Michael Harris is not just a great player on a great team. He is officially the best in the state.

Harris, a junior midfielder/defender at Shorecrest High School, was named the 2008-09 Gatorade Washington Boys Soccer Player of the Year Thursday. That night, he helped Shorecrest (18-1) beat Mount Vernon 3-0 in the Class 3A District 1 championship game. Harris didn’t find out about the award until Friday morning.

Next for Harris (six goals and nine assists this season) and the Scots is a first-round state-tournament game. They play host to Evergreen of White Center (12-6) at 7 p.m. tonight at Shoreline Stadium.

Harris, who verbally committed to play soccer at the University of Washington, is a well-rounded player who contributes all over the field, Shorecrest coach Drew Thompson said in a prepared statement.

“Michael’s ability to think on his feet combined with his athleticism and polished soccer skills are what set him apart from other good players,” said Thompson. “What makes Michael particularly special is his versatility. He excels in any position or area on the field.”

Back in the state tournament for the seventh straight year, Shorecrest will try to win its second title this decade. The Scots snared the first-place 3A trophy in 2005.

Bleachers condemned

The home-side wood bleachers at Goddard Stadium in south Everett were condemned May 11 by the Mukilteo School District for safety reasons, Mariner High athletic director/assistant principal Scott Powers said. The stadium is open for use but several areas in the walkways of the home bleachers need to be repaired or replaced, Powers said. The bleachers, which can seat more than 1,000 people, are about 35 years old and near the end of their life cycle, Powers said. The district hopes to fix the problems in time for the 2009 football season, Powers said. The Mariner and Kamiak football teams play home games at Goddard.

More college-bound athletes

The following student-athletes either signed or committed to play sports in college: Archbishop Murphy’s Keegan Kruse (California Lutheran University football), Kamiak’s Tyler Carriker (Seattle University swimming) and Marysville-Pilchuck’s Nick Forsythe (Pacific Lutheran University basketball).

Ponce’s lucky pink shoes

After winning her fifth career league track title Friday at the Western Conference South Division championships, Jackson distance runner Alison Ponce explained the significance of her eye-catching pink shoes. “I think they’re lucky,” the senior said, “because they’re the only ones I’ve had since freshman year. I haven’t really got around to getting some new ones.” Will she finally replace them after the season? “Maybe,” said Ponce. “But I’ll save these for memories.”

E-W thrower pumped up

In the Wesco South boys track and field meet Friday, Edmonds-Woodway’s Will Broadlick won the discus event and broke his own school record with a throw of 153 feet, 8 inches. His inspiration? Before he competed, Broadlick watched “300,” the ultra-intense action movie known for its epic battle scenes.

Kamiak golfer on a roll

Reid Martin’s season got off to a rough start. The defending 4A state boys golf champion wasn’t happy with his first several outings of the spring, but now he’s locked on and confident. One of Martin’s season highlights came May 8, when he won the prestigious Bill Egbers Memorial Tournament at Skagit Golf and Country Club, shooting 67 in the final round.

“I’m proud of myself the way I have responded and not forced it,” Martin said. “I started off the season bad and I just told myself to be patient.”

Martin’s next challenge is the two-day 4A District 1 tournament, which begins today at Gallery Golf Course in Oak Harbor.

Mike Cane, 425-339-3471 mcane@heraldnet.com