June 16-23: A showcase of summer sports in photos

Over the past few weeks, Basin athletes have been active on both the football field and the baseball diamond. As the school-based sports season cools down for the summer, youth leagues are starting to pick up steam in the Columbia Basin. Whether it’s on the field, diamond, gridiron, or court, local youth leagues are making their mark and readers are encouraged to share any league that deserves recognition by emailing Sports Reporter Ian Bivona at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.

Amidst the summer activities, Othello running back/defensive back Alex Mendez was seen returning a kickoff for the East team at Saturday’s Earl Barden Classic. Royal wide receiver/defensive back Case Christensen was also in attendance, looking at the East Offensive Most Valuable Player plaque at the same event in Yakima. Ephrata tight end/defensive end Eric O’Neel was spotted breaking out of his stance during the Earl Barden Classic as well.

In addition to high school athletes, Legion players in Almira/Coulee-Hartline showed their skills on the diamond. Second baseman Hunter Flaa made contact with a pitch for a single during a doubleheader against East Valley, while center fielder Harvest Parrish was seen rushing toward home plate during the same game. Meanwhile, younger players also got in on the action as the 12U Central Washington Sixers participated in the Pete Doumit Memorial Tournament in Moses Lake on June 16.