Shooting down some old myths

A GRIP ON SPORTS • It seemed as if this week would be a dead one, sports-wise. Not so. There are a lot of links to pass along this fine Friday morning. Read on.

••••••••••

• There are stories here, stories there today, but only one that can be my favorite. It comes out of Indianapolis, where Kevin Pangos won the 3-point shooting contest last night. (I know, I know. Gonzaga fans everywhere on hearing the news Pangos had 23, 23 and 22 points in his three rounds vs. other men are wishing he could have hit one or two of those against Duke.) That’s cool, but that’s not the best part of the story. Portland’s Cassandra Brown (pictured) won the women’s division of the State Farm College Slam event at Butler’s historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. That means the two best outside shooters in their respective genders came from the WCC. That’s cool, but that’s not the best part of the story. Brown and Pangos squared off to determine an overall champion with Gonzaga’s star scoring 20 points. But Brown scored 21 and won the competition. That’s cool, but that’s not the best part of the story. No, the best part was Pangos’ reaction. He tweeted afterward that, ya, he lost to a girl. But he also added it was no big deal. Sorrynotsorry was one of the hashtags. And it isn’t a big deal. That’s the best part. Thirty years ago it would have been a big deal. No more. Women have proven their game is different, but not better nor worse. There are certain aspects of the game in which the women excel, shooting being one of them. Execution is another. And Pangos, whose dad coaches women collegiately, understands that. The macho superiority complex of the past is just that, past. Among college athletes, there is a respect for each other, for the work ethic, for the skills, for the game. That’s so cool. Why? Because it wasn’t all that long ago women’s sports were marginalized and dismissed, even by their peers. Sure, their popularity may never rival their male counterparts in attendance and ratings, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be celebrated. They are, especially by the people who count. The players.

•••

• WSU: It was a big day in Pullman yesterday, with Cougars from all over saying goodbye to Bobo Brayton, the longtime baseball coach and spirit of the school. Howie Stalwick has a story for Sportspress Northwest. … Jacob Thorpe was at spring football practice and he captures the action with a story and blog post , along with videos from Mike Leach and five questions with Isaac Dotson. … Jacob also has a morning post with links. … The Cougars are still looking for a soccer coach. Jim Allen has the story . … Stanford won its second NIT title in four years , which is a good thing and a bad thing. … ESPN.com’s Pac-12 blog has a summary of Connor Halliday’s workout.

• Gonzaga: We have a short story on Pangos’ win while the Oregonian has the same on Brown’s overall victory.

• EWU: Eastern began spring football practice yesterday and Jim Allen was there. He has this story on players dealing with new roles.

• Idaho: The Vandals are in the middle of spring football and Sean Kramer has a blog post on the emergence of a top running back.

• Chiefs: If the Chiefs want to ensure they will be back in the Arena, they need to win one of the next two games. That’s the thrust of Chris Derrick’s story and blog post today. … Everett’s coach say his team doesn’t flop . … Portland evened its WHL playoff series with Seattle.

• Preps: Greg Lee previews the local track and field scene in today’s paper and has a feature on a Mead pole vaulter trying to reach new heights. … Chris got to experience the joy of spring sports around here yesterday as he covered a softball game in our changeable local weather.

• Seahawks: The Hawks re-signed a couple of mid-season pickups yesterday and watched Keith Price throw at Washington’s pro day. … Steve Schilling retired . He’s 26-year-old.

• Mariners: I’m starting to get worried. The reporting out of spring training is so relentlessly positive, so upbeat. Such unbridled optimism always worries me. That’s why I’m glad Hisashi Iwakuma has developed a blister and didn’t throw any split fingers yesterday. A little worry is always a good thing. … The M’s signed left-hander Joe Beimel to a minor league contract . … Despite having a payroll of a reported $120 million , the M’s will still need their young players to get over the hump if they want to win. … Alex Jackson is a young player who will have to wait his turn. … This is fun .

• Sounders: Many of the Sounders injured will be back this weekend, but one player who is no longer with the team is veteran forward Kenny Cooper . The MLS’ salary cap turned out to be lower than expected and that cost Cooper his spot. … A couple of young Sounders took different paths to success.

•••

• That’s it for me. Let’s just get through this day. Tomorrow is the national semifinals. Sunday is Easter. Monday is Opening Day and the NCAA title game. That’s three great days. Until later …