MIKE MAYNARD
Recent Stories
U.S. advances to World Cup knockout round with 2-0 win over Australia
SEATTLE — Ahead of their matchup against Australia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, questions swirled about how the United States would fare against the Socceroo's after it was announced star Christian Pulisic would not play due to a calf injury. Despite this, the United States overcame Australia 2-0 to advance to the knockout round of the World Cup.
Athletic Breakthrough gym helps local athletes train beyond the season
QUINCY — While local Basin student athletes may be out for the summer, their opportunities to remain in shape for their respective sports are not. Head Baseball Coach at Quincy High School and owner of Athletic Breakthrough Gym David Garza has made his business available to local Basin athletes to continue developing during the offseason. “You're starting to see the kids who are trying to be more dedicated to their sport,” Garza said. “One thing that contributes to a lot of that success is dedication in the offseason, their hard work in the weight room, the dedication that they're putting in, as well.”
Sage-N-Sun hoops tourney brings out Ephrata community
EPHRATA — The 36th Sage-N-Sun festival drew a large turnout with several attractions like the fun run, a parade and a three-on-three basketball tournament. “I think it went really great,” Parks and Recreation Director Josh Johnson said. “We had a similar turnout to what we had last year. We ended up with 36 total teams, and we ran four total divisions. We kind of hoped that we could get a handful more divisions to run, but it's just a very busy weekend in our community that weekend, and so we made do with what we had, and I think we were able to put on a pretty good event.”
Dallin Spencer takes over Vikings men’s hoops
MOSES LAKE — Dallin Spencer was named the new head coach of men’s basketball at Big Bend Community College, Vikings Athletics announced in a statement. For Spencer, this is an opportunity he’s been chasing for a while now, he said. “It feels a little surreal,” Spencer said. “I've been wanting to be a college head coach since I was probably about 15 or 16, old enough to kind of comprehend what having a lifelong job and career is, but I'm really excited to be a part of the Big Bend family.”
Sixers 16U-Lopez split four games at home tourney
MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sixers 16U-Lopez (6-7) went 2-2 in the High Desert Invitational held at Paul Lauzier Athletic Complex. “It was kind of disappointing not coming out with the championship, playing in our own backyard,” said Head Coach Rey Lopez. “But sometimes that happens. Pretty satisfied with 2-2 record, I think we could have pulled it off, but we fell a little short.” The Sixers started slow on Friday, falling to the Devo Lumberkings 16U 5-3. However, they rallied on Saturday with a 10-4 win over the New Level Diamond Jaxx and a 5-2 win over the Lumberkings on Sunday. Though their newfound momentum would not carry over into their final game against the Spokane Crew 16U, which they lost to 9-1.
Vikings volleyball hosting day camp for local athletes
MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings volleyball program is hosting a day camp on June 26 for local Basin high school athletes. Head Coach Lindsey Linthicum said this is a great opportunity for these athletes to get a feel for college volleyball. “I will do a questionnaire at the end of the camp that gives the girls an opportunity to say, ‘How do you run a camp or not camp? How do you run a program, what are my best options if I am looking into a college?’ and things like that,” she said. “If they have the idea of wanting to do something like that, it really helps them to get the gears going, so they can start doing their own research and figure out what works best for them.”
Mavericks’ Borchert to continue softball in college
MOSES LAKE — The Mavericks’ Amilia Borchert has committed to St. Cloud State University to join the Huskies softball program, she said. Though the Minnesota-based school is far from home, she has some connections there that will help her transition. “I’ve got a lot of family there,” Borchert said. “They also have the major I’m looking for; they have mass communications/sports broadcasting which is what I really want to do.” Her interest in this field began developing at a young age, she said.
From World Cup call-ups to NCAA breakthroughs, local colleges make news
MOSES LAKE — Even when the academic calendar reaches its end, college athletics continue their work into the summer. See below some of the latest headlines from local Washington colleges.
Maverick Ian Anderson commits to Vikings wrestling program
MOSES LAKE — After closing the chapter on his time as a Maverick, Ian Anderson is staying home after he announced his commitment to the Big Bend Community College Vikings men’s wrestling program. However, it was never clear throughout his time at Moses Lake High School if that’s what he wanted to do, he said. “The first three years, I wasn't really doing much at state because of my knees,” Anderson said. In back-to-back years, Anderson dealt with knee injuries that limited his time on the mat. By his junior year, he suffered a torn meniscus in both of his knees, ultimately requiring surgery. Despite the setbacks, he kept his focus on having a strong senior season.
Othello 2026 class celebrated at commencement
OTHELLO — Cirrostratus clouds painted the warm Friday evening sky as the class of 2026 walked the stage at the Othello High School graduation. Though a slight breeze added a slightly chilly element, students were all smiles as they packed the stands of the football stadium.