PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Sawyer Bolgen, American Falls
Zak Grigg, American Falls
Kaden Anderson, Bear Lake
Broxton Birch, Bear Lake
Jaxson Smith, Marsh Valley
Bridger Bramwell, Snake River
Written by: Ryan Glass
The 2024-25 season in the 4A South East Idaho Conference was led by Snake River, who ran away with the conference title and a 6-0 conference record.
American Falls and Marsh Valley both ended with 3-3 conference records and in last was Bear Lake with an 0-6 conference record.
These teams head into 2025 with high hopes not just in conference play, but in the playoffs as well, especially Snake River, who was 14 points from a state title and had a 24-4 overall record.
SNAKE RIVER
Snake River had an amazing season capped with a perfect conference record at 6-0, a 24-4 overall record and finishing second in the playoffs with a 51-65 loss to Bonners Ferry in the state championship.
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AMERICAN FALLS
American Falls ended their season with a 16-8 overall record and an even 3-3 in conference play. They missed out on the playoffs last year and look to have a shot at it in 2025.
Returning senior guards Zak Grigg and Sawyer Bolgen, along with senior forward Kahlen Hernandez, will be making big contributions this year. Joining them are some new faces including forwards Fred Murrillo and Kash Wilkinson, both seniors, and guards Gavin Adamson and Hunter Grigg. Head coach Stephen Grigg says this is going to be an up tempo team and fun to coach.
“This team will be fun to coach because of all the different things that we will be able to do with
all of the great athletes on this team,” he says. “Playing an up-tempo style of basketball will be fun to play and watch for the fans.”
Grigg says they look to score with their speed early and often and improve on their rebounding skills saying, “We need to have everyone rebound; it will take all five.”
Defensively, coach Grigg says he wants to make a few tweaks but try and keep it man-to-man and really get after their competition this season.
American Falls looks to win the conference this year, but will have to get through Snake River first.
MARSH VALLEY
Marsh Valley also finished .500 in conference last year at 3-3, and with an overall record of 14-13 they missed the playoffs. Someone to look out for this year is dynamic guard Jaxon Smith.
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BEAR LAKE
Bear Lake finished last in the conference, going 3-18 overall and 0-6 in conference play. It was a disappointing season to say the least.
Coming back this year for the Bears are Kaden Anderson, Broxton Birch and Tate Ewing.
Coach Trevor Ward says he is excited for this year’s team: “They are eager to put in the work and do what it takes to be successful!”
Ward says they will look to pressure opposing teams on defense and share the ball on offense. He says they are strong finishing at the rim and that their zone defense will continue to secure rebounds.
Coach Ward says the team could surprise people this year: “We were a young varsity team last year, and we are returning a lot of players with varsity experience.”
Bear Lake hopes to make a big enough improvement from last year to really compete in the conference in 2025.