cougars (7-6) concluded their season with a win over the Utah State Aggies in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl game. The two 6-6 teams faced off in a showdown at 11 a.m. on Monday.

Vikings go 2-1 in three games before break

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings finished the last week of competition 2-1 after facing the Clackamas Cougars, the Linn-Benton Road Runners and the Mt Hood Saints on the road. Now sitting at 11-1 on the season, the Vikings prepare to face regional competition following winter break.

Lindgren, Stephenson help Kraken beat Sharks 4-2 to snap four-game skid

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Ryan Lindgren had the tiebreaking goal early in the third period for his first score with Seattle, and the Kraken beat the San Jose Sharks 4-2 on Saturday night to snap a four-game losing streak. Chandler Stephenson had a goal and an assist, and Eeli Tolvanen and Ryker Evans also scored for the Kraken, who won for just the second time in 12 games (2-9-1). Joey Daccord finished with 34 saves. Adam Gaudette and Colin Graf scored for the Sharks, and Yaroslav Askarov had 28 saves. Graf gave the Sharks a 2-1 lead 36 seconds into the third period with some help from the Kraken.