PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Korbin Stubbs, Alturas Prep
Devin Huang, Alturas Prep
Stetson Wanstrom, Butte County
Dean Rogers, Butte County
Chase Smith, Grace
Parker Yost, Grace
Written by: Sven Alskog
With just one spot at state coming from the 2A High Desert Conference, the league has hosted countless memorable battles between Butte County and Grace in recent years.
Last year, the two sides played to an even 2-2 season split, with the Grizzlies coming out on top in the district tournament to advance to state, where they secured third with a 63-55 win over Lakeside.
While plenty is unknown early in a high school basketball season, predicting more epic battles between Grace and Butte County is generally a safe guess.
BUTTE COUNTY
Led by explosive senior Koden Krosch, Butte County piled up 18 wins last year, including a regular season sweep of Grace.
This time around, the Pirates will be without the services of the graduated Krosch and First Team All-Conference standout Razor Duke as they look to get back to state.
Entering his senior season, First Team All-Conference talent Keaton Archibald steps into an increased role from the guard position and will team with McCoy Jensen, Stetson Wanstrom and Dean Rogers to form a strong nucleus.
Size is something that Butte County has no shortage of, with three players towering over opponents at 6’3” or taller. Rogers is 6’4”, with sophomore center Caden Klingler 6’5” and junior guard Cooper Williams 6’3”.
Todd Jensen is beginning his second season on the sideline in Arco.
GRACE
Few teams in Idaho ended last season as hot as Grace, with the Grizzlies winning six of their last seven contests, including a pair of games at state.
From that group, multiple players who received postseason accolades have graduated. That list is highlighted by Conference Co-Player of the Year Laexin van Gass and talented counterparts Braden Kimball, Derek Hill, Carson Reeves and Jamie Smith.
If anyone knows how to reload though, it’s the Grizzlies, who lost six seniors from the year prior last season and posted another successful campaign despite it all.
With First Team All-Conference selections Chase Smith and Parker Yost back for their senior seasons along with Second Team pick Gavin Draper, Grace should once again be expected to be a tough out.
Smith was impressive in the third-place win over Lakeside at state, pouring in 14 points and grabbing eight boards.
ALTURAS PREP
In the postseason honors for the conference, Alturas Prep was represented by Korbin Stubbs on the Second Team and Devin Huang and Cody White as Honorable Mention picks. None were seniors a year ago, giving the Pumas some quality pieces to build around.
This is the third season of varsity basketball for the program under head coach Logan King.
Alturas Prep went 2-14 during the 2024-25 season.