When Jon Brockman, Snohomish High’s all-time leading scorer with 2,025 points, graduated and ventured south to the University of Washington, the Panthers were surely headed for a rebuilding season … right?
Not so much.
Even without the dominating 6-foot-7 Brockman, first-place Snohomish has roared to a somewhat surprising 12-1 start, including 8-1 in the Western Conference North Division. Players like senior guard Seth Follis (14.2 points per game), sophomore forward Zach Wilde (12.2) and senior forward Nate VanDuine (9.5) have led a more balanced Snohomish attack.
But also key is the outstanding play of a versatile new big man, 6-8 junior Tim Diederichs, who moved to Snohomish over the summer after previously playing for Shorewood.
“I’m sure (Snohomish coach Len Bone) was thrilled when he saw (Diederichs) coming (to Snohomish),” Stanwood coach Brian Hunter said. “He has the complete game. He has nice hands, which is really great for a big guy, great touch. He’s a good complement to what they do.”
Diederichs is averaging a team-best 16.6 points and about seven rebounds per game. Diederichs, who poured in a season-high 39 Jan. 12 against Arlington, said the transition has been smooth and entertaining.
“Everyone’s been really accepting of me,” he said. “Sure, it’s tough being the new guy coming in. I’m sure some guys (were) a little apprehensive at first but … they’ve been really welcoming and you can’t ask for much better (success).”
Diederichs and Snohomish, ranked No. 6 in this week’s WashingtonPreps.com 4A poll, have a chance to atone for their only loss tonight when they host Marysville-Pilchuck (6-3, 10-3), which rallied to upend the Panthers 62-61 Dec. 9.
Volleyball decision delayed: The site and presentation of a possible all-classifications state volleyball tournament for fall 2006 is still under consideration. In late 2005, Tacoma Dome officials pitched a plan to host the event and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Executive Board was scheduled to make a decision last weekend. But the board postponed its decision until Feb. 1, according to WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese, to gather more feedback from school administrators who are concerned about how each classification (4A, 3A, 2A, etc.) would receive adequate visibility at an all-class tourney. Coaches seem to favor the Tacoma Dome format, Colbrese said. The Everett Events Center hosted the past three 3A/4A tournaments; last year’s 1A and 2A tournaments were at SunDome in Yakima; and the B tourney was at Eastern Washington University in Cheney.
More LaDeau: Lynnwood senior wrestler Jenny LaDeau, featured in this week’s Time Out (see this page), had plenty to say about her favorite (albeit dated) TV shows, and a silly marketing slogan that still cracks her up.
* Oldies but goodies: Clearly the victim of a cruel time warp, LaDeau cites 1980s sit-coms “Full House,” “Growing Pains,” “Who’s the Boss?” and “Three’s Company” as her favorite TV shows. Her favorite actor: the late John Ritter, from the latter classic.
* It’s a gas: LaDeau said the weirdest thing in her wallet is a goofy memento from a visit to Taco Bell. The fast-food joint once had a promotion that offered soda drinkers a chance to win a year’s supply of gasoline. LaDeau saved a game piece from one of her beverages. It bears the awkward slogan “Drink big, Win gas.”
Emerald Ridge star grabs Gatorade honor: Kylie Marshall, a senior outside hitter at Emerald Ridge, is Gatorade’s 2006-06 Washington Volleyball Player of the Year. Marshall, a 5-foot-11 standout with a 30-inch vertical leap, is a finalist for Gatorade’s National Player of the Year award, which will be announced later this month.
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