MIKE MAYNARD
Recent Stories
Knights set for state title rematch
ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (1-0) are slated for a big game against the Cashmere Bulldogs (1-0) on Friday, as it will be a rematch of the 2025 1A state championship. While the Knights were victorious in a 21-20 classic, it was the Bulldogs who gave Royal their toughest fights throughout the 2025 football season. Last season, the Knights played the Bulldogs twice, coming out victorious both times in tightly contested games. This season they're hosting them in week two, which provides a chance to see what this team is made of, Head Coach Wiley Allred said in a previous interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.
Basin soccer roundup, Sept. 1-10
MOSES LAKE — Basin girls soccer is well underway and some of the matchups did not disappoint. Some teams are off to a hot start while some others are looking to turn it around quickly. See below how your favorite team has fared so far in 2026.
Knights girls soccer blanks Wahluke 4-0 to remain undefeated
ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights girls soccer team (3-0) are off to a strong start to the 2026 season after defeating the Wahluke Warriors (1-2) 4-0 at home Tuesday. The Knights Head Coach Jens Jensen feels pretty good with how his team is playing in the early phases of the regular season. “We’re starting to settle into something that’s going to work,” he said. “The whole idea is to try to create pressure and hopefully we can beat a team before they set up. What’s going to happen to us is that teams are going to start bunkering in, and we’re trying really hard to see if we can beat them before they set up.” The Knights went on the attack right away against the Warriors, finding their first goal at the hands of Justine Fitzhugh within the first 10 minutes of the game. From there, they built their lead with two more goals by Marilyn Deras and Briseydi Pacheco before halftime creating a commanding 3-0 lead by the break.
Mavericks cross country heading to Hawaii
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks cross country team is headed to Hawaii for the 2026 Iolani cross country Invitational. Heading into the race, Head Coach Larry Dagnon feels good about where his team is at. "I think we've got it," Dagnon said. "We are going to be very tough. We have a good chance in Hawaii to do really well; we think we could win it, but I'm not positive. By the time you get to that afternoon race, the heat, the humidity-it's something that we don't get here."
Gridiron roundup – week one
MOSES LAKE — Fall sports is in full swing, which means the return of high school football all across the Basin. See below how your favorite programs fared in week one.
Bell’s five touchdown day lifts Eagles past Northern Iowa
CHENEY — After a 34-27 loss to Northern Arizona, the Eastern Washington Eagles (1-1) bounced back with a statement 34-24 win over the University of Northern Iowa Panthers Saturday. It was a tale of two halves, but the Eagles rallied on defense to shut UNI out in the second half. “I just finally said we need more organic energy in our defense,” Head Coach Aaron Best said. “They were catching slants, and all of a sudden, they were turning a five-yard route into a 25-yard run after catch – that first half was not a fun half from a defensive standpoint. But that defense went 0-0 in the third and fourth quarter, it goes to show you we can play at a high level if we want to execute and follow our focus to the level it needs to be.”
Mavericks dominate second half, defeat Richland 34-14 in season opener
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks earned a statement win on Friday, defeating the Richland Bombers 34-14 in the first game of the football season. The Mavericks started strong, claiming a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Bombers responded in the second quarter with 14 unanswered points of their own to tie the game before halftime. From there, Moses Lake turned on the afterburners in the second half, outscoring Richland 20-0 as they stormed to a win at Lions Field. “We shot ourselves in the foot a couple times with some penalties, and we know our offense is better than that,” Haneberg said. “Setback-comeback is what we talk about. It helps getting that missed field goal at the very end (of the first half). Gives us an opportunity to get some momentum, and then we just rode with it from there.”
Mavs overcome adversity to sweep Hanford in three sets
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks volleyball team (1-0) kicked off the 2026 season with a 3-0 win over the Hanford Falcons on Thursday. “They came out mentally strong, fundamentally strong and excited to play,” Head Coach Krystal Trammell said. The Mavs won all three sets, but each round was a unique battle of its own. In the first set, they held the lead the entire time, but Hanford kept it close, at times cutting their deficit to within one point before Moses Lake ultimately pulled away 25-18.
Broncos reload after memorable state semifinal run
LIND — If you ask Lind/Ritzville (14-2) Head Coach Cari Galbreath, last season was special for the Broncos. “It was just a good mix of players filling their roles all very well, and they were all competitive and intense. It was a memorable season for sure,” Galbreath said.
Diaz returns to alma mater, takes over Jacks girls soccer
QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (11-4-1) begin a new era under new Head Coach Javier Diaz ahead of the 2026 season. Since his arrival, Diaz has felt a lot of positive energy throughout the program, he said. “I'm excited about the prospect of what's going to happen this season,” Diaz said. “I think we're trying to establish a new culture with the girls and hopefully it sticks around for a long time.”