MIKE MAYNARD

Mavs suffer loss in districts, conclude season

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (16-4) fell 11-1 to the West Valley Rams Saturday, bringing an end to their season.

Eight Tigers sign letters of intent

EPHRATA — Eight Tiger student athletes signed their letters of intent to play at the college level next year, on Friday. “It's a great tribute to all their hard work and dedication they've had over the years,” Athletic Director Bryan Johnson said. “It's just cool to see them go to the next level and continue to play sports... very small percentage get to (go), we got eight seniors up here today, and we probably had 175 seniors do sports, so not very many get to go.”

Mavs erupt for 24 runs behind three homers by Mya Martinez

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (16-3) defeated the Wenatchee Panthers 24-4 Thursday behind a three home run and nine RBI performance by Mya Martinez. “I think I performed really well,” Mya said. “I was really just focusing on my fundamentals and Coach Bob (Richardson) helping me in the cages. That was a really good breakthrough for me, because the last few games have been rough, so I just think I really needed that.”

Carlstrom brings experience, energy to Tigers hoops

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District announced Ryan Carlstrom as the new head coach of boys basketball Thursday. With excitement in his voice, Carlstrom said he feels like the pressure is on now. “It kind of feels like now I've got to get to work... summer basketball starts July 1, and so I'm kind of just getting ready and getting excited and learning about Ephrata and the community and program that's in place, and all those types of things,” he said.

Mavericks clinch co-league, district titles in playoff finish

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks boys golf team secured a Co-league and district championship at Apple Tree Golf Course in a playoff on their way to qualifying for state. “It was nip and tuck all the way,” said Head Coach Terry Melbye. “We were in second for a little while, and then first place for up until the very last match there, and we ended up taking second to West Valley... so that was really exciting.”

Knights sweep district doubleheader, earns shot at state berth

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (18-7) defeated Kiona-Benton 6-1 and Chelan 10-0 Wednesday to advance to the play-in games in the 1A district 5 tournament. These key wins set them up to earn their shot at punching their ticket to the state tournament. “Our first game was single elimination, so we knew we had to get that one done in order to move forward,” Head Coach Lisa Lawrence said. “The girls just came together (and) played as a team, played well, hit the ball well, and played good defense. Everything was clicking, and we got that one done, and followed it up with a great game against Chelan... Jill (Allred) pitched a great game, and we pulled it off.”

Ephrata names Carlstrom head basketball coach

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District has named Ryan Carlstrom its new head coach of boys basketball. According to a press release, Carlstroms’ hire will be made official following school board action on May 18. “I’m excited to be part of the Ephrata community and to get to know the student-athletes,” said Carlstrom in the press release. “As a teacher first and foremost, I see coaching and teaching as closely connected. I’m looking forward to challenging the athletes and myself as we build on this program together. Summer ball is coming up, and I can’t wait to get to work and help motivate these students to do their best.”

Mavs’ Jeremiah Baker turns setbacks into opportunity

MOSES LAKE — Long before signing his letter of intent to play football for Pacific Northwest Christian College on April 29, Jeremiah Baker from the Moses Lake Mavericks almost called it quits. “I hurt my foot; I lost a little bit of muscle and that contributed,” Baker said. “I didn't get much playing time at all. I was just on the bench, watching the team do really well.”

Mavs shutout Sunnyside in district tournament

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (15-3) defeated the Sunnyside Grizzlies 16-0 in five innings of the play-in round of the 4A District 5 tournament Tuesday. For Head Coach Mike Hofheins and the Mavs, they couldn’t ask for a better start to the postseason. “It's great, you got to win to play again at this point, and we got the job done. We get to play again on Thursday, and that’s what we were after,” Hofheins said.

‘I’m a hope dealer’

Ryan Leaf speaks of addiction, failure and recovery

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Community Court hosted an event Thursday headlined by guest speaker and former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf. When introducing Leaf, Judge Brian Gwinn spoke about the purpose of community court. “The reason we call it community court is because we don't discriminate who comes in. We'll take veterans, people who are suffering from substance use disorders, people who are suffering from mental health, and that's what we do, is help people out,” he said.