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Conference Preview

1AD1 Snake River Conference

Written by: Sven Alskog

PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Valley
2. Glenns Ferry
3. Oakley
4. Raft River
5. Shoshone

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Zane Mussmann, Valley
Jason Hardy, Valley
Gannon Critchfield, Oakley
Chandler Jones, Oakley
Wacey Williams, Glenns Ferry
Carson Grigg, Glenns Ferry
Rylee Spencer, Raft River
Ryan Spaeth, Raft River

It should come as no surprise that Valley enters the new season as the favorites in the 1AD1 Snake River Conference, with the Vikings come off a state championship appearance and returning a large chunk of that roster.

Back to lead the way this year is Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-State selection Zane Mussmann, along with senior guard Jason Hardy, an All-Conference talent.

“It is always fun to have so many guys returning after a successful season. They have to prove that they got better, not just older since last season. Eddy Cano is ready to have an important role on our team and help make us better. These guys really enjoy playing together and they have fun on and off the court,” said Valley head coach Brian Hardy.

Fabian Juarez, Jeremiah Schilz, Alex Korom, Nic Anderson, Jacob Schilz and Nikoli Carlquist will all have roles on the roster as well.

The key for the Vikings will be to improve off what was a strong season.

“Mostly the same guys. We will see if they are hungry and willing to set the appropriate effort level or if they need some external motivation and conditioning to play like a quality team,” added Hardy.

Valley is expected to be pushed within conference play by the likes of Glenns Ferry and Oakley.

The Pilots bring back Wacey Williams and Carson Grigg to headline a group that should be able score points in a hurry.

Oakley fits that mold as well, with Gannon Critchfield down low and Chandler Jones on the perimeter ready for big seasons this year.

Beyond the top three teams in the preseason outlook, Raft River is a squad that could put up a challenge to teams as the season wears on.

“Raft River will be tough by the end of the year. I think their chemistry will be a plus and their mixture of experience and youth will be good,” said Hardy.

Rylee Spencer and Ryan Spaeth are a couple of the key contributors for the Trojans.

Shoshone won just six games last season and is hoping for a resurgence this year to string together some wins within the conference after being shut out in that regard a season ago.