Fifth grader has hoop hopes in elite league

A La Conner Elementary School student is getting an advanced education on the hardwood.

Josie Catubo, an 11-year-old fifth grader, is making the grade as a member of the Pacific Northwest Rain girls' youth basketball program.

Founded by former Mount Vernon High School and Western Washington University hoops standout Tyler Amaya, Pacific Northwest Rain is the premier basketball training center in Northwest Washington.

"I practice twice a week and we have about six tournaments a season," Josie told the Weekly News. "This is my third season earning a spot to play for the Rain."

Josie was introduc...