Raiders named to all-league squads

Six Lake Roosevelt Raiders made the Central Washington 2B North All League basketball squads this season, including an MVP, and the boys' coach was named coach of the year.

First-year Head Coach Matt Simpson was recognized as "Coach of the Year" for the CWL 2B North, having led the young Raider boys to a winning record and a Washington Interscholastic Activities Association regional tournament appearance.

It was an even split of three boys and three girls from Lake Roosevelt making the teams.

Chance Garvin was recognized for his performance on the floor by being named league MVP. Garvin, a sophomore, was the only Raider on an all-league squad last season and impressed the coaches enough in his second season that they named him the most valuable player in boys' basketball in the CWL North. Garvin will return next season, looking to lead the squad to the Spokane Arena and the state 2B tourney.

Representing the Lady Raiders on the First Team All Central Washington 2B North Girls All League are Lachelle Bearcub and Riley Epperson.

Bearcub led the Lady Raiders in scoring and rebounding with over 10 double doubles on the season. She also helped pick up the Lady Raiders after the loss of Katelynn Schilling early in the season.

Riley Epperson led the Lady Raiders in the backcourt with long shots and steals. She picked up more guard duties when Keya FastHorse went down with injury, and Head Coach Wallace Pleasants was pleased with the way she handled the extra responsibility.

On the Second Team All CWL 2B North Girls All League, Alana Epperson represents the Lady Raiders. Alana aided sister Riley with the guard duties and was also praised by Pleasants for filling the leadership void left by the injuries to Schilling and FastHorse.

Jacob Palmer and Austin Rosenbaum were named to the Second Team All CWL 2B North second team, rounding out the Raider representation. Palmer showed good improvement playing under the basket, being a key player in several games for LR. Rosenbaum played with more confidence as the season progressed and in the postseason provided solid play for the Raiders against larger centers.

All of the postseason honorees will be returning next season.

"Our guys were up against a lot of seniors from other teams," boys' team coach Simpson noted, "so getting a player of the year and two second team guys, that was a great accomplishment."