Washington Makes Quick Cut to Hawaii

Brett Washington’s arrival on the University of Hawaii campus this month will fulfill a goal the former Granada Hills High standout set for himself a year and a half ago.

Washington, a 6-foot, 240-pound tailback at Santa Monica College the past two seasons, failed to meet the NCAA’s Prop. 48 requirements coming out of high school, yet he was determined to complete his requirements for an Associate in Arts degree in only three semesters so he could take part in spring football practice at the major college he decided to attend.

“That’s something I set out to do as soon as I started junior college,” said Washington, who signed a letter of intent with Hawaii on Monday and will enroll in spring classes. “(Taking part in spring practice is) how you get to know the plays and the players, and get adjusted to a new program.”

Washington rushed for 1,082 yards and 10 touchdowns this fall.

FAN FARE

The good-natured banter between Cal State Northridge basketball coaches and the Montana fans who sit behind the Matador bench started two years ago, the first time Northridge played in Missoula. The fans, most of them town folk in their 50s and 60s, are amused by Matador Coach Pete Cassidy.

When Cassidy complained Monday to the referees about the lack of a call on an apparent traveling violation by a Montana player, a fan hollered: “It’s a big state, you have to travel.”

When guard Ryan Martin threw his warm-up jacket on the floor as he hurried to report into the game, Cassidy picked it up and neatly placed it on a chair while telling the fans: “We’re not wealthy enough to afford a manager.”

When Andre Chevalier fouled out with 1 minute 19 seconds left during a 63-55 loss, a fan yelled to Cassidy: “Here’s a crying towel for you, coach.”

Northridge assistant Michael Johnson informed the referees after the game that Northridge was whistled for 16 fouls in the second half to Montana’s five, and he added: “I’m never coming back to Montana.”

This comment did not sit well with the fans. One of them told Johnson: “You haven’t been invited, so don’t worry about it.”

RED HOT

In the past three games, Martin, a sophomore guard, has made 12 of 20 three-point shots and is shooting a team-high 45% (18 of 40) from long distance.

Martin hit five of six three-point attempts in a 65-64 win over Montana State on Wednesday.

Last season, Martin made 24 of 76 three-point shots (31.6%). He started the first 10 games, scoring in double figures in four of the first five, but a prolonged shooting slump eventually eroded his confidence and cost him his starting position.

In a sixth-man role this season, Martin is averaging 19.4 minutes and 8.4 points.

Staff writers Theresa Munoz and John Ortega contributed to this notebook.