By Nathan Joyce
MaxPreps.com
Steven Gray earned MVP honors as Washington beat Oregon, 96-82, in the Les Schwab Northwest Shootout at the University of Portland.
Gray, a Gonzaga recruit, scored 20 points. Washington cut Oregon's lead in the series to 9-4.
Oregon was playing without All-Americans Kevin Love (the Maxpreps.com Player of the Year) and Kyle Singler, who had already played in their allotment of two all-star games.
In attendance at the game was Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan, watching his son Jamelle, who had just won his third state title in four years at O'Dea. Seattle SuperSonics assistant coach Jack Sikma was on hand to watch his son Luke play on his future home court. Luke Sikma committed to Portland before the season.
On the girls' side, Chief Sealth's Nia Jackson had 17 points, seven rebounds and five steals to lead Washington past Oregon, 104-60, snapping Oregon's three-game win streak in the series. The win evened the series at 7-7.
In other all-star game action, Rainier Beach's Tireion Turner, playing on her home court, scored 14 points as the South beat the North, 59-44, in the third annual Queens of the Hardwood game.
The event, which included a DJ, dancers and appearance by Sonics point guard Luke Ridnour, raised $900 for a teen parent home.
Basketball: Gray, Bjorklund Honored
Bainbridge's Steven Gray and Angie Bjorklund of University High in Spokane were named the Associated Press state players of the year, determined in a vote of the state's sports media.
Gray led Bainbridge to a second-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. His 2,415 career points are No. 3 on the state's all-time scoring list.
Bjorklund was the only player in the state named to the McDonald's All-American team this year. The Tennessee-bound player was also named to the Parade All-American team and was the Gatorade state player of the year for the second-straight year.
For complete All-State teams, click here.
Baseball: Kiilsgaard Saves Lives
Auburn's Kellen Kiilsgaard had a big fall. Many considered the quarterback/safety the top player in the state. He led the Trojans to a league title and the state playoffs. He landed a scholarship to Stanford.
That was nothing compared to what he did in Hawaii.
Kiillsgaard rescued a father and his daughter who had gotten caught in rough waters on the beach near Maui on Feb. 19. He used techniques he learned in a lifeguarding class at Auburn High.
"There are a few moments in high school athletics that I'll never forget, but doing this means a lot more than anything I could do out there on the field," Kiilsgaard told the Seattle Times. "It's in a different part of your heart than an athletic accomplishment."