The annual Kiwanis All Valley Classic was once again a success with athletes from all the schools enjoying one last basketball game as well as their fans. In the girls game, the Dark team one, 64-58. Danielle Zahn of Florence was high point with 16 points. Cariann Kunkel of Hamilton was the high point player for the light team with 20 points. The Light team was victorious in the boys’ game. They topped the dark team, 79-72. Colby Meeds of Stevensville and Carter Kearns each had 12 points to lead the Dark team. Tanner Goligoski of Hamilton dropped in 32 points including six treys to lead the light team. Will Jessop of Victor and Calla Haldorson of Corvallis won the three point shoot out.
The event also honors the top athletes in each high school sport as well as individual state winners. The athletes of the year were Tyler Chouinard of Hamilton and Megan Pendergast of Stevensville. Hamilton players Carter Kearns andCariann Kunkel were the basketball players of the year. Volleyball players of the year were Katie Hurlbert of Corvallis and Sarah Hopcroft of Florence. The soccer players of the year were Sam Bosio and Tessa Della Silva, both of Hamilton. Tyler Chouinard and Bridger Bauder were football players of the year and Zach Fussell was the lineman of the year. All are Hamilton Broncs. Chloe Arthur of Florence was the softball player of the year. She is from Florence. The Stephanie Gonzales award went to Eli Rosen of Victor and Kayla Schmiedeke of Stevensville.
Also honored were the state champion Corvallis boys cross country team of Anders Watt, Jake Jessop, Grant Martin, Spencer Jessop, James Wissenbach, Ben Carasco, and Cole Henry. Other state champions honored were: Ridge Albright, Corvallis, in the high jump; Blue Devils Penny Jessop, Bree Lewis, Emme Warnken, and Heidi Nisly for the 1,600m relay; Calla Haldorson, Corvallis, discus; Reilly Rostad, Hamilton, triple jump; Mariah Hinson, Stevensville, javelin; Evan Duggan, Darby, 1,600m and 3,200m; John Becker, Darby, javelin.
Three local coaches also won state recognition. Bryce Carver of Hamilton was the Class A football coach of the year. Joanne Cleveland was the Class A cross country coach of the year, and Rob Ralls of Florence was the Class B softball coach of the year.