THURSTON – Blake Sentman is headed to Thurston High School to both serve as a mentor and be mentored. The 27-year-old from Cottage Grove has been named girls basketball coach for the Colts. He will also serve as offensive coordinator…

PLEASANT HILL – Most of the moments immediately following a tragic car accident remain unclear for Ryan Thomas, but her mom recalled one of the initial worries. “The first thing she asked was, ‘Am I going to be able to…

SPRINGFIELD – Hunter Dryden has gone from a Drifter to an Emerald.The 23-year-old right-handed pitcher spent the summers of 2022 and ’23 pitching for Springfield at Hamlin Sports Complex before being drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 17th…

THURSTON – After leading Thurston to three straight Midwestern League boys basketball titles for the first time in more than a half-century, Blaine Liberatore is leaving on top. Liberatore, who led Thurston to the 2018 Class 5A boys state basketball…

THURSTON – Grady Saunders has been playing above his age level since middle school, so Dennis Minium knew he didn’t have an average freshman arriving on the diamond in 2023. “Oh yeah, I had high expectations for him after watching…

PLEASANT HILL – Pleasant Hill will show off a new field as it looks to make the state softball playoffs. The Billies’ booster club raised funds to provide a new turf facility for the softball team while looking to do…

THURSTON ■ Coach: Jeff Litle■ Last year: 23-6, 15-3 in Midwestern League, second place. Defeated West Albany 15-13 in the first round of playoffs and defeated Wilsonville, 12-2, in second round of playoffs. Defeated Crater 18-15 in state semifinals before…

CRESWELL – With a few returnees – including a state champion – and a talented transfer, Creswell will take a shot at defending its Class 3A girls track and field championship. The Bulldogs bring back three scorers from last year’s…

THURSTON ■ Coach: Dennis Minium■ Last year: 26-4 overall, 18-0 to win Midwestern League title. Lost to Canby, 2-0, in the state semifinals.■ Outlook: The Colts have won seven straight league titles dating to 2018 and are favored to add…

THURSTON ■ Coach: K.C. Gillespie■ Outlook: The Colts placed sixth at state last year in the girls competition led by Brooklyn Anderson, who won the state title in the 100 hurdles in 14.93 seconds. She already topped that time as…