Jason Kerr- Franklin Head Coach
A Glance at the Recent History of State Champions
By Colin Caruso
Was anyone else aware that the Ferris boys have played in the boys basketball 4A state final four times in the past 12 years? An amazing feat for Don Van Lierop and the Saxons, who are looking to make another trip to Tacoma this year while starting with a 7-3 record. Ferris won the championship in 2007 and 2008, and lost in the final game in 2001 and 2002. No other team has reached the championship game more than twice in the previous 12 years. Ferris has unquestionably built the strongest 21st century resume in 4A boys basketball.
Although Ferris has put their mark on the 4A tournament since 2000, other schools have won the tournament twice, similar to the Saxons. These schools include Franklin, winners in 2006 and 2003, and Lincoln, winners in 2002 and 2001. Franklin is an increasingly interesting situation, as they repeatedly send players to D1 schools, and have won the state championship in both 4A and 3A under coach Jason Kerr (the Quakers won the 3A state title in 2009). In 3A this year they are currently ranked 5th in the state with a 9-2 record.
In more recent championship memories, the state runner-up last year is looking to make a repeat trip to the final game this year. Rick Sloan’s Central Valley Bears are currently 10-0 overall and 8-0 in the Greater Spokane League. One school chasing them in league play, the Gonzaga Prep Bullpups, won the title back in 2011 and are 8-2 overall with a 7-1 record in league play.
This year’s 4A state tournament will be as compelling as any tournament in the past. Don’t miss any of the action, as the next Champion is crowned on March 2nd in Tacoma!