SUNNYSIDE — Following a light sprinkling of snow blanketed the Rattlesnake Hills from the night before in the background, 114 participants dressed up in their warmest running attire and worked up an early appetite during the Sunnyside Christian Childcare Center Turkey Trot 5K on Thursday, Nov. 28.

MABTON — The DNA make up of a top tier, program-driven coach typically consists of being able to inspire students and their teams to derive the most from their potential – Mabton girls’ volleyball coach Vanessa Medina recently earned that level of recognition after receiving the 2B EWAC Coach of the Year award.

SUNNYSIDE — Senior Mike Rivera received the 2019 Columbia Basin Big 9 Conference League Most Valuable Player award for his outstanding football season on both offense and defense, while helping guide the Grizzlies to a three-way share of the league title.

GRANDVIEW — With a time of 18:16, Izak Garza of Grandview finished first in the premier Grandview Chamber of Commerce Turkey Trot 5K held Saturday, Nov. 23.

SUNNYSIDE — On the fourth day of practice for the Lady Knights basketball teams, the defensive game instruction featured a 1-3-1 scheme to get players’ mindset on turning up their intensity on both ends of the floor during the 5:30 p.m. gym workout on Thursday, Nov. 21.

TACOMA — The quarterfinal game of the Class 2A Gridiron Classic matchup between No. 7 Prosser and the No. 2 Steilacoom Sentinels validated the Mustangs’ resolve and overall desire to remain together on the field of play until the last whistle on Friday, Nov. 29, at Mount Tahoma Stadium.

CENTRALIA — No. 15 Mabton (1-5 EWAC, 4-7 overall) embraced the challenge and were confident in going up against No.2 Napavine (3-1 Pacific Mountain, 9-1 overall) and last year’s state runner-up on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Centralia High School.

DEER PARK — No. 11 Zillah (5-1 SCAC West, 9-1 overall) were down 15-0 in the first half to No. 6 Deer Park (6-0 Northeast, 8-0 overall) before the Leopards strong-willed resolve broke through the Stags’ stingy defense and made it a game to remember on Friday, Nov. 15, at Deer Park High School.

GRANDVIEW — The ‘Hounds Class of 2020 hosted the second annual Grandview School District Basketball Staff vs. Staff School Showdown before a reveling crowd of more than 500 spectators on Friday evening, Nov. 15, at the high school’s gym.

SUNNYSIDE — The Yakima Valley Team Penning Club honored its young riders at its awards banquet on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Terrace Heights.