University of Washington Huskies Sunday Sports Summary

What a wild ride this past week has been for the Washington Huskies! So to help get you up to date, the Husky Haul proudly bring you the Huskies Sunday Sports Summary

One of the most challenging aspects of covering the University of Washington Huskies‘ many athletic accomplishments is the sheer volume of activity. Each sport, each athlete, each moment deserves their own place in the spotlight. But time is a constraint. Capturing each moment takes hours. And so, rather than shining individual spotlights, we will do one better. We hope to cast one large light on all of the top athletics news for you in one format.

We call this the Husky Sunday Sports Summary. And on our pilot article, we have a great deal to cover. Let us know what you think in the comments section for sports and athletes you’d like to read about in future editions.

More from The Husky Haul

• Pro Husky Shaq Thompson out for season with leg injury
• Washington Huskies begin conference play against Cal in Week 4
• Jack Westover is a breakout star for the Washington Huskies
• Washington football: Negatives and Positives in win over Michigan State
• Huskies offense slices through the Spartans in 41-7 win

The week was filled with positives and negatives. The University of Washington Women’s basketball team led the headliners on the positive front, while their men’s basketball team counterparts headlined sports stories for a different set of reasons.

But spring is nearly here. That means winter sports championship tournaments. It also means spring sports are underway.  Let’s cover some of the news stories.

UW Husky Women’s basketball defeat Montana State and advance to face the Oklahoma Sooners on Monday March 20

After being shown the door in the PAC12 tournament early, the University of Washington Women’s basketball team needed to enter the NCAA Women’s Tournament with a statement game. They got one as the team put up a decided victory over the Montana State Bobcats, 91-63.

Surprisingly, UW’s Kelsey Plum was not the scoring leader of the game. That fell to Montana State’s guard, Peyton Ferris, who put up 33 points. Plum pumped in 29 for the winning Huskies.

It was a great win for the team, as it was a sound performance of the entire roster. Four of the starting five scored in double digits.

The Huskies now advance to face the Oklahoma Sooners tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Arena.

As the University of Washington Huskies advance, their next opponent will be the winner of today’s DePaul versus Mississippi State.

Lorenzo Romar’s void places UW Men’s basketball on nationwide search for a new head coach

Lorenzo Romar has coached the University of Washington’s Men’s basketball team for the past fifteen years. One conclusion that can be drawn from that fact is that neither Romar nor the University of Washington have much experience in the current situation they now find themselves.

For Romar, it will take some time to get his bearings, take inventory of his next steps, and proceed with deliberate and measured pace.

For the University of Washington Huskies, speed is of the essence.

Lavin, Crean, or UPDATE:  SYRACUSE Assistant COACH MIKE HOPKINS

Per the above report, the Seattle Times is reporting that former UCLA coach Steve Lavin has the inside track right now to land the UW Huskies position.  One detriment is the fact that Lavin succeeded in the past when college freshman played through to upperclassmen.

We compiled a list upon the news, and included fomer Indiana Hoosier head coach Tom Crean. As of today, we stand by that speculation of his candidacy.  While Crean would likely push the salary budget for the head coaching position, his recruitment would be a huge coup to the Huskies. Crean has real time experience getting teams to the NCAA tournament, has a solid track record of coaching defense, and would flourish with the talent level available in the Pacific Northwest Region.
As this story was passing final edits, the following story broke:

We’ll cover this development in full.

Jontay Porter decommits from the University of Washington Husky Men’s Basketball Class of 2018

The Porter family’s future is very much interwoven with that of the University of Washington. Michael Porter Sr. is an assistant coach of the Huskies Men’s basketball team. Michael Porter Jr. is a top rated 2017 recruit for the nation, and is currently on the books as a 2017 recruit for the University of Washington. His brother, Jontay Porter, is a 2018 recruit for the University of Washington Huskies basketball team.

Or rather, was.

Right now, there are far too many moving parts in Jontay Porter’s life to hold him to that commitment.  In fact, it’s actually a mature and responsible choice on his point to do so.

While it’s a disappointment, it’s not the end all. Perhaps he will find due cause to return to the Huskies.  If not, I’d rather he play for the team he wants to play for.  As a wise lady reminded me
“While early, this opens the door for someone to take that spot, and perhaps that is the way is should be all along.”

Perhaps indeed

Else Ray Named PAC12 Gym Coach of the year

Else Ray was named the head coach of the GymDawgs program long ago (sarcasm), back in May 28, 2016. In less than a year, she has made her mark in PAC12 gymnastics.

As she spoke to Rebecca Johnson of FloGymnastics at the announcement of her promotion, you could feel the intensity she brought to her filling of the role:

"“I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to be the next head coach of the Washington Gymnastics program,” said Ray. “I have loved Washington from the day I first interviewed for the assistant job five years ago. There is something extremely special about the people and culture here on Montlake. I’m incredibly grateful to Stephanie Rempe and Jen Cohen who have such belief in me and the program. Joanne gave her all to Washington Gymnastics, every single day, and I can only hope to match her passion. From coach, to boss and mentor, to friend, I’m indebted to her kindness and mentorship. This is truly an honor and I cannot wait to get started” – Else Ray"

She wasted no time getting started.  In fact, it took her less than a year to make things happen.

Compete!

The University of Washington women’s gymnastics opened competition on January 14, 2017.  By the PAC 12 competition, UW had climbed to the fourth seed. It was the Huskies first time competing deep into the latter sessions of the meet.  When all scoring concluded, first time UW had placed third for the first time.

This was Else Ray’s first season with the team as head coach. Based on the performance, I believe the team will be a top seed in the PAC 12 competition next season.

UW Baseball finds Huskies nationally ranked in Top 25

The University of Washington Baseball team is starting off the 2017 NCAA baseball season the right way. That is strong pitching, and scoring enough runs to win games.

And that is the formula the team used to get to a 9-6 record and land in the nations top 25 with recent rankings.

And after the rankings came out, the team swept a pair from the Utah Utes on Saturday in a twilight double header.

Next: Did Michael Porter Jr Seal Fate of Head Coach Lorenzo Romar?

Behind the strong arm of Alex Hardy (4-0), the Huskies bullpen has been outstanding this season.  Play resumes today at 2 p.m before the Huskies prepare to face the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a two-game series on March 21-22, 2017.