Spokane Youth Sports Awards recognise regional athletic excellence and resilience
Colfax boys’ basketball swept Region awards while Mt. Spokane and Northwest Christian athletes claimed top individual honours at Tuesday’s event.
The 12th annual Spokane Youth Sports Awards ceremony was held on Tuesday evening at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox in Spokane, recognising elite high school teams and individual athletes from the city and surrounding region. Often referred to as the "Spokane ESPYs" due to its red carpet entrance for finalists, the event celebrated student-athletes who have demonstrated significant achievement across 'Region' (Classes 1A, 2B, 1B) and 'Metro' (Classes 4A, 3A, 2A) categories.
Colfax boys’ basketball dominated the Region awards, taking home Team of the Year honours. The Bulldogs achieved a perfect 27-0 season and secured the State 2B championship, a feat attributed in part to a challenging schedule that prepared the team for postseason play. Adrik Jenkin was named Region Boys Athlete of the Year, recording a 46-point performance against Northwest Christian in January and a 33-point showing in the state title game.
In a poignant moment, the late Reece Jenkin was posthumously named Region Coach of the Year. Reece Jenkin coached the Colfax boys’ team for 18 years before passing away on February 27 following a battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. His son, Adrik, accepted the athlete award, continuing a family legacy of leadership within the program.
Addison Jay of Mt. Spokane was recognised as Metro Girls Athlete of the Year, capping a decorated career with the program’s first-ever fastpitch state title and a third consecutive slowpitch state title. Jay finished with a program record of 61 wins and 731 strikeouts, including seven no-hitters and a perfect game. Her team mercy-ruled opponents 20 times in 21 games during the season.
Kaitlyn Waters of Northwest Christian earned Region Girls Athlete of the Year and State 2B Player of the Year honours. The Crusaders entered the state tournament as the eight-seed before capturing their first-ever state titles in both volleyball and basketball. Waters, who also won her second Northeast 2B-North League MVP award, described the postseason run as a significant personal accomplishment.
Lauren Matthew of West Valley was named Metro Girls Athlete of the Year, contributing to her team’s Metro Girls Team of the Year honour in soccer. The West Valley girls’ soccer team outscored opponents 150-0 during the season, while Matthew also set school records in the 100, 200, and 400-meter dashes.
A replay of the broadcast will be available on SWX on June 27 and 28 after Hoopfest coverage concludes at approximately 6:30 p.m.
