PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cate Perrigo, Ambrose
Hadley Fraas, Cole Valley Christian
Trinity Holsinger, Cole Valley Christian
Reanna Byers, Compass Charter
Katelyn Cable, Compass Charter
Adyson Chadez, Marsing
Raylynn Vanosdall, Marsing
Tariah Carter, Melba
Brooklynn Dayley, Melba
Taylor Davy, Nampa Christian
Zavier Lake, New Plymouth
Chloe Ballhagen, North Star Charter

Written by: Will Hoenike

The Melba Mustangs blitzed the 2A classification last season, going a perfect 26-0 en route to a state title. Their three wins in the state tournament came by 27 and 22 points in the first two rounds before defeating Soda Springs by seven in the title game.

Head coach David Lenz is replacing a load of talent and experience, led by conference MVP Kendall Clark, and has a measured response when asked about this year’s team.

“With the departure of so many good players that have played for us for so long it will be exciting to see if other players can step up now that they will have the opportunity,” Lenz said. “I think our team's chemistry will be good this year, but we will see if our competitiveness and execution will be good as well. I believe it can be, but we will have to work very hard throughout the season to maximize this team's potential.”

Lenz returns All-State guard Brooklynn Dayley, a senior, along with forward Tariah Carter to fill key roles this season. Sophomores Darby Lowber and Ellie Johnson will have the opportunity to step into larger roles for the Mustangs this season as the team finds its own identity on the court.

Cole Valley Christian and Ambrose also reached the 2A state tournament last year. The Chargers return two first team All-Conference performers in senior forward Hadley Fraas and sophomore guard Trinity Holsinger as they look to advance further than the state-semifinal appearance of last season. Fraas is also a two-time All-State selection, earning second-team accolades two years ago and first-team recognition last season. Sophomore Tessa Orcutt also returns for Cole Valley Christian as do seniors Gabby Olmstead, Natalie Wetzel, and Ashleigh Oates.

“We have a lot of depth this year,” said Cole Valley Christian head coach Matt Beglinger.

“Sometimes that can be a challenge in how to divide game minutes, but I think it will be a strength for us. We have good chemistry with this group and will lean on our depth to play fast.”

As for Ambrose, the team returns a pair of players who were recognized on the end-of-season All-Conference team. Seniors Cate Perrigo and Inara Ries are back to spearhead an Archer squad that won four of its final five games, including a play-in victory over Kellogg, to reach the state tournament for head coach Kelly Barbour.

The Marsing Huskies got 28 combined points from sophomore guard Adyson Chadez (15) and junior guard Raylynn Vanosdall (13) in a tight, early-season loss to Ambrose in November as they look to expand upon success they had in non-conference play last season. The Huskies were 7-6 in non-league games last season, but failed to win a game in the tough Western Idaho Conference.

In New Plymouth, seniors Zavier Lake, Grace Hailey, and Ali Robinson will lead a team looking to rebound after a seven-win campaign last season. The Pilgrims got off to a good start by opening its season with a win over 3A Fruitland in early November. First-year head coach Tara Lake was previously an assistant at Class 5A Middleton, and her daughter Zavier was described as “difficult to guard” by opposing coaches in summer ball.

Claire Bonnet takes over as the head coach at North Star Charter Academy and she has reliable senior Chloe Ballhagen to lean on as the Huskies also look to take a step forward after some struggles last season.

“I am most excited for my players to learn new basketball concepts and see them execute them in games,” Bonnet said. “All the players are excited to be playing this season and hopefully increase their basketball IQ and decision making.”

The Nampa Christian Trojans will look to improve their offensive efficiency this season after only topping 40 points four times – all wins – last winter. Sophomore guard Taylor Davy should help the team get more shots to fall this time around.

Second-year Compass Charter head coach Adam Mastalski is looking for a little more offense this season, too.

“Creating more catch-and-shoot opportunities will be one of the most important things for us this season. If we are getting more catch-and-shoot opportunities, it will mean we are creating and keeping the space we need, while also making better passing decisions,” he explained. “We will have to define what a good shot opportunity is as the year goes on, but getting good rhythm shots will be the most important thing starting out.”

The Aviators will look for junior Reanna Beyers and senior Katelyn Cable to be key figures on offense this season. Beyers is able to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket, while Cable has some range to her shot. Senior Bailey Morris, junior Carlee Lashaway, and sophomore Sophia Kartchner will also play key roles for Compass Charter this season.