Chances taken, chances missed
A GRIP ON SPORTS • Yesterday seemed to be a day of chances. Chances taken, chances lost. Read on.
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• The lost chance happened in the Arena, where the Spokane Chiefs had the opportunity to take a 2-1 lead on the Everett Silvertips in their WHL playoff series. But the Chiefs couldn't take advantage of a myriad of chances in the first overtime and ended up losing, 2-1, in double overtime. Such is the up-and-down nature of playoff hockey. Spokane was this close to taking a lead in the series and switching all the pressure squarely on the backs of the favored Silvertips. But, thanks to the comeback win, Everett has regained home-ice advantage and a sense of security.
• Down the road in Cheney, Tyler have decided to take a chance. After a stellar redshirt junior, the soon-to-be EWU graduate announced he is turning professional. His goal is to play basketball for money next season and not just for the recompense of a college scholarship. The ultimate goal, of course, is to play in the NBA next year. Becoming a first-round draft pick would guarantee that – at least guarantee the money – but such an outcome seems unlikely at this point. The nation's leading scorer is slotted in the second round of some mock drafts, if he is slotted at all. If the NBA doesn't work out, then the 6-foot-4 Harvey could be playing in the D-League next season – my goodness, could you see him in the Reno offense? – or overseas. The latter would probably not serve Harvey best in his search for the Holy Grail of the NBA. Yes the competition is better – and more mature – than playing another year in the Big Sky, but a lot of off-court support isn't as stellar. Harvey can shoot with just about anyone but ultimately he needs to improve his strength to compete at the top of the game, along with fine-tuning his skill set. Gaining muscle and strength isn't as easy to do while playing professionally overseas. But no matter what, Harvey has a shot at becoming a success, mainly because he has a shot. A deadly shot. Great range, a quick release, an understanding of how to set up a defender to get his shot. Such skills are in demand everywhere. And still are in Cheney.
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• WSU: I don’t know if you ventured outside yesterday. I did. There was sun, wind, rain and hail. All within about five minutes. The conditions were pretty bad for throwing a football. But that's what Connor Halliday, showing off his skills while throwing to Vince Mayle and other receivers at a second pro day in Pullman. According to Jacob Thorpe's story and blog post, it went pretty well. ... Jacob also has a story and a blog post on a basketball recruit from Federal Way who committed to the Cougars yesterday. ... And, yes, Jacob has a morning post with links today.
• Gonzaga: USF will be losing its best big man, who will transfer to another school as a graduated senior, a la Byron Wesley. Where Mark Tollefson is headed, no one knows yet.
• EWU: The Eagles held a press conference for Harvey yesterday and Jim Allen was there. He has this story. John Blanchette was also in Cheney and he has this column.
• Chiefs: Chris Derrick sweated through two overtimes and a looming deadline last night to put together his game coverage including a story and a blog post. ... Colin Mulvany has a photo report. ... There is a story from Everett as well. ... Tri-City's season is over, as the Americans were swept by Kelowna.
• Preps: It's Thursday so there are a few prep stories, including coverage of the GSL soccer match between Mead and Ferris. Jim Allen has the story. ... Greg Lee has a story on Bishop Sankey's return to Gonzaga Prep (pictured), the Bullpups looming trip to New York for a girls' basketball tournament and a new basketball coach hired at Mt. Spokane.
• Seahawks: The Hawks re-signed a couple of their free agents yesterday. ... There are some changes on the way for NFL free agents and they could affect Seattle's search for a center. ... Professional athletes shouldn't make April Fools jokes. ... Richard Sherman rediscovered math is hard during a visit to his old high school.
• Mariners: So the M's lost 12-4 to the White Sox yesterday. That's not the big news from spring training. Lloyd McClendon let the media into his inner sanctum, if you will, and they were able to figure out the M's roster. Actually, it was a lot simpler than that, but I get paid by the word. ... (Not really.) ... The M's are no longer a joke.
• Sounders: We can offer another MLS power ranking if you want.
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• Enjoy your Thursday. I have a to-do list a mile long, so I will not be enjoying mine. Until later ...
