CALEB PEREZ
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Diamond Ducks fall into consolation bracket in first round of postseason
EPHRATA — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Diamond Ducks fell in the first round of the Tillage League postseason tournament 8-3 to the Milton Freewater Twins. Despite the loss, the season stays alive as the Diamond Ducks prepare to battle through the consolation bracket. “It was a really good game, it was a lot closer than what the final score indicates,” said Diamond Ducks Head Coach Hunter Lee. “We had a chance going into the sixth inning there and then just some things happened.”
Tigers win first round of postseason tourney
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers Baseball Club earned a victory to start off their run in the Tillage League’s postseason tournament, winning 2-0 over Sunnyside’s Monarch Baseball Club. The game was a close matchup throughout with both teams playing at their best trying to stay in the winner’s bracket. “I thought it was a well played baseball game by both sides,” said Tigers Head Coach Ryan Tempel. “The Monarchs out of Sunnyside, they’re well coached, they’re very talented, and they pitched great today.” Starting off the first inning, the Tigers held the Monarch’s scoreless in both the first and second innings. Sunnyside’s defense held strong as Ephrata was also unable to score during this time.
Tigers and Diamond Ducks prepare for end of season tourney
EPHRATA — The Tillage League is heading into postseason play this weekend in Ephrata with the first games starting Thursday morning. The Tigers Baseball Club and the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Diamond Ducks both qualified for the tournament and are putting in preparations for the competition ahead. The tournament is set to be held Thursday through Sunday with four games slated for the first three days and up to three games Sunday for the championships. Gate fee into the tournament is $5 for a full day pass and will act as a fundraiser for the summer baseball program.
Soap Lake Prevention Coalition’s 2026 basketball tourney deemed a success
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Prevention Coalition's 2026 Soaring Eagles 3v3 Vape Awareness Basketball tournament was held Saturday at Smokiam Park. Ryan Boldman, the coordinator for the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition, said this year was the largest turnout since the event began in 2024. “Each year, the tournament has continued to grow in participation, spectatorship, volunteer support and community sponsorship,” said Boldman. The tournament for 2026 featured 21 teams with approximately 84 players participating in the event. Throughout the day, he said there were about 250 players, family members, volunteers and spectators in attendance.
Ballerz win 3-on-3 basketball in Othello
OTHELLO — The annual 3-on-3 Fourth of July basketball tournament was held at Lions Park Saturday afternoon. The tournament featured four teams on a double elimination bracket fighting for the championship title. “I think it went well,” said Jackie Wilhelm, Executive Director at the Othello Chamber of Commerce. “We as a chamber always rely on volunteers and then just them wanting to help and be part of the event.”
WA Rage begin summer softball play finishing third in Spokane
MOSES LAKE — The Washington Rage 16u softball team got their summer season started at the Fourth of July Shootout tournament in Spokane where the team finished third. The Rage looks to find further success as they battle in weekend tournaments through the end of July. “For our first tournament out this season I thought it was pretty good,” said Rage Head Coach Bob Richardson. The Rage started out the weekend against the Spokane Diamonds Herbert. The Diamonds got on the board first with run in the bottom of the third and the Rage responded in the top of the fourth as Kylie Christiansen hit a line drive to score Malorie Lane.
Othello celebrates the Fourth of July
OTHELLO — Lions Park was a busy place Saturday as people from all around the basin gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July. Festivities began at 10 a.m. with the parade down Main Street and continued through the evening, concluding with a fireworks ceremony. “It was definitely a success,” said Jackie Wilhelm, Executive Director for the Othello Chamber of Commerce. “For me one of my favorite things is the parade and just knowing that it’s grown so much from four years ago when I started as the director.” This year’s parade was the largest and longest yet with 55 total entries and some having multiple vehicles, said Wilhelm.
O-Town Volleyball hosts annual 4th of July tourney
OTHELLO — The Othello Fourth of July volleyball tournament was held once again at Lions Park. The tourney, organized by O-Town Volleyball, brought in teams from all around the basin for an afternoon of competitive fun. “I think it went pretty good actually,” said Evelyn Miron, from O-Town Volleyball who helped organize the tournament. “It was a good time.” This year’s tournament was slightly different from how it had operated in previous years, she said. Instead of operating with the typical six-on-six setup, the tournament was four-on-four. This, she felt, made the tournament more competitive.
Othello’s Garza and Gonzalez conclude high school baseball careers in All-State
OTHELLO — In the All-State games held June 27-28, Aiden Garza and Quade Gonzalez from Othello had the opportunity to play on Team Rainier. The two former Huskies are very proud of the opportunity to compete at All-State and are looking forward to what’s coming next in their baseball careers. “It’s an amazing experience and opportunity that not everyone gets,” said Gonzalez. “Definitely no matter the outcome, take advantage of it and have fun.” Both players earned First Team All-League honors in the spring baseball season and qualified to play for Team Yakima in the All-Star game in Richland at the start of the summer. Despite the team taking a loss in the feeder game, both Gonzalez and Garza earned top 10 honors to qualify for the All-State game.
Highlights from summer 2026
MOSES LAKE — Local athletes have been keeping the summer exciting as they test their skills under the hot sun. Here are some highlights from June 2026.