November 2023

A new era of Vandal girls basketball tips off Friday when new head coach Lexi Onthank leads McCall-Donnelly against Orofino for a non-conference bash.The new skipper, who starred for the Vandals on the court before graduating in 2016, is excited to put her stamp on a program formerly led by coach Cody Hansen, who stepped down last spring after a decade at the helm.“I am hoping to bring new ideas to the program, get the girls involved in the community and bring as much excitement and positivity to this season as possible,” said Onthank, who will get an assist from Tim Thomas this winter.

Cascade’s Laura Inwards turned in a promising performance while competing at the 4A State Swimming Championships, held Friday and Saturday at the Boise West YMCA.The Rambler swimmer earned a podium finish in the 100-meter butterfly, nabbing fifth place with a time of 1 minute, 5.38 seconds.Inwards also finished eighth in the 200 Individual Medley, touching the final wall in 2:27.Ryan Harrison, who works with Inwards as the coach of the Cascade Killer Whales swim team, said the swimmer took on two of the three hardest events at the state meet, and with minimal rest time in between.“To qualify for state finals in these tough events and to place so high in both is a testament to every aspect of Laura’s swimming: her mastery of technique in all strokes, her willingness to suffer in training and racing, and her confidence racing two of the hardest events,” Harrison said.The weekend meet marked Inwards’ second straight trip to the state championships.

McCall-Donnelly volleyball coach Amber Green watched her daughter Gabi on senior night and thought it would have been nice to just be a parent.But then there would not be moments like this: Both mother and daughter were recently named the Snake River Valley Conference Coach and Player of the Year, respectively.Both agree it is special to be honored in such a way – together.“It’s just been special to spend time with her,” Amber said.