PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Tia Johnson, Alturas Prep
Brynn Andersen, Butte County
Cambree Lyon, Butte County
Tessica Jorgensen, Grace
Kallie Stoddard, Grace
Written by: Sven Alskog
After finishing 19-8 last season with a team featuring no seniors, Butte County once again looks primed to compete for a spot in the state tournament out of the 2A High Desert Conference.
Grace is positioned to battle for the state berth with the Pirates as well and Alturas Prep is prepared to begin its third season as a program.
With just one spot available at state out of District 5-6, the fight for the lone berth should be a fun one to follow once again this year.
BUTTE COUNTY
The Pirates were one of the few teams in Idaho able to say they won their final two games last season, knocking off Wilder and Lakeside in convincing fashion in the 2A girls state basketball tournament at Columbia High School.
After the run at state, Butte County lost zero seniors to graduation, positioning the team well.
In her second season, head coach Mindy Gamett has a promising outlook.
“I’m thrilled to bring back eight returning players from last year and to see how much they’ve grown in just one season,” she said. “I can’t wait to watch our progress throughout the year. This group is an absolute joy to coach — witty, fun, creative, hardworking and fiercely competitive. What more could a coach ask for?”
Seniors Brynn Andersen, Abbie Knight and Paige Williams join juniors Cambree Lyon and Autumn Gamett as starters with the potential to have big games.
Off the bench, junior guard Madi Gamett, senior guard Hazel Gamett and junior forward/center Addison Pancheri will all see considerable minutes as well. Pancheri earned the 6th man award at state last season.
“We have a lot of versatile scorers who can attack in multiple ways,” said Coach Gamett. “Our goal is to play smarter, faster and stronger than we did last year. Honestly, I could name almost everyone — this team is full of players who look to score. Now it’s about translating that confidence and aggressiveness into game situations.”
During the offseason and into the new campaign, Butte County will be introducing more complex and creative offensive concepts along with new-look defensive schemes.
“Our x-factor this season will be confidence — trusting each player’s ability to score and make plays,” said Coach Gamett. “We have several girls capable of putting points on the board, and when they play with confidence and rhythm together, the synergy could be truly special.”
GRACE
Tight contests were a staple for the Grizzlies in 2024-25, including playing four games against eventual conference champion Butte County that were decided by single digits.
The final matchup between the two sides came in the district tournament, with the Pirates coming out on top 61-54 in overtime.
During a 12-13 season last year, nine of Grace’s losses came by 10 points or less, showing just how close the team was to stacking up wins.
Eighth-year head coach Kyle Christensen brings back plenty of talent, including seniors Tessica Jorgensen, Kallie Stoddard, Kamryn Mansfield and sophomore Callie Yost.
The coach highlighted senior guard Ashley King and freshman guard Cashlee Smith as a couple of new faces to watch.
“Stoddard and Jorgensen from Grace are both a year older, stronger and more confident,” said Butte County head coach Mindy Gamett. “They were outstanding last season and will continue to be major contributors for Grace this year.”
Both Stoddard and Jorgensen were key parts of the 2024 1A state champion Grace squad that won its final 16 games.
ALTURAS PREP
Located in Idaho Falls, the Alturas Prep Pumas are embarking on their third season of varsity basketball. The program won one game its first season and two last year.
Offensively, the team appears ready to take a step forward to stack some more points on the board after averaging just a shade under 12 per contest last season.
Senior Tia Johnson was a Second Team All-Conference selection for Pumas in 2024-25.