MIKE MAYNARD

Knights eye state bid ahead of 2026 season

ROYAL CITY — After a strong 2025 that fell just short of a state tournament bid, the Royal Knights (13-3) come into this season eager to take that next step. “I think we need to score,” Head Coach Jens Jensen said. “We need to score from more set pieces than we did last year. That's going to be huge. So free kicks, corners – we got to find more goals.”

Experienced Wahluke eyes return to state tournament

MATTAWA — After a season which exceeded expectations, the Wahluke Warriors (10-6) bring an experienced roster ready to return to the 1A state tournament. Only having to replace the center back spot, Head Coach Cele Lopez has a lot of confidence in this year’s team – and he’s not the only one. “Everybody feels more confident,” Lopez said. “Especially as a group, as a coach, I feel more confident. We have a lot of freshmen again. We rebuilt on every position last year, so we're going to be ready for whatever comes this year, it's going to be a challenge, but we're going to be ready.”

Now the team to beat; Mavericks set sights on repeat

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (15-1) enter the 2026 season with a new perspective after winning the programs first ever 4A slowpitch state championship in 2025. Instead of chasing a championship, the Mavs are looking to defend it. “The girls are excited,” Head Coach Mike Hofheins said. “Defending a state title is not something that a lot of people get the opportunity to do. It's a really cool opportunity, challenge and responsibility for us to see if we can get there again and make some noise.” Hofheins knew last year’s squad was special just by the way they carried themselves.

Warriors seek return to state tournament

COULEE CITY — Last season, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (15-3) achieved their goals of reaching the state tournament and competing at the highest level. This season they look to build on that. “We have a ton of talent this year,” Head Coach Katie Walsh said. “(We’re) coming in with the mindset that we have the toughest district in the state, and we have to show up and compete every day and practice at our highest levels if we want to get to our goals – and that's definitely the state tournament and placing.” The Warriors made a deep run to the semifinals of the 1B state volleyball tournament before falling to Garfield-Palouse 3-0.

Mavs volleyball opens 2026 with renewed excitement

MOSES LAKE — With each new season brings a lot of excitement for what lies ahead. Much is the same for the 2026 Moses Lake Mavericks (9-7) as they gear up for the first game of the season on Thursday. “Each team is different, and what we're trying to do is just look at the girls that we have and put them in positions that they're going to be successful,” Head Coach Krystal Trammell said. “We're really excited with the group that we have. Program wide the talent is fantastic. We're just anxious to get started, and these girls are ready to prove it.” As they’ve started practices, Trammell said there’s been an influx of talent entering the program this year.

Jacks open season with shutout win over Mavericks

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (1-0) are off to a strong start to the 2026 season after defeating the Moses Lake Mavericks (0-1) 2-0 at home, Tuesday. New Head Coach Javier Diaz was elated for his team after the win. “It was great,” he said. “I think it's going to hopefully set the tone on things that we look forward to this season. We have a great group, and we're just wanting to take this game as maybe a starting point to see where we can go, but just to start like that, it's good – I'm optimistic.” The Jacks were aggressive from the start, applying a sticky defense alongside an opportunistic attack. They got on the score board first behind a goal by freshman Allanah Longwill. From there, the Mavs controlled the ball for a majority of the remaining first half, but the Jacks defense always got the stops they needed.

Apple Cup headlines opening weekend for Washington programs

MOSES LAKE — Week one of college football is here, and your favorite Washington programs are hitting the gridiron. Teams like the Washington Huskies, Washington State Cougars, Central Washington Wildcats and Eastern Washington Eagles are eager to build off the prior season and be competitive in their respective conferences. See below where your favorite team is playing this Saturday.

Mavericks cross country team ready to take the next step

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks cross country team are gearing up for another successful season, as they look to build off a strong 2025 season. From Head Coach Larry Dagnons perspective, this year’s squad looks ready to take the next step. “They're better than last year,” Dagnon said. “We lost three scorers, so two from the boys team (and) one from the girls team, but they're mostly intact. Our girls are going to be very strong, (and) the boys are going to be very strong.”

Eagles suffer close loss in season opener

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles (0-1) suffered their first loss of the season and in conference play after a comeback by the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 34-27, according to a statement by EWU Athletics. The Eagles scored first and built a sizable lead in the first half. After leading 7-3, the Eagles scored 17 unanswered points to go up 24-3 in the second quarter. Momentum then swung back to the Lumberjacks following a 100-yard kickoff return. They followed with 17 points to take the lead into the fourth quarter, part of 24 straight points from the NAU. Eastern managed to tie the game late in the fourth, but the 'Jacks managed to score a game-winning touchdown with under five minutes to play.

Friday night preview

Knights, Mavs and Tigers clash at Jamboree

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights hosted the Ephrata Tigers, Moses Lake Mavericks and the Wenatchee Panthers for this year’s football Jamboree. This gave each of the teams a good feel of how they stack up against players from different conference levels prior to their first game of the season. “They played hard,” Knights Head Coach Wiley Allred said. “Plenty of mistakes for everybody, I'm sure, but had some guys in there that haven't seen a lot of time, and it was good to see them playing. We kept a few kids out just because they need to get healed up completely for next week, and so we're excited to get those other guys an opportunity, and they showed up fine.”

GALLERY: Gridiron Guide highlights

MOSES LAKE — The highlights from Gridiron Guide don't stop with just their stories. See below some bonus photos from your favorite teams around the Basin.

Warriors look to build leadership, consistency this fall

MATTAWA — When the Wahluke Warriors (2-8) take the field this season, they plan to focus on finishing games, sustaining effort and building leadership, Head Coach Anfernee Cortez said. “Last season we got into some close game ones that we easily could have turned around and won but just wasn't in our cards,” Cortez said. “I think that mindset of playing to the end, having that fight, believing that we could win mentality. They want to carry that into this season, and then just continue to build on guys being team leaders rather than you know sitting back. That will help in tough games like we had last season.” As they head into the 2026 season, the Warriors have some important roles to fill – including quarterback after last seasons QB1 Keaton Zirker graduated. While Cortez has not named his new guy yet, he knows what he’s looking for.

Warriors hungry to clear semifinal hurdle

COULEE CITY — After back-to-back seasons of reaching the 1B state football tournament semifinals, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (10-2) are looking to get over the hump this season. “It starts with the kids. They're hungry,” Head Coach Brandon Walsh said. “They have a sense of urgency about this year and want to get over that hump, and I think that's probably where it starts as far as identifying anything that we're going to do different. When you get to that level of the state tournament, it really is a little thing or two that can make the difference in a game.”

Broncos looks to climb back into playoff contention

LIND — The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos (2-8) are eager to bounce back from a down year last season, which saw a team finding their way after losing key contributors from the 2024 roster. The silver lining being a lot of young guys last season can carry their new experience with them into this year. “We come into a season (in 2025) where I think we graduated about 3,000 yards of offense,” Head Coach Brendan Bermea said. “Then we had a bunch of older kids, but they weren't kids that had ever been in a position where they had to be the production. We did our best, but we struggled scoring, and then we struggled stopping people at times. But we improved towards the end of the season, that was the positive.”

Hungry for more

Mavericks reload after historic 2025 season

MOSES LAKE — After the winningest season in program history, the Moses Lake Mavericks (11-1) are looking to hit the gridiron with a chip on their shoulder this season. Under new Head Coach Kyler Haneberg, this year’s group is full of guys who are ready for their turn. “You can't deny how special they were (last year),” Haneberg said. “They've been waiting their turn behind this group that just graduated, and now they finally get their chance, and so they're pretty hungry to get started and get on the field.” Before taking over as head coach in the offseason, Haneberg was the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach under former head coach Brett Jay.

Knights looking ahead after sixth-straight state title

ROYAL CITY — After winning their sixth straight 1A state championship last season, the Royal Knights (13-0) aren’t focused on the past – they're only looking to the future. “We look forward, and this year is going to be unique,” Head Coach Wiley Allred said. “The games will be different, and we're going to be better than we were a year ago if we can. We'll be a different team, a different group of guys, with a lot of the same faces, but not all of them. Mostly looking forward but keep the same standard and expectations as the previous year.” With each new season, each team brings some uniqueness for the season, Allred said. The Knights graduated a lot of players from last season like Shea Stevenson, Anderson Brown, Bryan Larson and Rolando Cedillo. However, they return players like Fischer Livingston, Dax Jenks and quarterback Grant Wardenaar.

Player-led Jacks ready to show growth on the gridiron

QUINCY — When the Quincy Jacks (1-8) take the field this season, they’ll be a hungry group determined to show last seasons record does not reflect the growth they made as a team. “One thing we're always striving for is (taking it) one play at a time,” Head Coach Seth Longwill said. “That's what we're really focusing on, is that four to eight seconds, the average football play. Not scoreboard watch, just get out there and get after it one play at a time – that's our mentality.”

Eagles off to historic season start with 3-1 win over Western Illinois

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles (4-0) are off to their best regular season start in school history after earning a commanding 3-1 win over Western Illinois. According to a statement by EWU Athletics, Reese Kincaid and Deanna Montero each recorded their first goal in an Eagle uniform, while Mia Miconi added her third goal of the season late in the match. "To put ourselves in a position today to win, and to learn while winning, is truly a blessing," head coach Missy Strasburg said. "It was far from our best team performance this year, but we definitely celebrate our team for overcoming a lot of challenges today."

Eagles off to historic season start with 3-1 win over Western Illinois

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles (4-0) are off to their best regular season start in school history after earning a commanding 3-1 win over Western Illinois. According to a statement by EWU Athletics, Reese Kincaid and Deanna Montero each recorded their first goal in an Eagle uniform, while Mia Miconi added her third goal of the season late in the match. "To put ourselves in a position today to win, and to learn while winning, is truly a blessing," head coach Missy Strasburg said. "It was far from our best team performance this year, but we definitely celebrate our team for overcoming a lot of challenges today."

Moses Lake Roundup final results

MOSES LAKE — The 83rd Moses Lake Roundup has concluded, bringing together the best of the Columbia River Circuit. Stetson Wright earned All-Around Cowboy, racking up just over $1,900 between saddle bronc riding and bull riding. The competition was stiff, with many competitions having several riders tie. See below the final results from the roundup, according to a release by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Buck Naff named Man of the Year at Moses Lake Roundup

MOSES LAKE — The 83rd Moses Lake Roundup drew a packed crowd each night over the weekend as spectators at the Grant County Fair enjoyed the Professional Cowboy Rodeo Associations top competitors. Buck Naff a long time Moses Lake Roundup committee member was named the Man of the Year, an annual award given out at the rodeo. “It's huge,” Naff said. “I mean, sure, it's great that I get to ride the horse in the arena in front of people and get a buckle and all that. What's important to me is it took that committee and a general consensus and an agreement that Buck Naff is our man of the year. That meant a lot to me.”

GALLERY: Grant County Youth Equine Program on full display at Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fair is in full swing, and with each year, comes another week of competition for the Grant County Youth Equine Program. See below some highlights from the GCYEP senior and intermediate competitions.

Moses Lake prepares fall sports for unpredictable air quality

MOSES LAKE — With wildfires popping up across Eastern Washington, most of the state has also felt their impact – specifically in the daily air quality. With fall sports only a couple of weeks away, Moses Lake High School Athletic Director Loren Sandhop offered some insight into how they’re navigating the unpredictable wildfire season. “Even our Lake Lifts, we’re having to take that into account,” Sandhop said. “They not only lift weights, but they go outside to do running, plyometrics and speed stuff like that.”

Fuhrman scores first-round TKO in amateur MMA debut

SPOKANE — Dominic Fuhrman, 18, was victorious in his amateur MMA debut on Saturday at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane, earning a first round technical knockout. The local Ephrata native was ecstatic after his first fight. “I put on a good show,” Fuhrman said. “I wasn’t boring, so I feel amazing. It was a great first debut win, and I’m excited for the future.”

Othello 10U All-Stars turn state run into summer of memories

OTHELLO — As summers end draws nearer, the Othello Little League All-Stars 10U (8-2) are set to come away with a handful of core memories after finishing second in the state tournament. Theirs and the 12U softball success this summer were celebrated at a recent Othello City Council meeting, where Mayor Ken Johnson signed a proclamation making Aug 10 as City of Othello Little League All Star Day “We had so much support from the community,” Head Coach Rudy Ochoa II said. “Words of encouragement, donations from local businesses and families, and at the state tournament these kids felt it. They elevated their game because they knew that the whole community was behind them; it was nice to see that. Even in defeat, we push to win or lose with class. I felt like it was a good closure because even though it was defeat, those ones that were supporting them were still supportive even when they came back home.”

From Maverick to Warrior

Paige Richardson rises to first year challenges

MOSES LAKE — When former Moses Lake Maverick Paige Richardson first arrived at Walla Walla Community College, she did not anticipate getting to play as much softball as she did in her freshman season, she said. “I didn't know what to expect just because it's a whole different world once you step into college softball compared to high school softball,” Richardson said. “I was used to playing, pitching a lot for the Mavericks. My coach pretty much depended on two of us pitchers, and it just worked out that way, and we worked really well as a pair, and we were able to back each other up in certain scenarios, so I wasn't expecting it, but I'm glad it worked out the way it did.”

MLCA athletics enters new era under Todd Gregory

MOSES LAKE — Todd Gregory was named the new Athletic Director at Moses Lake Christian Academy earlier this summer. As he heads into his first year in the role, things are already expected to look different this school year. For instance, the Lions will not have a football team this season. “We did not renew our contract with Covenant (Christian School), so we lost some athletes this year,” Gregory said. “I think in the long run we'll end up getting some of those families that want to do athletics but stay in the Christian school atmosphere. I'm hoping that happens and we're able to get football going again.”

Moses Lake Roundup returns to Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — The 83rd Moses Lake Roundup is just over a week away from kicking off at the Grant County Fairgrounds Aug. 20-22. However, community members don’t have to wait until the 20th for the fun to start, as the demo derby will take place Aug. 18-19.

Desert Green Turf in Moses Lake installs logo for Mariners 50th Anniversary

MOSES LAKE — When Nathan Cox started Desert Green Turf in 2006 at a farm in Moses Lake, the initial plan was to sell to local landscapers and homeowners. Fast forward 20 years and his business has grown into a consistent turf producer for major sports franchises – including the installation of the Seattle Mariners 50-year anniversary logo at T-Mobile Park on Friday. “I thought it turned out great,” Nathan said. “I was able to tune in (Friday), and results came back very positive from the Mariners management and Kevin (Dvorak), the groundskeeper there, I think everybody was happy.”

Missed chances cost Mariners in series-opening loss

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners (56-61) are currently 3-3 in August after suffering a 2-1 loss against the Tampa Bay Rays (69-46), Friday. This loss comes at the start of an 18-game stretch against teams that currently hold playoff spots, including two more against the Rays.

Carlos Gonzalez finds his stride at Othello High School Athletics

OTHELLO — Clear skies and the morning sun had set over the Basin on May 23 as the first pitch was thrown for the Othello Huskies state baseball game. For the first time in program history, the Huskies were hosting a state tournament game on their home field. For Carlos Gonzalez Jr, the athletic director at Othello High School hosting a state baseball regional wasn’t just a logistical triumph—it was proof that his hometown community would rally around its kids when given the chance.

Rage runs the table to win NAFA Summer Nationals

MOSES LAKE — The Washington Rage 16U (15-9-1) are the North American Fastpitch Association Summer Nationals champions after going on an undefeated tournament run over the weekend. In the aftermath of a successful finish to the summer season, the Rage are over the moon, Head Coach Bob Richardson said. “They had a great time,” Richardson said. “As we went through the second half of the season, we really gelled, and I think the girls became really tight this week because we spent a lot of time together, a lot of team bonding. I've gotten close with a runner-up (finish) here, but I've never won it. To win it, that's all the work that everyone has put in finally paying off.”

Barrientoz duo find success a PNW Bagfest

MOSES LAKE — Father-son cornhole duo Camryn and Fabian Barrientoz found success in Spokane at the Pacific Northwest Bagfest. When they began competing six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, they never would have anticipated where they’d find themselves today. “Back in 2020 I didn't think that I was ever going to be this competitive into a backyard game that people drink, play and just get together,” Camryn said. “Now this is like a competitive sport. There are colleges actually giving out scholarships, and there's actually a high school and middle school in Grandview. It's pretty cool how Washington's picking up on that.”

Eagles camp strengthens Mavs on and off the pitch

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks girls soccer program recently returned from a three day soccer camp at Eastern Washington University. This experience provides players an opportunity to dip their toes into the water of college athletics and gauge their interest, Overland said. “This is our third year going, so we like to take a group of girls if we can get enough interest down there to get a little bit of the dorm experience,” she said. “It's a good bonding time for them and then get some drills in with the Eastern coaches and players, and kind of experience a little bit of what that's like.”

GALLERY: Summer sports highlights

MOSES LAKE — It’s the last week of July and with the arrival of August, fall sports is set to begin imminently. Though high school athletics has been on pause since the end of May, there has been no shortage of local sports. Let's take a look back at some of the highlights of summer sports this year.

Ephrata youth fall sports registration open

EPHRATA — Registration for fall youth sports like soccer and flag football in Ephrata is open. Though it’s still somewhat early in the process, turnout has been strong so far, Recreation Supervisor for Ephrata Parks and Recreation Gunner Blankenship said. “In the spring we had about 250 kids for soccer, and we're projecting about the same amount for fall this year,” Blankenship said. “Last year we had a total of 71 kids turn out (for flag football) between first grade and sixth grade, and there's differentleagues for each of those age groups.”

'Good Dude' Christian Berezay selected to the Patriot Games

COULEE CITY — Christian Berezay, a football player and wrestler from the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors, has been one of two high school athletes selected to represent Washington in the 2026 Patriot Games. The honor felt surreal, he said. "I did feel a little weird because I never thought in my life that this would happen to me," Christian said.

Rage 16U builds momentum ahead of national tournament

MOSES LAKE — The Washington Rage 16U (10-9-1) finished second in the Summer Meltdown tournament in Chehalis. It was one more warmup tourney ahead of their trip to Nationals in Newberg, Oregon this weekend, Head Coach Bob Richardson said. "The team played well," Richardson said. "We were able to battle in some tight games and pull it out in the end. The girls were playing good defense, we hit the ball well and pitching was good, so that helps and makes it for a nice, successful weekend. We just ran out of gas in the championship game."

Sixers 18U finish season with first tournament championship

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sixers 18U (17-16-1) finished their summer season as champions after winning the Whitworth Prospect Series in Spokane. It was a great way to end the summer season, Head Coach Trey Evans said. "Guys came together and decided to end the year on a good little streak," Evans said. "Definitely had a little bit of up and down in the tournament but ended up coming together at the end and getting the job done."

Sixers 14U cap summer with Moses Lake Meltdown championship

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sixers 14U (18-18-1) concluded their summer season with a championship win in the Moses Lake Meltdown tournament. "It's nice to be able to win the last one and cap off of a good summer," Head Coach Steve Keller said. "For a lot of these kids going to high school next year, it's a good way to end the summer and get ready for school."

From Othello to Pocatello, McDonald finds her place with Bengals softball team

OTHELLO — Before Camryn McDonald became an everyday shortstop and leadoff hitter for Idaho State, she was an Othello kid playing in front of a crowd that had known her since childhood. Three seasons into her college softball career, McDonald said that support system still shapes how she views her success with the Bengals. "It has been nothing but awesome," McDonald said. "It's fun, I play with all my best friends, and it's just been a roller coaster of emotions. We have two championships now and a tournament win, it's been exciting."

Eastern Washington football to attend Big Sky Conference kickoff weekend

CHENEY — Eastern Washington football Head Coach Aaron Best, Isaiah Perez and Malik Dotson are slated to represent the Eagles at the Big Sky Conference Kickoff Weekend in Spokane, according to EWU Athletics.

Eastern Washington BMX tracks team up for Race for Life fundraiser

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake BMX will be participating in the Race for Life fundraiser the first weekend of August. A nationwide event, Eastern Washington BMX entities are adapting it into a four-track series across Walla Walla, Columbia Basin, Spokane and Moses Lake, President of Moses Lake BMX Jeff Niehenke said. "We try to see who can raise the most money amongst the tracks," Niehenke said. "We have a traveling trophy that goes along with that for bragging rights. Along with that, we also do a four-race series for the riders, and we have end-of-series awards for those who get the most points through those four races."

Maverick's trainer shares tips for safe summer conditioning

MOSES LAKE — With August on the horizon, the return of local high school athletics is drawing closer by the day. Lily Rodriguez, who serves as the athletic trainer at Moses Lake High School, shared some tips for how athletes can prepare for outdoor sports amidst heat and fluctuating air quality. "They need to start slowly entering into the heat as well," Rodriguez said. "They need to be acclimated (to the heat). It takes about 10 to 14 days of slow and gradual increase in activity. The first thing that they got to start doing is physical conditioning."

Mavericks wrestlers gain national experience in Fargo

MOSES LAKE — Eli Anderson and Conner Duvall from the Moses Lake Mavericks wrestling program recently returned from Fargo, North Dakota for the 2026 US Marine Corps Junior nationals. "I think I performed good," Anderson said. "But I don't think I performed my best; I could have done better in my last match to make it further."

Washington OG's win Northwest title, earns national tourney bid

MOSES LAKE — The Washington OG's adult softball team has brought home the 2026 Jim Sherman Memorial Northwest championship after a 6-1 run in Salem, Oregon. With the win, they will represent the Northwest in January when they travel to Florida for a national tournament. "It was the first time that we've done that and gone that far," Head Coach Rudy Perales said. "We've kind of been knocking the door because we went to Reno last year and we took second. So, to come back this year and actually win it was pretty exciting."

Washington wins Allstate Big Ten women's championship

SEATTLE — The University of Washington women's sports programs combined efforts have led to them being recognized as the inaugural Allstate Big Ten Women's Championship Series. This award measured conference finishes across all Big Ten women's sports for the 2025-26 academic year, according to UW Athletics. "Winning is in the DNA of Washington," said Director of Athletics Pat Chun in an interview with the Big Ten Network. "Having success across the board is something that's critically important to us."

Eagles ranked eighth in Big Sky 2026 preseason poll

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles football team was ranked eighth overall in the Big Sky Conference preseason coaches and media polls, according to a statement by the Big Sky. According to EWU Athletics, the Eagles garnered 70 points in the coaches' poll, seven behind Idaho for seventh and 22 ahead of Weber State in ninth. In the media poll, the Eagles earned 246 points, behind Southern Utah, which earned 273, and ahead of ninth-place Cal Poly with 168.

Ephrata duo selected to Tillage All-Star team

EPHRATA — Mitchell Johnson and Isaiah Davis from the Ephrata Tigers baseball club (16-9-1) have been selected to join the Tillage League All-Star 18U team. "I was excited to play on a team of people I didn't know," Johnson said. "I've never played for a team where I don't know anyone playing for it, so that was cool. Then I heard that one of my teammates was going to be on the team a little bit later as a late addition, so that was cool. I'm glad I got to do it with him too."

Two Eagles earn preseason recognition ahead of 2026 season

CHENEY — Jaylon Jenkins and Othello native Isaiah Perez have garnered preseason recognition by Stats Perform as part of their preseason All-American team ahead of the 2026 season for Eastern Washington football, according to a statement by EWU Athletics. While it's great to be recognized nationally, Perez is also drawing motivation from it. "It feels good to see that we are getting recognition for some of the work we're putting in," Perez said. "It's pretty exciting to see your name on one of those lists, but we know that we have a lot of work to do, and it's a preseason list, and we want to have our names on that list at the end of the season as well."