Kamiakin, Southridge gymnastics teams wrap up regular season

In most sports, you can expect an intense matchup between Kennewick city rivals Kamiakin and Southridge.

But in gymnastics, where the Braves and Suns are the only teams in the Tri-Cities, it’s a far friendlier situation.

“It just seems like we’re one big family and cheer for each other no matter what,” Southridge coach Heather Bjorge said.

Kamiakin, which has won all four Tri-City meets against Southridge this season, will host the regular-season finale at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

It will be just the two of them again at districts Feb. 5 at Garland’s Gym in Kennewick. The field will expand to six teams for regionals Feb. 13 in Spokane.

One squad will advance from regionals to the Feb. 19-20 state meet at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall.

Kamiakin and Southridge have approached their regular-season meetings as opportunities to perfect their skills and get used to being judged in competition.

Now it’s time to start sorting out event lineups for the postseason.

Sarah Garrett, coach of two-time defending Class 1A/2A/3A state team champion Kamiakin, says she has a lot of talent on her 10-person roster.

“It’s a wonderful thing, but it’s a tough thing when you can only choose six on each event,” Garrett said.

Braves senior Saige Polanik swept the all-around and floor in her first three meets against Southridge.

Kamiakin veterans Kelsey Dearing, Halley Gillen, Ryanne Rogers, Sophia Mancinelli and Samantha Harper also are in the mix, while freshmen Piper Polanik and Abby Winstead are looking strong for state.

“Compared to club gymnastics, it’s scored differently, but they’ll do just fine,” Saige Polanik said of Piper, her younger sister, and Winstead. “I have a lot of faith in my team.”

Southridge has its own pair of possible freshman contenders.

Makayla Hui has multiple victories on bars, including one at a December meet in Spokane against Class 4A Mead and team champ Kamiakin. Mackinley Morgan was third behind winner Winstead and Hui in the all-around at the Jan. 13 meet.

Bjorge says sophomore Alli Huske could be one to watch on bars and vault, while junior Nevi Bains is looking at vault and beam.

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 8:10 PM with the headline "Kamiakin, Southridge gymnastics teams wrap up regular season."