PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Tate Trevino, Buhl
Kason Coon, Filer
Xavier Kelsey, Filer
Eli Esterbrook, Gooding
Bridger Pope, Gooding
Quentin Pettingill, Kimberly
Written by: Sven Alskog
To see how much of a gauntlet playing in the 4A Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference can be, you can look no further than the point differential for the top three teams in the league last season.
For Kimberly, Filer and Gooding — teams all capable of a run this year as well — the point differentials were each less than five per game in 2024-25. That campaign saw the Bulldogs and Wildcats make the state tournament, with the Senators prepared to give both a run for their money once again this time around.
One thing is for certain though, there will be plenty of competitive basketball games in the 4A SCIC. It’s an annual tradition.
KIMBERLY
The defending regular season champions took home the consolation title at state after defeats of Cole Valley and Sugar-Salem.
That tournament run capped off what was a year of nailbiters for Kimberly, with six wins by 10 or less and 10 of the 15 losses for the Bulldogs coming by 10 points or fewer.
As the program embarks on the new season, replacing SCIC Co-Player of the Year Broden Anthony and First Team pick Ryker Larson will be no small task. Anthony posted 15 points, 5.2 boards and three assists per contest during his senior season.
Senior Quentin Pettingill, a Second Team All-Conference selection last year, will be leaned on heavily to lead the way for the Bulldogs.
FILER
After winning the conference tournament to earn a spot at state, Filer appears positioned well for a deeper run.
Optimism is high despite the losses of SCIC Co-Player of the Year Preston Volle and fellow All-Conference talents Owen Grant and Troy Parish.
A big reason for the positive outlook? The return of Conference Defensive Player of the Year Xavier Kelsey, a senior guard who will team with junior guard Kason Coon to form a strong backcourt duo.
For ninth-year head coach Rob Anderson, expect a reload instead of a rebuild.
“With losing most of our offensive production, we will look to see where we can be most productive to fill that gap,” said Anderson. “After graduating three impactful starting players, I’m excited to see what this group will develop into.”
The squad did lose some size with the graduation of Parish, so finding the best scheme defensively will be key.
GOODING
For the first time since 2020-21, Gooding posted an above .500 record, showing clear progress as the program builds in the right direction.
Now, in the new campaign, the Senators are hungry for more.
The team is led by the standout All-Conference guard trio of Eli Esterbrook, Bridger Pope and Max Kelsey.
“We have some strong scoring guards who take care of the ball and are unselfish,” said head coach Ryon Pope. “Our style of offense is to try to be creative and aggressive while maintaining structure and discipline.”
Additionally, junior forward Cougar Stockham is another returner to watch.
On defense, Gooding will play mixed man with zone and apply pressure selectively. Improving results on the boards on both sides of the floor is a focus.
There’s plenty to be excited about with the group in place.
“I mostly just enjoy the guys on this team,” added Coach Pope. “I’m excited to see this team develop as a group on both ends of the floor and in transition. We have a lot of new players to add to the mix, and as their chemistry improves, we have some strong possibilities this year.”
And there will be no shortage of tests for Gooding in the non-conference slate.
“We just need to persevere through a tough early season schedule with Sugar, Wendell, Homedale and others so we can be prepared for a very challenging SCIC,” said Coach Pope. “Our conference will be as competitive as ever, with Filer, Buhl and Kimberly each bringing great players and coaching every night. It's going to be exciting!”
BUHL
Following a 15-game stretch without a win to end last season, the Buhl Indians look to turn around their fortunes under second-year head coach James Glenn.
The team is led by Second Team All-Conference guard Tate Trevino, a capable scorer who opposing teams will want to key in on.
Other coaches in the league think Buhl has potential to surprise some teams this season.
“They only won a couple games last year, but they have some very good scorers back and they have a strong coaching staff,” said Gooding head coach Ryon Pope.