Northwest Notes Nov. 4, 2020

Zags’ Ayayi named to

Jerry West Award Watch List

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Gonzaga junior Joel Ayayi on Tuesday was named to the Jerry West Award Watch List, which recognizes the top shooting guards in Division I men’s college basketball.

Ayayi, who was named the 2020 West Coast Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Player, appeared in all 33 games last season, starting in 23. The redshirt junior was selected honorable mention all-conference in 2019-20. He averaged 10.6 points, 6.33 rebounds (which was eighth in WCC), 3.21 assists (11th in WCC), and 1.27 steals (10th in WCC) per game. He was fourth in the conference with a 2.08 assist-to-turnover ratio. Ayayi was recently named to the preseason all-WCC team.

Myles Powell of Seton Hall won the Jerry West Award last year.

On Monday, incoming Gonzaga freshman Jalen Suggs was named to the Bob Cousy Award Watch List, which recognizes the nation’s top point guards.

For more information on the 2021 Jerry West Award and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com.

Martin takes over

Kellogg boys basketball program

Mike Martin has been named the new boys basketball coach at Kellogg High.

Martin, a 2008 graduate of Clark Fork High, has spent the past two years as the junior varsity coach at Coeur d’Alene High, going 29-10.

“I owe a ton of thanks and credit to Tony Hanna,” Martin said. “He took a chance on me and got my foot in the door at CHS. My two years there sparked a passion for me. Getting to work with that coaching staff and the incredible group of kids we had created a special bond for me. After Coach Hanna stepped down, and I heard the Kellogg job was open, combined with the fact that my wife graduated from Kellogg, it just seemed like the stars kind of lined up for the situation.”

Martin works as the Self-Reliance Principal for the Child Support Program for the Department of Health and Welfare in Coeur d’Alene.

Martin takes over for Jeff Nearing, who stepped down after five seasons at the conclusion of last season. Kellogg has qualified for the state 3A tournament in the past nine seasons, finishing third in 2017.

“I’m really excited to take over such a successful program,” Martin said. “The Jeffs (Jeff Nearing and Jeff Lambert) really laid the foundation for all the recent success, and now it’s my job to come in and pick up where they left off. We’ve got our player/parent meeting (tonight) and I can’t wait to get in the gym and get the season going.”