By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

Huard, Alexander reconnect

KOMO News called it the "Catholic Connection."

Whatever you call it, there was something familiar about Sam Huard throwing big passes to Junior Alexander at the University of Washington spring football game Saturday.

The dynamic duo used to star together at Kennedy Catholic High School before going their separate ways for their true freshman seasons last fall.

Huard played for the Huskies and Lonyatta Alexander Jr. for Arizona State University.

But Alexander entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and returned closer to home at Washington.

Huard completed 12 of 19 passes for 167 yards Saturday along with one touchdown -- to Alexander on a 9-yard play.

Huard also hit Alexander for a big 37-yard play down the left sideline.

"You see the old connection with him and Junior Alexander," said UW head coach Kalen DeBoer.  "That's kind of fun to see.  That was great."

Also on the Huskies' roster from Kennedy Catholic are linebacker Sav'ell Smalls and receiver Jabez Tinae.

Mayne, Mentink host banquet

This year's Seattle Sports Star of the Year awards banquet has a Federal Way connection in emcees Kenny Mayne and Angie Mentink.

Mayne -- who recently retired as a national commentator at ESPN -- is a 1977 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School.

Mayne played quarterback for the Raiders of TJ before going on to play the position at UNLV.

Mentink is married to former Decatur High School baseball player Jarrett Mentink.

She is a commentator for the ROOT Sports Northwest cable television network.

This year the banquet will take place Thursday, May 26 from 5:30-9:30 p.m.