The basketball world in Spokane is buzzing as four former Clarkston Bantams stand together once more, ready to compete in the city’s annual Hoopfest tournament. Their connection dates back to elementary school, when a shared love of the game first sparked a rivalry that would later turn into a lasting friendship.
A Decade‑Long Bond Returns
The reunion is more than a nostalgic gathering; it is a deliberate effort to extend a winning streak that has defined their careers. Each player brings a distinct story — some that have unfolded on national stages, others that have taken root in local communities — yet all are united by the same objective: to add another chapter to their collective legacy.
At the heart of the celebration is their former coach, Steve Klees, whose mentorship paved the way for more than 300 Division I scholarships. Klees, who continues to shape the next generation as the head coach of the Clarkston girls program, is credited with fostering the talent that has carried these athletes to the pinnacle of collegiate and professional basketball.
Jamie Scott, a former Oregon State standout and Pac‑12 Player of the Year, also earned caps on the Canadian national team during the 2018 World Cup and later joined the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. Kellie Kromrei, now the coach of the Clarkston girls team, played Division I basketball at both Nebraska and the University of Washington, while Danielle Walter earned coach‑of‑the‑year honors after guiding Gonzaga to a standout 2025‑26 season. Daisy Shustoff rounded out the quartet with a collegiate career at Central Washington University.
The group will compete under the moniker "Blazer Alumni" at Hoopfest, a nod to their shared history and the program that forged them. Their participation comes after more than ten years apart, a separation that only deepened their appreciation for the camaraderie that once defined their daily routines on the court.
Beyond personal achievement, the reunion serves as a tribute to the broader ecosystem that nurtured their growth — ranging from the Clarkston School District’s athletic programs to the universities that provided scholarships and academic opportunities. Their story illustrates how early‑stage collaboration can ripple outward, creating pathways that extend far beyond the hardwood.