Stephen Curry made Davidson College famous in 2008.
Jake Belford, a 6-foot-9 forward from Battle Ground, would love to help keep Davidson among the NCAA tournament teams.
Belford announced this weekend his intention to sign with Davidson in April. A two-time first-team all-league selection for the 4A Greater St. Helens League, Belford helped the Tigers reach the bi-district tournament this season.
Davidson, located in North Carolina, jumped into the national scene when Curry led the Wildcats to the 2008 Elite Eight at the NCAA tournament.
The Wildcats also made it to the tournament this season, losing to Louisville.
That game was played in Portland.
The next day, Davidson coaches were at Battle Ground High School, meeting with Belford.
“Their style of play fits Jake, with him being able to shoot it and play on the perimeter a little bit,” Battle Ground coach Andy Schoonover said.
It’s Al Aldridge Day
In honor of Al Aldridge’s most recent girls’ state basketball title and 700th win, Clark County commissioners on Tuesday declared March 28, 2012, to be Al Aldridge Day.
Commissioner Steve Stuart, a Prairie High School graduate who played trombone, also mentioned Aldridge’s work as an award-winning jazz band director.
In Aldridge’s 32 years at Prairie, the Falcons have made it to the state tournament 27 times and won the title six times.
Stuart, along with Commissioners Marc Boldt and Tom Mielke, made the proclamation Tuesday morning at the Public Service Center.
Boldt read a letter from one of Aldridge’s former players: U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler.
“As a former Lady Falcon from the 1996 team, I want to congratulate you on an incredible 32-year career at Prairie High School,” she wrote.
The Congresswoman went on to thank Aldridge for teaching the value of communication and team work.
“I also learned that throwing the occasional elbow helps secure rebounds,” she wrote. “In hindsight, I cannot imagine better preparation for my entrance into politics.”
Stuart cautioned that having your own day doesn’t come with any special privileges.
If Aldridge gets pulled over for speeding, Stuart joked, the “but it’s Al Aldridge Day,” excuse won’t work.
Aldridge thanked the commissioners for the honor.
“It’s been an awesome ride,” he said.
Bowen going to SPU
Brooke Bowen, the Class 4A state girls basketball tournament’s most valuable player, is headed to Seattle Pacific University.
She told coaches there that she plans on signing her letter of intent in the next signing period in April.
Bowen helped the Skyview Storm to the 4A state championship, the school’s first title. She was also voted the co-player of the year in the 4A Greater St. Helens League.
Bowen is known as an all-purpose guard, with the ability to hit the 3-pointer, drive for two, as well as pass and rebound.
Seton coach steps down
Jon Schroeder, who has coached the Seton Catholic boys basketball team since its inception three years ago, has resigned for personal reasons, athletic director Dick Scobba announced.
Schroeder, 48, coached 26 years at various schools in the Pacific Northwest, compiling a 325-212 career record. He led the Cougars to a 9-11 season this winter and into the Class 1B district tournament.
Scobba said the school will soon begin to search for a replacement.
Seton Catholic will be making the transition from Class 1B to Class 1A next school year. The Cougars will be joining the Trico League.
Trapper golf tournament
Fort Vancouver Junior Class is hosting the Trapper Golf Tournament, a 4-person team scramble on April 14 at Club Green Meadows.
The event has a 10 a.m. shotgun start and costs $45 or $65 with a cart. Cost includes greens fees, driving range access, lunch and SWAG bag.
Registration closes on Friday. Contact Anna DeLeo at anna.deleo@vansd.org or call (360) 771-2039.
