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A deep postseason run nearly carried Columbia River to the Class 2A championship game, and Evergreen's girls program made its own history at the Class 3A state tournament. The Rapids finished fifth after a tight third-place game against Anacortes, while Evergreen secured the program's first state trophy with a sixth-place finish after facing White River at the Tacoma Dome. In this episode, Paul Valencia breaks down the final results, standout performances from players like Luca Phillips and Amaya Paschal, and what these state tournament runs mean for Vancouver high school basketball moving forward. Listen now, then read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/trophy-games-columbia-river-boys-finish-fifth-evergreen-girls-take-sixth-at-state-tournaments/ #VancouverWA #HighSchoolBasketball #WIAA #ColumbiaRiverRapids #EvergreenPlainsmen #ClarkCountySports #WashingtonSports
Who doesn't love to talk about state championships? In the fall, northern Illinois had them coming from every which direction. Bureau Valley senior Wyatt Novotny (21:03) won a Class 1A golf title. Sandwich senior Sundara Weber (26:10) won her second consecutive Class 1A cross country final race. The Byron football team and coach Jeff Boyer (38:29) won their third Class 3A trophy in the last five years. It's a championship type of show.Chat It Up (first 20 minutes) includes winter sports postseasons of boys bowling, girls bowling, competitive cheer and competitive dance. Also...Jason and the Friday the 13th movie franchise.
A frantic final sequence in Yakima decided one of the most dramatic games of the Washington high school basketball season. Columbia River held the lead late in regulation and again in overtime before Bremerton's Jalen Davis delivered the tying play and a buzzer-beating finish to win the Class 2A semifinal 55-54. The Rapids now shift to the third-place game while Evergreen's girls reached a trophy matchup in the Class 3A tournament and several other Clark County teams closed their state tournament runs. Reporter Paul Valencia breaks down the biggest moments from the WIAA state basketball tournament, standout performances, and what comes next for Columbia River and Evergreen. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-state-basketball-columbia-river-suffers-heartache-in-overtime-loss-in-semifinals/ #ClarkCounty #HighSchoolBasketball #WIAA #ColumbiaRiver #EvergreenPlainsmen #YakimaSunDome #TacomaDome #WashingtonSports
The guys give you an in-depth preview of the FHSAA Class 3A State Wrestling Tournament. They break down every single weight class, talking about who could win a title, what matches you shouldn't miss, and some surprises to watch for. Everything you want to know about the Class 3A state tournament is in there. Links from the show:https://www.kabrawrestling.com/https://sewrestle.substack.com/https://shotbyward.substack.com/
After claiming the Class 3A boys indoor track and field team championship with just eight athletes, two of them, senior Ricky Johnson and junior Jake Brown, and the coach of the Lancers, Bill Eckard, are this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. The trio chats with host Greg Swatek about how the Linganore boys were able to pull off such an improbable championship with such a small team. The Lancers didn't win a single event and scored only 31 points, and yet it was still good enough for a one-point win over second-place Oakdale and their first state team indoor championship since 2019. What did the team expect going into the state indoor meet? When did the athletes start thinking that winning the team championship possible? Why is it such a close-knit team? And how does this result propel the Lancers into the outdoor season this spring? All of these questions are answered over the course of the discussion, which also revealed some questionable dietary choices after practices and meets. Prior to this discussion, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to share thoughts on the epic men's hockey final at the Olympics and preview the upcoming high school basketball playoffs. They also touch on Mount St. Mary's opening its first season of girls flag football this weekend and Hood College's run to the NCAA Division III Tournament in men's basketball.
This week on Hoop Troop and Shooters Touch, we dive deep into girls postseason play with the Class 3A girls state tournament field officially set!3A Girls State Qualifiers:Mt. Vernon, Cherokee, Dubuque Wahlert, Williamsburg, Maquoketa, Mediapolis, Des Moines Christian, and Forest City.We break down what that bracket looks like, plus take a look at how the other girls classes are shaping up — especially the always competitive 4A class where multiple teams are still in the hunt for a banner.The big news on the boys side: Matt Baker, head boys coach at Woodward-Granger, joins us to help break down the 1A and 2A brackets. He talks about teams his squad faced, who he likes in each class, and even gives us his picks for the 3A and 4A championship matchups.We also spin the Hoop Troop Wheel of Death with random questions sprinkled throughout the episode, plus all your favorites:Tommy's Shoutout (and yes — he's getting FLOODED with Lunch League Legend suggestions!)Doug's Pick of the WeekAnd in case you missed it — Sioux City's food scene gets a shoutout too This one was fun and packed from start to finish. If you love Iowa high school basketball, brackets, predictions, and personality-driven segments, this is a can't-miss episode.Hoops in Iowa — let's go. Shooters shoot.
Tate is joined by Tom Kreager to discuss the 2026 Mr. and Miss Basketball finalists, specifically focusing on the girls' divisions. In Class 1A, the experts favor Zoe Nicholas from Pickett County, who is currently averaging nearly 30 points per game. For Class 2A, the consensus leans toward the standout player from Gatlinburg-Pittman, while Andrea Floras of Daniel Boone—a Mississippi State commit—is the top pick for Class 3A. In Division 2-A, Haylen Ayers of USJ is highlighted as a premier talent, described as one of the top three players in the country and a target for major programs like UConn. The discussion also notes Komora Fields and Cecely Brandmore as top-tier competitors, with Fields being lauded for her elite skill set despite being a "surprise" non-McDonald's All-American. The conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous selection process handled by a committee of statewide sports writers. Kreager, a former committee member, emphasizes that the panel strives for equal representation across East, West, and Middle Tennessee to counter any claims of regional bias. The selection process involves deep dives into player performance, including reviewing game film and Huddle highlights, and even gathering scouting reports from opposing coaches. Kreager describes the responsibility as a "duty" to advocate for players, noting that while only three finalists are chosen per class, the deliberation is intense and aimed at honoring the very best talent across the entire state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tate is joined by Tom Kreager to discuss the 2026 Mr. and Miss Basketball finalists, specifically focusing on the girls' divisions. In Class 1A, the experts favor Zoe Nicholas from Pickett County, who is currently averaging nearly 30 points per game. For Class 2A, the consensus leans toward the standout player from Gatlinburg-Pittman, while Andrea Floras of Daniel Boone—a Mississippi State commit—is the top pick for Class 3A. In Division 2-A, Haylen Ayers of USJ is highlighted as a premier talent, described as one of the top three players in the country and a target for major programs like UConn. The discussion also notes Komora Fields and Cecely Brandmore as top-tier competitors, with Fields being lauded for her elite skill set despite being a "surprise" non-McDonald's All-American. The conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous selection process handled by a committee of statewide sports writers. Kreager, a former committee member, emphasizes that the panel strives for equal representation across East, West, and Middle Tennessee to counter any claims of regional bias. The selection process involves deep dives into player performance, including reviewing game film and Huddle highlights, and even gathering scouting reports from opposing coaches. Kreager describes the responsibility as a "duty" to advocate for players, noting that while only three finalists are chosen per class, the deliberation is intense and aimed at honoring the very best talent across the entire state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The High School Huddle team dives into the Class 3A Dual State Championship bracket and predicts who will take home the title.From favorites to sleepers, Chris, Clay, Phil, and Shawn break down the biggest matchups ahead of Saturday's championship action at Tulsa Union's UMAC.The High School Huddle is live every Monday at 6 p.m. throughout the wrestling season with Chris Evans, Phil Nichols, and Shawn Silvis.
Richmond-Burton junior Blake Livdahl, an all-state linebacker who helped lead the Rockets to the Class 3A semifinals, has had his wrestling season come to an end after tearing his right ACL. He was a state runner-up wrester as a sophomore.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
It may be basketball season, but our WPIAL insiders Keith Barnes and the esteemed Mike White start things off with football, as they discuss the imminent hiring of current Mars coach Eric Kasperowicz, who will likely be installed at his alma mater, North Hills, at the Thursday board meeting. They also get into basketball questions, looking at Joe Lafko and the job he's doing in his first year at Knoch. And in Class 3A, can Mohawk win its first title since 1970? All that plus Shining Stars, the ever-popular picks segment and our Post-Gazette Fantasy Basketball picks! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
After Linganore High football rolled to a 56-17 victory over Oakdale in the Class 3A championship game last Saturday in Annapolis to claim its seventh state championship, coach Rick Conner, senior running back Bradly Matthews and senior receiver/defensive back Chase Perry are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast. The guys chat with host Greg Swatek about the season, which will certainly be considered among the best in Frederick County history. The Lancers finished 13-0. They pulled out a close win at Mervo, the eventual 4A-3A state champion, in Week 1 and were hardly challenged the rest of the way. What made this team so special? How did it come together so well? And what is it's future after reaching the state mountaintop once again? Matthews, Frederick County's all-time touchdown leader (80), and Perry, the team's leading receiver, discuss what playing football at Linganore meant to them, as well as their futures. Matthews will play football next year at Georgetown University, while Perry will play baseball at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Prior to this conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to recap Linganore's big win over Oakdale in the second state football final between Frederick County teams and look ahead to the high school basketball season.
Here I speak 1-on-1 with former Louisville Football quarterback, current head coach of the Christian Academy
After ending a 32-year state championship drought for Frederick County field hockey teams, Linganore High School is featured on this week's Final Score podcast, as head coach McKenzie Ridgely, star goalie Allena Jaworski and junior midfielder Addison Ridgely join the program. The trio chats with host Greg Swatek about the Lancers' 4-3 victory over Westminster in double overtime back on Nov. 8 in the Class 3A championship game at Stevenson University in Owings Mills and the dramatic way it unfolded. Jaworkski recalls stopping a Westminster penalty stroke in the first quarter that flipped the momentum in her team's favor. Addison Ridgely describes how the game-winning sequence, involving an almost accidental goal from senior forward Jordan Zimmerman, evolved. And McKenzie Ridgely talks about the overall resilience of her team, after Westminster produced the tying goal with roughly 20 seconds to play in regulation, and why it was able to play its best when it mattered the most. The discussion also covers the very unusual way the Jaworski became a goalie, as well as her future in the sport and the future of the team. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss Linganore and Oakdale meeting in an All-Frederick County state football final for the second time in three years. Is this the Linganore team that finally breaks the recent string of losses in state football finals? And can Oakdale find a way to keep it competitive after being blown out by the Lancers during the regular season?
The high school football season will come to an end this weekend when Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg plays host to six PIAA championship games. Our Post-Gazette insiders, veteran scribe Mike White and high school sports coordinator Keith Barnes, break it down. In the first segment the two look at games involving non-WPIAL teams in Classes 2A, 4A and 5A. After a quick break, they examine the title matchups in Class 1A between Clairton and Bishop Guilfoyle, the Class 3A 2024 rematch between Avonworth and Northwestern Lehigh and finally the Class 6A clash, a rematch of the 2025 season opener won by La Salle College High School, 23-6, over Central Catholic at the Wolvarena. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Byron's Caden Considine rushed for a Class 3A championship game record 367 yards, one of many finals records to fall, but the Tigers needed a defensive stop in the final seconds to turn away Tolono Unity 56-50 in a Class 3A championship game thriller at Illinois State.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Byron has tried successfully to simply power its way through all of its postseason foes, Tolono Unity seems to be trying to just simply post a ton of points. Which one will win out? Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 3A title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Peters Township's comeback against Pine-Richland in the WPIAL 5A championship was one for the ages. On their weekly podcast, Post-Gazette high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White react to that game and the rest WPIAL championships at Acrisure Stadium. How did Cole Neupaver, Nolan DiLucia and Co. storm back? How impressive were Will Martin's three touchdowns for Seton LaSalle in the Class 2A final? Why were coach Duke Johncour, RB Luca Neal and Avonworth able to repeat in Class 3A? And how did Clairton coach Wayne Wade and star Deon Lovelace-Pompey help the Bears pull away in Class 1A? Our duo tackles those questions; offers predictions for the PIAA semifinals this week and previews of the rankings for basketball season, which begins Friday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
After leading Urbana to the Class 4A team championship in boys cross country on Nov. 8 at Hereford High School, coach Jackie Suarez and senior runner Josh Rothery are this week's guests on the Final Score podcast. Suarez and Rothery chat with host Greg Swatek and winning the championship, which was Urbana's first in boys cross country since 2003 and fourth overall. What made the Hawks such a tight pack of runners? How did they react to winning the championship? Rothery, who finished sixth overall in 16:47.51, talks about growing up in England and how he got into running. And Suarez talks about the future of the team and looks ahead to the indoor track and field season at Urbana. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to recap the state quarterfinal in high school football and look ahead to Linganore and Oakdale playing in the Class 3A state semifinals this week.
Caden Considine showed off what he called "explosive-play ability," rushing for 287 yards and 5 touchdowns, and Byron beat host Richmond-Burton 44-10 in a Class 3A state semifinal game Saturday in Richmond.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Richmond-Burton linebacker/fullback Blake Livdahl plays bigger than his 5-foot-7 frame. A state finalist in wrestling last winter, he rushed for a season-high 122 yards and two TDs in the Rockets' 31-6 win over Monmouth-Roseville in a Class 3A state quarterfinal.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Richmond-Burton's football team will host Byron in a Class 3A state semifinal Saturday afternoon. Check out our game preview.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Two middle classification powers lock horns in one side of the bracket while two long time rivals battle on the other. Steve Soucie breaks down the semifinal round of the 2025 IHSA Class 3A Playoffs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
Monmouth-Roseville was able to keep its Class 3A quarterfinal against Richmond-Burton competitive early on, but they had no answer for the Rockets and running back Hunter Carley in a 31-6 victory for R-B.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
In a 28-6 win over IC Catholic Prep in the 3A semifinals, undefeated Byron did something teams all season failed to do – shut down the vaunted Knights passing attack.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
It appeared early on that the Class 3A bracket was going to provide some blockbuster matchups in later rounds. That time has arrived now. Steve Soucie breaks down the quarterfinal round of the 2025 IHSA Class 3A Playoffs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.
It's the most wonderful time of year. No, it's not Christmas. It's the WPIAL football championships, with finals in Class 4A and Class 6A slated for Saturday at Pine-Richland. After analyzing the ramifications of the PIAA biennial realignment on football conferences, our Post-Gazette High School insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White delve into the matchups as McKeesport and running back Kemon Spell, who have been to the finals each of the last two years, hope to avenge a 2023 finals loss to the Quips, who have been bolstered by the return of quarterback Marques Council. In the Class 6A final, familiar foes meet as defending champion Central Catholic once again squares off with North Allegheny. They then look deeply at the Friday slate of eight semifinal matchups in Class 1A, Class 2A, Class 3A and Class 5A, featuring rematches from the regular season from Western Hills Conference foes Avonworth-North Catholic and Peters Township-Upper St. Clair from the Allegheny Six. As a bonus, they look at the PIAA Class 1A game featuring Westinghouse and District 5 champion Meyersdale Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.