Welcome to the Gem State Rundown, where each Monday we’ll recap the top sports headline from each area of the state.  Think of this as a bite-sized glance at the biggest stories happening statewide.

DISTRICT 1

Coeur d'Alene Charter Duo Bring Home Gold From Oregon Relays

Coeur d'Alene Charter saw two seniors earn first-place finishes at the Oregon Relays in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday.

The Coeur d'Alene Press reported that Helen Oyler bested 58 other competitors to win the girls 800 Meter Run with a time of 2:15.50.

Fellow senior Reagan Maine outlasted 52 other athletes to finish first in the 300 Meter Hurdles with a time of 44.43 seconds.

DISTRICT 2

Ryan Ball Retires After 30-Year Coaching Career

After more than thirty years of coaching football, basketball and baseball at Kamiah and Potlatch, Ryan Ball announced his retirement.

The Lewiston Tribune said that Ball coached three state football champions (two as an assistant coach), and had also coached in five state basketball championship games. 

DISTRICT 3

Manny Varela Retires As Boise High Boys' Basketball Coach

After 11 seasons as Boise High's head boys basketball coach, Manny Varela retired.

The Idaho Statesman reported that Varela expressed a desire to spend more time with family.

In 11 seasons Varela posted a record of 135-117.

DISTRICT 4

Wood River, Filer Baseball Teams Battle To Draw At Buhl Mid-Season Classic

The 31st annual Buhl Mid-Season Classic took place over the weekend, and the baseball teams from Wood River and Filer ended their matchup in a rare tie, 3-3.

According to KMVT, the game was called after seven innings due to tournament time limits.

Wood River sophomore Caleb Kurtz pitched all seven innings, allowing three runs on five hits with ten strikeouts and two walks.

Filer was paced by freshman pitcher Bryker Darrington, who gave up two runs on five hits with 12 strikeouts and one walk across six innings of work.

DISTRICT 5

Pocatello Plates 22 Runs In Softball Sweep Of Madison

The Pocatello softball team brought the Thunder to their doubleheader with Madison, earning a sweep by scores of 19-9 and 13-1.

East Idaho News stated that Oakley Hirschi tallied three doubles, a triple, and four RBIs in the first game, and scored three runs in the second contest.

DISTRICT 6

Hillcrest Tennis Feels Like Family Thanks To Nelson Siblings

The Hillcrest tennis program is led by junior Brinley Nelson, the Knights' top girls player, and her younger brother, freshman Tayson Nelson, the top boys player.

The Post Register noted that it's brought the siblings closer together, although a rivalry still exists, as well.

The Nelsons are also accomplished soccer players, although tennis holds a special place in their heart.