A salute to our champs

Oh boy. How about those girls?

We're referring to the Post Falls High School girls basketball team, which conquered all challengers in capturing the state championship several weeks ago. In case you were napping, they did so in thrilling fashion over Coeur d'Alene High School, 46-44 in overtime in the title game.

The boys? Well, there were high hoop hopes that Lake City might emulate the Post Falls girls' success, but that didn't happen. In fact, it was a lamentable playoff run for all the boys teams from North Idaho, who posted a collective 0-8 record last week. But there are some excellent players returning so optimism will hit high gear again when the disappointment wears off.

Now, about those girls.

Post Falls reached the summit the same way other champions do: Excellent coaching, countless hours of hard work, and personal sacrifice for the betterment of the team. Oh - and a heck of a lot of talent. This year's squad featured six seniors, including four starters who were arguably the Trojans' best players. As a two-point win in an overtime title game illustrates, every bit of experience and skill was needed to reach the top.

We salute Coach Marc Allert and his amazing squad, which finished not only ranked No. 1 in Idaho, but No. 23 in the entire nation. Please join us in congratulating these world-class girls:

Shayna Allert

Whitney Gonzales

Katie King

Brenna Meehan

Lexi Smith

Brooke Litalien

Hallie Gennett

Samantha Runkle

Dani Failor

Priscilla Perrin

Now, what do you suppose are the chances that Gonzaga can be world-beaters, too?