CALEB PEREZ

Erickson looks back on a busy and successful four-sport high school career

WARDEN — A four-sport athlete is not someone you often come across due to the time and dedication it takes for success in one sport, but for Amaya Erickson, tackling that challenge was something she was up for in her senior season. “My family’s always been really big into sports,” said Erickson. “Both my parents have played and my siblings both play, so I guess they’re all a really great inspiration for me.”

Fletcher named new Eagles volleyball head coach

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles volleyball team will be under new leadership this fall as Erin Fletcher has been selected as the new head coach. She is following the successful tenure of the previous head coach, Nikki Noble, who helped guide the team to multiple state appearances over the years. “I’m so excited,” said Fletcher. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch these girls play the last couple years as a (referee). I’m really excited to be able to step in after Coach Noble and continue on that winning and competitive spirit that they’ve had for so long and kind of take it now to the next level.” Her love for athletics came from growing up in an athletic family of basketball players, but in second grade, she became the first in her family to start playing volleyball. From there, a passion for volleyball began to grow.

Tigers start summer 3-1 after split with Sunnyside Christian

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tiger Baseball Club (3-1) finished their second matchup of the season as they split a doubleheader with Sunnyside Christian Tuesday evening. “I was pleased with a lot of aspects of the doubleheader,” said Tigers Head Coach David Tempel. “The summertime is all about development and getting some experience. The good part about (Tuesday) is we were in some different situations that we haven’t seen much, so we were able to learn from those and use those to our advantage.” Sunnyside was the first on the board during game one as they put up two runs in the top of the second inning. The Tigers responded at the bottom of the third as they put up five runs to claim the lead.

Johnson set to lead young Eagles team for 2026/27

SOAP LAKE — Joe Johnson has been hired as the Soap Lake Eagles new Boys Basketball head coach for the upcoming 2026/27 school year. The new hire said he is excited for the opportunity to start with a young team and help them grow throughout the season. “I’m excited. It’s an opportunity that I’ve been looking forward to,” said Johnson. “I’ve enjoyed basketball throughout my life, I’ve played a lot and it’s my favorite of the things to coach.”

SR 17 closed from fire

UPDATE: As of 6:15 p.m., SR 17 has reopened, but North Lake Road Northeast is still closed due to fire crews fighting the fire. Drivers are still asked to avoid the area and find alternate routes. MOSES LAKE — State Route 17 between Neppel and McConihe Rd has been closed due to a fire in the area and heavy smoke, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are asking that people avoid the area and find alternative routes. Officers are on scene working to get the fire under control. More information on the fire will be posted as it comes along.

College athletes prepare for 2026 NCAA Track & Field championships

MOSES LAKE — The college track and field season is coming to an end this week as athletes from around the state are heading to the NCAA Outdoor championships at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.

GALLERY: Basin spring sports highlights

MOSES LAKE — With spring sports now behind us in the Basin, there’s no shortage of highlight moments executed by local high school athletes. See below some of the photos taken by the Columbia Basin Herald that did not make print until now.

Warden’s 2026 graduates gather together one last time

WARDEN — The class of 2026 celebrated their high school graduation Friday evening as friends and family gathered to celebrate everyone’s academic achievements. The ceremony was both a moment of excitement and sadness as the diverse group of graduates got to spend one last moment together. “I noticed we weren’t exactly the loudest, closest or most group of students,” said class valedictorian Ashley Cruz-Contreras. “We all had our own circles, clicks, routines and lives, but despite all the differences, we are here together tonight, united one last time on the state to close the chapter we started together.” Cruz-Contreras said following graduation, all of the class of 2026 will be heading off to their futures and wherever that takes them. As the class prepares to go on their new journeys, she wanted to thank those who helped guide each of her peers to this point.

Fire breaks out in rural Mattawa prompting potential evacuation

Upcoming summer bass tournaments for summer 2026

MOSES LAKE — With the fishing season well underway, there are many opportunities around the area to participate in fishing tournaments this summer. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Inland Empire Bass Club shared a few opportunities for anglers to come together this season.