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Articles by Ben Ray
Around the Sound Sports Episode 9: Kentlake baseball coach Mike Suguro - Kent Reporter
A new episode of Around the Sound Sports is now live on YouTube. With the high school sports season coming to a close, we want to take a more in-depth look at the people who make South King County high school athletics stand out. Click the link to listen to this week’s episode. Remember to subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Instagram @aroundthesoundsportspod, where we post clips from our podcast episodes.
Kentwood unified track and field reach new heights - Kent Reporter
The Kentwood unified track and field team was historic during the WIAA State Track and Field championships at Mount Tahoma High School from May 28-30. For the second time in three seasons, Kentwood was crowned Unified State Champions. This year Kentwood scored 41 points at the state track meet, 14 points more than the second place team (Deer Park). Kentwood’s unified team set four new school records and a new state record.
Liberty Select Basketball camp numbers continue to rise - Renton Reporter
The Liberty Select Basketball program just wrapped up its spring youth clinic on May 27 and is now preparing for the annual summer camp that runs from June 22-25 at Liberty High School. It is a program and a camp that continues to grow, according to its president, Ryan Purugganan. “One of the clearest signs of a healthy program is whether families choose to show up, and this spring the response was incredible.
State track and field results: Liberty’s Sutton Flint reigns supreme across four events - Renton Reporter
The city of Renton has been blessed with speed over the last four years. Hazen’s Kenyon Andrews and Sutton Flint of Liberty both possess other-worldly speed. Both were on display in full force during the WIAA State track and field championships at Mount Tahoma High School from May 28-30. Flint ran in four events and the University of Iowa commit took home four first place medals. Andrews on the other hand ran just the 300 Meter Hurdles and he broke the state record, a record he set last year.
Regional state tennis and golf placers - Kent Reporter
With the conclusion of the state golf and tennis tournaments, here are some notable athletes who snagged podium positions. 4A: Kentridge doubles duo finishes fourth at state tournament Juniors Minh Nguyen and Grace Tram worked their way through the state tournament bracket over May 22-23 at Kamiakin High School and The Pacific Campus in Kennewick. The doubles duo began their run against NPSL rivals Reese Stober and Sofia Cummings of Kennedy Catholic.
Seahawks name Kent student as Flag Football Player of the Year - Kirkland Reporter
Kentwood High School’s Diya Thomas was named the 2026 Seahawks Flag Football Player of the Year on May 5 and was honored with a parade of champions outside of the Kentwood common area. “Right before I kind of knew something was happening, I heard something through the walls,” Thomas said. The Conquerors’ head coach Von Phothisane found out weeks before and besides his coaching staff, no one else at the school knew Thomas was going to be honored in this way.
Kentwood’s Diya Thomas named Flag Football Player of the Year by Seattle Seahawks - Kent Reporter
Kentwood High School’s Diya Thomas was named the 2026 Seahawks Flag Football Player of the Year on May 5 and was honored with a parade of champions outside of the Kentwood common area. “Right before I kind of knew something was happening, I heard something through the walls,” Thomas said. The Conquerors’ head coach Von Phothisane found out weeks before and besides his coaching staff, no one else at the school knew Thomas was going to be honored in this way.
Kentwood baseball succumbs to big inning in loss to Riverside - Kent Reporter
With a ton of anticipation and expectations, Kentwood baseball was in a four-way tie for the last three playoff spots in the 4A NPSL. The Conks took on Auburn Riverside in their final series of the season — Auburn Riverside is also one of the four teams searching for one of those three playoff spots. Auburn Riverside hung on and rode a big third inning to down the Conks on May 4 in game one of that series 7-4. It was an unexpected result for Kentwood as they could not have started off any better.
Walkoff magic: Kentlake fastpitch’s historic season continues - Kent Reporter
As Kentlake High School’s fastpitch team heads toward the postseason, they had a good test in the form of Enumclaw. On senior night, Kentlake had a flair for the dramatic as they won in walkoff fashion thanks to a bunt single from Ashlyn Trujillo. The Falcons (12-6) snapped their two game losing streak, winning 7-6 over Enumclaw (11-6) on April 29. “We have been struggling a little bit just with playing some harder competition.
Kentridge baseball keeps postseason hopes alive - Kent Reporter
Kentridge High School’s baseball team found themselves on the outside looking in of the playoff picture entering game one of their penultimate series of the regular season against Auburn Riverside. The Chargers came out like gangbusters in the top of the first inning and rode that momentum to a 6-2 win over Auburn Riverside on the road on April 28. Kentridge has had a see-saw of a regular season so far, but on Tuesday night, the Chargers showed the type of team they have the potential to be.
Liberty’s Avery and Joon Huh find safety on softball field after family member’s death - Renton Reporter
Ever since Avery Huh was playing tee ball, her dad has been near the dugout. The now senior in high school will go down as one of the best players at Liberty High School with a unique support system in place the last two seasons. Since the 2025 season her dad, Joon, has taken the reins of the Liberty program. Three weeks ago, the Huh family was shaken to its core. On Easter Sunday, April 5, the Huhs were met with grim news. Joon’s son, Jaden, had died from an overdose at 21 years old.
Liberty’s Izzy Rockey hot streak continues to push Pats forward - Renton Reporter
It’s been a busy week for Liberty High School’s fastpitch team as the Patriots are in the midst of a five-game week, in the heart of its league season. They are now 3-0 this week with two games left to play. Winning has become second nature for Liberty. Dating back to April 23 last season, the Patriots have a 26-1 record and have a state championship included. The Patriot offense has been led by senior Izzy Rockey the past four games, and the senior has been crushing the ball all over the yard.
Auburn Mountainview can’t complete comeback against Kent-Meridian - Auburn Reporter
In the first half of the season, Auburn Mountainview’s boys soccer team had been on cruise control. But now, the Lions have lost two of their last three after falling to Kent-Meridian 2-1 on April 13. “We’ve had a lot of growth as a team over this period. I am hoping we learn from this and come back even stronger than before,” head coach Donovan Gleason said. The Royals and Auburn Mountainview have played some extremely competitive games dating back to last season.
Liberty baseball can’t overcome Mercer Island’s big inning - Renton Reporter
It was a tale of two halves for Liberty High School baseball as they dropped their second straight game and lost the season series to Mercer Island following an 11-9 loss to the Islanders on April 9. “It sucks to lose to a rival, especially when you are up and then down and fight all the way back,” head coach Zach Beatty said. “We got punched pretty hard and we punched back almost as hard. Just a little too late at the end of the day.” The game started as good as it could have for Liberty.
Kentridge shut out and swept in series finale vs. Kennedy - Kent Reporter
Kentridge High School baseball can’t seem to catch a break this season. After blowing another seventh inning lead in game one of the series against Kennedy Catholic on April 7, a game where Kentridge led 4-0 heading to the bottom of the seventh, the Chargers had another chance to respond against the Lancers in game two. But a nightmarish first inning hamstrung Kentridge from the start. The Chargers (4-6) fell 7-0 to Kennedy (9-2) as the Lancers have now won eight of their last nine.
Auburn Riverside baseball shuts out Auburn - Auburn Reporter
After losing to Stadium in game two of that series, Auburn Riverside was faced with a crossroad. They now have to win more series, rather than split. But Auburn Riverside overcame a three-run deficit in game one against Auburn and was faced with a chance to sweep the Trojans on April 7. On the back of solid pitching, Auburn Riverside squeaked out a 3-0 win over Auburn on the road for the third consecutive sweep of their crosstown rivals.
Kentridge fastpitch loses nail-biter to Auburn Riverside - Kent Reporter
There haven’t been too many rough waters for Auburn Riverside’s fastpitch team this season — the Ravens have an 8-2 record and now sit one game back of Tahoma for the top spot in the NPSL. The next test on the schedule was the Kentridge Chargers and their junior phenom Jozi Thompson. But the Ravens were able to get just enough and defeat Kentridge, 2-1, on April 6. “These are my favorite kind of games. I like 2-1 ball, 13-10 football games,” Ravens head coach Bryce Strand said.
Kentwood soccer loses sixth straight - Kent Reporter
Kentwood High School’s boys soccer team has had a tough start to the 2026 season — just one goal through six games, and in a league with no easy matches, the season looks as daunting as ever. The Conks fell to Auburn 1-0 on April 3 and were under assault from Auburn from the jump. This team lost a lot of players from last season, is missing one of their best players in Ethan Nonthaveth, and had at one point six freshmen on the pitch against Auburn.
Liberty fastpitch uses strong third inning to propel past Mount Si - Renton Reporter
Liberty High School fastpitch is relatively uncharted waters to start the 2026 season. For the first time in school history, the team is defending its first state title. The Patriots (5-1) took on a tough Mount Si team that has state tournament hopes themselves, but Liberty used a strong third inning to take down the Wildcats (3-1) by a score of 5-1 on March 27.
Auburn Mountainview hoops coach to moonlight at Pierce College - Auburn Reporter
It’s going to be quite the chaotic basketball season for Auburn Mountainview boys basketball head coach Kendall White as he embarks on a new venture while continuing to lead the Lions. White announced via his personal social media on March 13 that he is going to be an assistant coach at Pierce College, while keeping his position at Auburn Mountainview.
Auburn Mountainview soccer strikes down Kent-Meridian - Auburn Reporter
Amid the rain and wind on a water-soaked pitch, the Auburn Mountainview boys soccer team clawed their way to a 3-1 win over rival Kent-Meridian on March 17. With a new captain guiding the ship in Donovan Gleason, the Lions have won their second consecutive game to start the 2026 season. “We were hungry. The last time we played them was in the district playoffs and they beat us at Auburn. We have been waiting to play them,” Gleason said.
Kent-Meridian soccer falls to Auburn Mountainview despite second-half surge - Kent Reporter
Whenever Kent-Meridian and Auburn Mountainview take to the soccer field, it’s clear the level of play and physicality goes up a notch. Kent-Meridian looked to make a second-half comeback, but couldn’t climb the mountain and fell to the Lions, 3-1, on March 17 for their first loss this season on the road. “I’m looking for who is going to step up and be that magical player this year.
Kentlake baseball collapses against Decatur in season opener - Kent Reporter
Playing one of the best teams in the league for their first game of the season, Kentlake Falcons looked like they could steal a win right from under the noses of the Decatur Gators on March 16. But the Gators were the ones who would leave victorious, 3-1, over the Falcons. Head Coach Mike Suguro likened the atmosphere to the World Baseball Classic, where players are thrown into a playoff atmosphere without the preparation of a whole season.
Renton boys basketball heads home empty handed after loss to Tumwater - Renton Reporter
Following a 10-point loss to No. 2 R.A. Long High School (Longview) in the quarterfinals on March 5, Renton was paired up with No. 4 Tumwater with a trip to the 4th/6th place game on the line. The Redhawks have only placed six times in school history since 1986, and a championship was out of the question, but the team’s goal was still within reach. “The goal was to be playing on the last day of the season and that is March 7.
Liberty boys basketball knocked out by Eastside Catholic in state tournament - Renton Reporter
It was a rematch of a district quarterfinal matchup two weeks prior for the Liberty High School boy’s basketball team as the Patriots (21-7) took on Eastside Catholic (18-8) in the round of 12. Liberty couldn’t find an answer to Eastside Catholic and fell 79-70 to the Crusaders on March 4 inside the Tacoma Dome. “We had a solid game plan and executed it very well and at the very end it was a nine point game.
Auburn Mountainview boys basketball reaches Tacoma Dome for first time - Auburn Reporter
It’s the third time in Kendall White’s coaching career that his Auburn Mountainview Lions were in the regional round of the state tournament. The Tacoma Dome beckoned the Lions to make their first arrival at the final site, but in the two previous chances, the Lions came up short. But on this third fateful night, the Lions punched their ticket to the Tacoma Dome and will play in the round of 12 for the first time in school history. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.
Muckleshoot Tribal boys basketball punches ticket to Spokane - Auburn Reporter
Making the trip to Spokane is starting to become the norm for Muckleshoot Tribal’s boys basketball team as the Kings punched their third straight ticket to the round of 12 after defeating Garfield-Palouse (19-8), 57-46, on Feb. 27 at Auburn High School in the regional round of the WIAA 1B State Tournament. “I feel like with this group of boys it is almost like an expectation. But it is more learning, it is about work.
Auburn girls head to Tacoma Dome for third straight season - Auburn Reporter
When Jessica Hansen took over the Auburn High School girls basketball program as coach, the Trojans were treading water, coming off a 3-18 season — but had a crop of young players who showed promise. That team made the state tournament, followed by the next, and now in her third season, Hansen is heading back to the Tacoma Dome for the third straight season. “A lot of people play their whole career and never get to the Dome.
Liberty boys basketball heads to Tacoma Dome after win over Central Valley - Renton Reporter
All season long, Liberty High School has scratched and clawed in a tough league against some of the best boys basketball teams in the state. That schedule has chiseled Liberty into one of the top 12 teams in the state, and on Feb. 28, that was proven true as the Patriots (21-6) bested Central Valley (18-8), 63-51, at Issaquah High School.
Renton boys basketball loses to No. 1 Bremerton - Renton Reporter
Before the brackets were even revealed, Renton High School head coach Rashaad Powell wanted No. 1 seeded Bremerton. The Knights have been one of the best teams in the state all season, led by the best basketball player from Washington in Jalen Davis. No. 8 Renton fell to the Knights, 75-57, on Feb. 28 at University of Puget Sound. But the Redhawks’ season is not over as because they were a top eight seed, they will play in the round of 12 inside the Yakima Valley SunDome.
Renton girls fall in state regional round to Port Angeles - Renton Reporter
For many of the Renton High School girls’ basketball players, making it to the regional round was beyond their wildest dreams. But that dream became reality on Feb. 28 as the Renton Redhawks (21-4) took on Port Angeles (18-6) at the University of Puget Sound.
State hoops regional round breakdown - Auburn Reporter
Three teams from the Auburn School District punched their ticket to the state tournament. Auburn Mountainview and Auburn High School boys are on the outside looking in of the top eight, with the Auburn High School girls returning to the state tournament also seeded ninth. • No. 9 Auburn Mountainview vs. No. 17 Mountain View (Vancouver) Analysis: Auburn Mountainview possibly had the biggest upset of the district tournament with its semifinal win over No. 1 seeded Bellarmine Prep.
Kentwood’s Dayna Vi wins back-to-back state titles - Kent Reporter
Kentwood’s Vi sisters, Dayna and Yula, dominated at the Tacoma Dome as they both reached the state wrestling final in the first year competing together. During Mat Classic XXXVII, the Kentwood duo of siblings marched through the tournament brackets to the championship match on Feb. 19-20. Dayna Vi won her second straight title and will go out on top, as she lost just five matches in her title winning years.
Kent-Meridian boys wrestlers shine on state stage - Kent Reporter
Kent-Meridian High School’s wrestling team has firmly asserted itself on the state stage, especially in 2026. Four Royals — three boys and one girl — made the state finals, and as a team, placed third Feb. 20 in the Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome. “These guys have just wrestled well, girls too. They put together a good season. I think we peaked at the right time. It was just some fantastic matches round after round,” head coach Todd Owens said.
Renton hoops state tournament previews - Renton Reporter
Following the release of the state tournament brackets, both Renton High School’s boys and girls basketball teams found out their opening round opponents of the 2026 WIAA State Tournament. Boys No. 8 Renton vs. No. 1 Bremerton, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. at University of Puget Sound Analysis: We’ve reached the state tournament and it’s time to take a dive into Renton’s opening round matchup against one of the best teams overall in the state in Bremerton.
Liberty boys basketball punches ticket to state tournament - Renton Reporter
It became desperation mode for the Liberty High School boys basketball team as they looked to send themselves to the state tournament for the second straight season, but all that stood in the way was the Seattle Prep Panthers. Liberty put together possibly their best game of the season while Jackson Whitaker scored a game high 43 points in a 79-69 win on Feb. 21 at Bellevue College. Whitaker and his teammates were dominant from the game plan install to its execution for all four quarters.
Championship state of mind: Seahawks take to the streets in Super Bowl parade | Photos - Bothell-Kenmore Reporter
It was an early morning for many Washingtonians around the western part of the state as the Seattle Seahawks hosted their Super Bowl champion parade on Feb. 11. Following their 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, the Seahawks took to Lumen Field for speeches and a trophy presentation. It is just the second such parade for Seattle’s NFL franchise, and for those who attended the first parade back in 2014, this time around was busier, longer and, most importantly, warmer.
Auburn basketball falls to Puyallup in district semifinal - Auburn Reporter
Heading into their West Central District semifinal matchup, both Auburn (21-3) and Puyallup (20-6) looked like state title contenders. Auburn had looked like one of the best 4A teams in the state all year, while Puyallup was last year’s Cinderella story, making it all the way to the 4A championship as the No. 8 seed. Expectations were at an all-time high as fans filtered into Auburn High School on Feb. 19 for a late 8 p.m. tip-off.
Renton girls basketball secures spot in state with win over Cedarcrest - Renton Reporter
During the first half of the season, head coach Earl Cheatham told Renton High School staffers that he was going to need some chaperones because he thought his girls basketball team was destined for a trip to Yakima. Now, that trip is closer than ever as the Renton Redhawks girls survived the final qualifying matchup of the District 2 tournament against Cedarcrest, 41-39, on Feb. 18. “My speech to them, I wanted to show them an experience that can last a lifetime.
Three takeaways from Seattle’s historic night - Kirkland Reporter
The Seattle Seahawks pulled off the most remarkable comeback in season history on Dec. 18 as they beat the Los Angeles Rams, 38-37, in overtime. The Seahawks were 0-172 when trailing by at least 15 points in the fourth quarter, and now they are 1-172. Sammy Spirals can do it When Seattle signed Sam Darnold as their quarterback back in March, there were definitely question marks. Is he an upgrade over Geno Smith? Was his year with the Minnesota Vikings all smoke and mirrors?
Three takeaways from Seattle’s historic night - Issaquah Reporter
The Seattle Seahawks pulled off the most remarkable comeback in season history on Dec. 18 as they beat the Los Angeles Rams, 38-37, in overtime. The Seahawks were 0-172 when trailing by at least 15 points in the fourth quarter, and now they are 1-172. Sammy Spirals can do it When Seattle signed Sam Darnold as their quarterback back in March, there were definitely question marks. Is he an upgrade over Geno Smith? Was his year with the Minnesota Vikings all smoke and mirrors?
Suarez delivers Mariners salvation with eighth inning slam - Kirkland Reporter
As much as the baseball world felt like it was caving in on the Seattle Mariners, in reality it wasn’t. Seattle might have lost their two previous home games and seven straight to Toronto inside T-Mobile Park, but the series was level 2-2 and momentum could turn at an instant. A fan base starved for a World Series felt empty after the first two games of this series, with so much left on the table. But this American League Championship Series had another turn, this time in favor of the Mariners.
ALCS: Scherzer and Giménez take down Mariners in Game 4 - Issaquah Reporter
How does one quantify momentum? Can it be measured? Maybe, but you can tell when you lose it, and the Seattle Mariners have lost it. Whatever momentum the Seattle Mariners felt they had after winning Games 1 and 2 of the American League Championship Series has vanished. Seattle and Toronto are now level at two games a piece as the Blue Jays defeated the Mariners 8-2 in Game 4 of the ALCS. “This is two good teams going at it.
Jays came to play: Toronto blows out Mariners - Kirkland Reporter
On most Seattle Mariners game nights, or days against the Toronto Blue Jays, the fans from the north outnumber their Mariner counterparts pretty handily. But for a game that Seattle has longed to see play out in front of their eyes, that was not the case. For many fans, the feeling of being overwhelmed happened early and often.
Human Resource Analytics - Empower Your Workforce in 2025
In the modern business landscape, human resource analytics is reshaping how organizations manage and optimize their teams. By leveraging data-driven insights, companies can enhance employee performance, streamline operations, and align strategies with long-term goals. Tools like StaffViz integrate HR data analytics, human resources data analytics, workforce analytics software, productivity tracking software, and staff management software to empower HR teams.
What you don't know about white noise that could hurt your child Original
[WHITE NOISE] [KARAH RUCKER] IT’S A FAMILIAR, SOOTHING SOUND. [WHITE NOISE] [KARAH RUCKER] MORE THAN HALF OF ALL AMERICANS USE SOME SORT OF BACKGROUND NOISE TO HELP THEM FALL ASLEEP. – FROM BOX FANS TO YOUTUBE, OR EVEN DESIGNATED WHITE NOISE MACHINES – THE POINT IS TO DROWN OUT UNWANTED INTERRUPTIONS THAT MIGHT DISTURB OUR SLEEP. AND FOR MANY NEW PARENTS – THESE MACHINES CAN BE A LIFESAVER.
Thousands of Baltimore port workers not getting paid after Key Bridge collapse Original
Nearly three weeks have passed since a container ship lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Port of Baltimore, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River on March 26. There is extensive work ahead before operations return to normal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, is actively engaged in clearing the steel and concrete debris from the water. Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Many Lives In One
A constantly shifting constellation of voices, Amnion travels through space and time at dizzying speed in a startlingly complex, dense, and personal exploration of identity and heritage.
Poetry: coming soon to the Brussels bubble...
Welcome to The EU Poet, a regular newsletter unravelling the bubble poem by poem. What’s so poetic about the EU? Well, quite a lot actually. From the multilingual dance of office canteen lunchtimes and the perfectly lofty, carefully crafted rhetoric of an MEP to the bizarre corners of unread legislation and the shattered 3am dreams of Plux, there’s poetry waiting to be found across the European Quarter and beyond.
Balancing Acts
By Ben Ray Love Minus Love Wayne Holloway-Smith, Bloodaxe Books, 2020 Portuguese Sailor Boy David Appelbaum, Eyewear Publishing, 2020 As Best We Can Jeffrey Wainwright, Carcanet Press, 2020 Wayne Holloway-Smith’s Love Minus Love, David Applebaum’s Portuguese Sailor Boy and Jeffrey Wainwright’s As Best We Can are all bold choices for publication in 2020: these poets excite and unsettle the reader, avoiding pandering to a post-pandemic market with easy platitudes and safe assurances.In...
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