Preseason Coaches Poll
T-1. Mackay
T-1. Rockland
T-3. Leadore
T-3. North Gem
5. Watersprings
6. Grace Lutheran
7. Sho-Ban
8. Clark County
Players to Watch
Brenna McAffee, Mackay
Megan Moore, Mackay
Trinity Seefried, Mackay
Kiersley Boyer, Rockland
Addie Wilson, Rockland
Taylor Wilson, Rockland
Sadie Bird, Leadore
Mackenzie Mackay, Leadore
Dannika Barfuss, North Gem
Hayden Corta, North Gem
Emma Grayson, Grace Lutheran
Written by: Brandon Baney
Fans of the Rocky Mountain Conference have gotten used to parity throughout the league. Last year's basketball season showcased the strength among the top half of the league standings. It continued during volleyball season this past fall, as Mackay, Rockland, North Gem, Grace Lutheran and Leadore all beat up on each other during the season.
There appears to be four tiers in this year's basketball landscape. Just look at the preseason coaches poll. Many think that Mackay and Rockland are the favorites, with North Gem, Leadore, Watersprings and Grace Lutheran all hot on their heels.
The Miners and Bulldogs tied for the conference crown last year, as each went 10-1 in league play. Mackay bested Rockland in the district tournament championship, though, by a score of 65-42.
Veteran Rockland coach Vern Nelson didn't mind. By losing the district title, the Bulldogs actually received a more favorable half of the bracket in the final year of the IHSAA's pre-determined bracketing system. Rockland won their state opener against Mullan before falling to eventual champ Tri-Valley in the semifinals.
Mackay, meanwhile, was rewarded with a first round matchup against perennial power Carey. The Miners fell in overtime 50-46 but rebounded to win the consolation final.
It's no surprise, then, that Rockland and Mackay are once again the favorites as the 2021-22 season gets underway. Rockland is just two years removed from their state championship in 2020. Senior Kiersley Boyer was a starter on that team, and has the most versatile inside-outside game in the conference. She is flanked by twin sisters Addie and Taylor Wilson, both of whom saw valuable time last year as sophomores. Senior Ember Farr is also back to lend a hand down low in the post.
Mackay said goodbye to point guard Riley Moore, the conference MVP, in the offseason. But her sister Megan Moore returns as the Miners' starting center, and is joined by Brenna McAffee and Trinity Seefried. Mackay head coach Kashia Hale also coaches the Miners volleyball team, and a fourth place finish at state last month has fans excited.
Not much was expected from Leadore a year ago. But the Mustangs finished 11-7 overall and 8-5 in the conference. Because of those efforts, first-year head coach Janet Proulx was named the Rocky Mountain Conference Coach of the Year. "As the season came to an end we were really getting a grasp on our defensive strategies – shutting down key players," Proulx said. "It took a while to get a grasp on, especially as my first year as a varsity coach, but I have high hopes for this team."
Outgoing senior Paige Ramsey was a 1st Team All-Conference selection a year, and Proulx said filling her shoes will be difficult. " She was an all-around player. Even on her worst day scoring she found a way to lead her team – usually defensively," Proulx said. "She averaged over 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 16 points per game."
Junior guard Mackenzie Mackay was also named 1st Team All-Conference. She and fellow junior Sadie Bird will be joined by a slew of underclassmen. Sophomore Kalli Huston and freshmen Katie Mackay, Kaylee, Kesl and Chloe Carver will all play heavy minutes early. Proulx is hoping this young core can help Leadore overcome their third quarter blues. " We need to improve on our 3rd quarter slump!," Proulx said. "That will be the key to our success is to find a way to overcome that dreadful third quarter."
North Gem went 12-9 last year and finished third in the conference standings. Coach Ken Christensen welcomes back five of his top six players from last year, including 1st Team All-Conference selection Dannika Barfuss. "We only had 9 girls come out for basketball (last year)," Christensen said. "(This year) I’m hoping for a few more." Senior post Elizabeth Michaelson and sophomore guard Hayden Corta will also be key players for the Cowgirls this season.
After sporting an extremely young roster the past few seasons, Grace Lutheran coach Ryan Strehlow finally has an experienced squad, led by returning All-Conference selection Emma Grayson. Strehlow also coaches the Royals' volleyball squad, which Proulx says will give them an advantage. " I think that their coach has done a really great job with them in volleyball," she said. "And I have a feeling that it is going to roll over into the basketball season."
Watersprings watched a talented senior class depart in the offseason, leaving coach Dave Faulkner with several spots to be filled.
Sho-Ban struggled to a 3-9 record a year ago. Their program is undergoing significant changes in both players and coaching staff.
After not having enough girls to field their own team, the Clark County Bobcats have put together a varsity schedule for the second consecutive year. They will be led by second-year coach Ashley Shenton.