Inaugural Zion Memorial Classic brings first basketball tournament to Palouse in decades

Pullman, WALocal News

The inaugural Zion Memorial Classic is bringing 67 youth basketball teams to compete this weekend at Lincoln-Pullman and Moscow middle schools. This tournament honors 13-year-old Zion Bischoff, who died in a car crash last year, and celebrates his legacy as a fierce competitor and kind-hearted friend. Brian Dailey, director of Pullman Youth Athletic Recreational Development, highlighted the significance of Bischoff's memory in uniting the community. The tournament features boys and girls from grades 2-8, participating in traditional 5v5 games. Weekend passes are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for kids, with day passes also available.

Bischoff's No. 11 jersey will be placed on the bench as a tribute during all games, reinforcing his lasting impact on the team. Dailey noted that Bischoff's parents have played a vital role in organizing the tournament. The event not only honors a young athlete but also fosters community bonds through sports.

Related Articles

Meetings

Local government meetings are scheduled throughout the week in Whitman and Latah counties, including sessions for city councils and planning commissions. Key meetings include the Whitman County Commissioners on Monday and the Moscow Urban Renewal Agency on Thursday. These gatherings provide residents opportunities to engage with local governance.

Berney to retire as counseling point man

Mike Berney, Executive Director of Palouse River Counseling, will retire in December after over 30 years of service, paving the way for Clinical Director Kathleen Stewardson to assume his role. Under Berney's leadership, the organization expanded significantly, enhancing mental health services across Whitman County. Berney expressed optimism for the future of behavioral health in the community.

Fire is not the enemy

Volunteers in north central Idaho conducted a controlled burn near Viola to reduce wildfire risks and enhance ecological health. Led by Heather Heward, the team emphasized the importance of fire as a tool for land management, likening it to medicine for wildlands. Participants included university students and local forestry professionals learning to adapt to fire’s role in the ecosystem.