Predicting snow in the forecast is a lot like prep sports predictions.
Both create a lot of reader interest. Both can get people riled up. And both are often completely incorrect.
And that’s why there won’t be any prep sports predictions in this column.
The dreaded word “s-n-o-w” worked its way into the forecast recently, even if that possibility lingered between not likely and possible.
Luckily, with the MLK Holiday clearing most of the prep sports schedule in Southwest Washington on Monday, it gives the wintry weather — if there is any — time to pass before the bulk of the prep schedule resumes on Tuesday night.
And that’s good because Tuesday’s schedule is full.
Most of the area’s leagues are at or near the midway point of their basketball league schedules. So let’s take a look at where those races stand.
4A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE BOYS: Union has taken what was thought to be a tight battle and turned it into a one-team show. With the Titans have already beaten second-place Skyview twice and Evergreen struggling, Union looks in good position to claim the league title.
4A GSHL GIRLS: Skyview leads Battle Ground by one game in the standings. But there’s actually a bigger gap between the two teams than that. But that’s what we were expecting.
3A GSHL BOYS: Columbia River leads Mountain View by a game, and the league title could be decided in the rematch between those teams on Jan. 24. If Prairie wants to get into the discussion, the Falcons will need to beat River on Thursday.
3A GSHL GIRLS: Stop the presses. Prairie is the best team in the league. OK, no shocker there. But Camas’ win Friday against Mountain View makes the Papermakers the clear No. 2 team.
2A GSHL: League play just opened, but there still could be a key boys game Friday in Longview. Perennial league favorite Mark Morris hosts upstart Washougal in a game, depending on what happens Tuesday, could be a battle of league unbeatens.
1A TRICO: Toledo boys leads the league at 8-0, but Ridgefield is looking to close the gap on the Indians when the Spudders travel to Toledo on Tuesday. Castle Rock girls lead the league at 8-0.
Athlete of week
Thanks to everyone who took part in our first prep athlete of the week vote. We had more than 500 fans take part in the poll on our Facebook page.
Congratulations to Carly Holboke who took the first honor with a late surge of votes.
Another poll will be up Monday with five new nominees. And here they are.
• Timmy Hergert, Heritage boys basketball
• Bryson Page, Union wrestling
• Britni Atwell, Heritage gymnastics
• Wylicia Faley, Battle Ground bowling
• Jackie Lanz, Prairie girls basketball
To check out their credentials from last week and to vote on this week’s honoree, go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/360preps.
Tim Martinez is the assistant sports editor/prep coordinator for The Columbian. He can be reached at (360) 735-4538 or email tim.martinez@columbian.com. Twitter @360TMart
