Program History

Legacy Timeline and National Context

Historical coverage from The Spokesman-Review and PeachStateBasketball, with archive context from Silver Waves Media.

Matt Crownover - Staff writer - Youth Sports - Spokesman Review

Having an opportunity to win a national championship is what every coach dreams about. Coaching two separate teams to nationals is more like a dream come true. Steve Klees will be leading two separate AAU girl's basketball teams for a chance to be crowned national champions.

The Blazers, a U-14 AAU Spokane team coached by Klees, finished fifth in the nation at last years AAU nationals. This year, the Blazers won a large tournament in Las Vegas and also won a super-regional tournament in Reno. Now, they will be traveling to Orlando to compete for the national championship. The tournament will be held at the Wide World of Sports Complex July 4-11.

The Sparks, a U-12 AAU team also coached by Klees, won their division at the super-regional AAU tournament in Reno and will now be heading to Kings Island, Ohio, to compete for their national title on June 30.

Klees said he is thankful to have such good athletes on both of his teams.

"They're really big, fast and extremely athletic," said Klees.

He also said that for as much traveling as the team does, the girls handle it very well.

"They're pretty mature kids," he said. "They're pretty disciplined on and off the field."

Northwest Blazers lineup in front of Select Events blue media wall.
Northwest Blazers lineup in front of Select Events blue media wall.
Northwest Blazers state qualifier team photo under a large American flag.
Northwest Blazers state qualifier team photo under a large American flag.

PeachState Program Review Highlights

  • The review describes a Northwest Blazers run that swept PSB Summer Invitational bracket play in Atlanta.
  • Program notes emphasize a simple, unselfish style built on passing and movement without the ball.
  • The article frames scholarship outcomes as a central result of long-term player development in the program.

Silver Waves Archive Highlight

Silver Waves Media's archive profile describes Steve Klees as one of the top grassroots directors in the country for years.

The archive notes NW Blazers GUAA circuit competition and long-term scholarship impact for players from the tri-state region.

Sources