PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Daphne Christensen, American Heritage
Kynlee Infanger, American Heritage
Jaden Shanafelt, Challis
Danika Wolfenbarger, Challis
Olivia Bloxham, Grace Lutheran
Sarah Krause, Grace Lutheran
Lexi Bird, Leadore
Azelynn Jones, Leadore
Alyssa Pehrson, Mackay
Danika Seefried, Mackay
Sage Daniels, North Gem
Harmony Boyer, Rockland
Trin Wiese, Rockland
Ebonee Whiteman, Sho-Ban
Regan Smith, Taylor’s Crossing
Caroline Combs, Watersprings
Bri Williams, Watersprings
Written by: Brandon Baney
The Rocky Mountain Conference, one of Idaho’s largest, boasts ten teams this year. Each team is filled with at least one standout performer, and some squads have as many as two or three. But to survive this rough-and-tumble conference, you need you need an entire starting unit of five that can deliver when the pressure is at its highest.
Rockland has long been the standard-bearer in the RMC, and the Bulldogs not only claimed the district championship last season, they stormed all the way to the Class 1A state title. Despite significant graduation losses, Rockland is again expected to lead the pack this season.
ROCKLAND
The Bulldogs finished 21-5 a season ago and dispatched Challis, Carey and Genesee in order to claim their third state championship overall. All three titles have occurred in the past five seasons, which shows the strength of a Rockland program that has seen one longtime coach retire and several talented players graduate.
Jordan Black took the reigns from veteran coach Vern Nelson in 2023, and embarks upon her third season with Rockland having to refill the coffers at the varsity level. RMC Player of the Year Calyn Permann graduated, and so did 1st Team All-RMC players Alexa Permann and Sidney Freeman.
Seniors Harmony Boyer and Trin Wiese both return to the starting lineup and will play on the wings. Sophomore Brilee Stiedley will play point guard, while juniors Kinsey McHargue (5-foot-6) and Jada Farr (5-foot-9) will anchor the inside game.
There may be growing pains early as all of the newcomers adjust to larger roles, but coach Black is hopeful that everything coalesces by the end of the season.
CHALLIS
The Vikings finished 18-7 a year, and tied for 2nd place in the final RMC standings, along with Mackay and Leadore. All three teams went 7-2. The Vikings were awarded the #2 seed at districts thanks to a tiebreaker, and after falling by three to Mackay in the district semis, the Vikings ripped through the rest of the field to finish third at districts and earn a spot at state.
Thanks to the new MaxPreps seeding format, the Vikings were matched up with Rockland in the opening round, and Challis nearly pulled off the unthinkable, falling to the eventual champs by only three points in a 26-23 nail-biter. Challis then exacted revenge on Mackay in a loser out game by winning by three (the same margin they lost to the Miners by at districts), and then dispatched Dietrich to bring home the consolation trophy from state.
Jaeli Oerke and Taylor Redick handled most of the scoring and playmaking for Challis, and replacing them won’t be easy. Juniors Jaden Shanafelt and Danika Wolfenbarger will have to take on more responsibilities this year for the Vikings.
MACKAY
Mackay was the third and final RMC team to qualify for state in 2025, although their stay was limited to just two games as the Miners finished 15-11 overall.
Mackay returns the most talent, with three All-Conference performers back in 2025-26. The list starts with senior Alyssa Pehrson, the only underclassmen to qualify for the 1st Team All-RMC team a year ago. Pehrson is flanked by senior Danika Seefried (2nd Team All-RMC) and junior Jaida Rodriguez (Honorable Mention All-RMC).
LEADORE
Deena Shiner enters her second season on the Leadore sidelines with one primary question: who will emerge to take over at guard? The Mustangs said goodbye to point guard Kaylee Kesl and shooting guard Katie Mackay. “Kaylee was a quick defensive player, and Kate led the team,” says Shiner.
The guard depth was further impacted when Bella Staley moved with her family during the offseason.
Senior Reiny Whittaker is the first candidate to assume point guard duties. Senior Azelynn Jones will try to fill Mackay’s shoes on the wing. And senior Lexi Bird, a 2nd Team All-RMC selection, will play inside at center.
“It will be an adjustment from last year with four guards gone,” says Shiner. “But I know these girls will get the job done.”
SHO-BAN
Coach Sincere Martin led the Chiefs to a 10-8 record in her debut season in 2024-25. There’s room for further improvement, especially because last year’s team had no seniors. Sophomores Alexis Brunette, Paizlee Furniss and Baylee Jackson all started as freshmen a year ago, and senior center Ebonee Whiteman will continue to be the focal point of the Sho-Ban offense and defense.
GRACE LUTHERAN
Katie Grant ascends to the first chair on the Royals’ sideline after spending 2 years as an assistant. Guards Kirsten Krause and Samantha Moretti graduated off of last year’s 9-11 squad. But Grant is excited about the depth and quickness of this year’s team.
“We will have more speed, more subs, and more opportunities for young players to step up,” says Grant. “We will be scrappy on defense and use our speed to press the opposition.”
Senior Jessica Gustafson, junior Olivia Bloxham and sophomore Giana Maag will start at guard for the Royals, while juniors Sarah Krause and Kate Flicker will be start down low.
TAYLOR’S CROSSING
Looking for an RMC sleeper in 2025-26? Look no further than Taylor’s Crossing. The Eagles finished 8-10 a season ago, and most coaches agree that Taylor’s Crossing is primed for a substantial leap forward this year.
Senior Regan Smith is expected to lead an exciting group of younger players. Sophomore Alexis Ellis started as a freshman a year ago, and juniors Laiton Moore and Naudia Bush showed growth throughout the 2024-25 season also.
NORTH GEM
The Cowboys will feature their third head coach in as many years, as Stephinie Scott coached one season after taking over for Ken Christensen last year.
Stepping in to coach this year is Stacey Sorensen. North Gem will rely on seniors Sage Daniels and Shalyn Thompson, along with junior Dally Frandsen, to lead the way.
WATERSPRINGS
Heidi Olson enters her third season as Watersprings head coach hoping to improve upon last year’s 3-16 record. The Warriors will try to work from the inside-out this season, and will heavily feature sophomore center Bri Williams and junior forward Caroline Combs.
Juniors Ally Zellner and Anna Cochran, along with sophomore Laila Ricklef, will start at guard. Olson is also excited about the development of freshmen Madi Archambault and Libby Brant.
AMERICAN HERITAGE
American Heritage Charter School has only been around for three seasons. The Patriots have finished with one win in each of those three seasons, but this is the year coach Hillary Congdon believes the fruits of their labor will finally blossom.
“With this only being the third year of our school’s girls basketball program and many players still new to the sport, I’m incredibly proud to have a strong group of upperclassmen returning to lead the way,” says Congdon.
Seniors Kynlee Infanger and Daphne Christensen will lead the way at guard. Junior Jennah Swenson can play on the perimeter or inside, and senior Hope Powell, and juniors Riana Butikofer and Sydney Astle will contribute in the post.
And there’s more reinforcements on the way in the form of freshmen Lili Berian, Zoie Congdon and Ellie Pederio.
“These girls are coming to me after I coached them to a middle school championship last December,” says coach Congdon. “These girls were instrumental in our championship victory, showcasing relentless defense, key blocks, and confident shooting from the perimeter to secure the win.”
“Their passion for basketball shines through every play,” Congdon adds. “They compete with heart, skill, and a genuine love for the game.”
With a good blend of veteran talent and exciting freshmen playmakers, this could be the best year yet at American Heritage.
“These girls have shown remarkable grit and perserverance,” says Congdon. “Their dedication to building this program from the ground up and their ability to overcome challenges truly make them the heart and foundation of our team.”