By JIM RUMBLE

Of the three victories that the Avonworth girls’ basketball team picked up last week, the game of most interest to local fans was this past Tuesday, when the Lady ‘Lopes hosted the Northgate Flames.

Led by Tara Gallupe, who was unstoppable inside, and a transition game that was overpowering at times, the ‘Lopes cruised past the Flames 65-40.

“What really helped us was our fast break tonight,” Avonworth coach Bob Schulz said. “We got the ball off the boards and moved real well.”

With only one senior lost to graduation, the Northgate Flames girls' varsity basketball team hopes that game-time experience will lead the way to improving on Northgate's one-win season last year.

Head coach Bill Quinn, who is in his second year as the varsity coach, said the Flames have three returning seniors this year, two of whom will start.

Seniors Erica Benny, who will play center, and Karianne Hoover, playing a wing position, will captain the Northgate squad. Returning senior Carlee Mazuer will see playing time off the bench, Quinn noted.

Several Northgate athletes have received post-season recognition.

Varsity girls' volleyball team members Erica Benny and Amanda Silay were named to the first team all-section, while Karianne Hoover and Amber Sharlow were picked for the second team.

From the varsity football team, Josh Schultheis was named interior lineman for the second team all-section, and received an honorable mention as a tight end. Pat Carr was named second team linebacker, and Mark Wilson received an honorable mention as a wide receiver.