PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Berklee Fehringer, American Falls
Jersey Sprague, American Falls
Peyten Crockett, Bear Lake
Halle Wells, Bear Lake
Tayzlee Belnap, Marsh Valley
Zayli Merzlock, Marsh Valley
Sophia Kelly, Snake River
London Lee, Snake River
Written by: Ryan Glass
In a short and simple recap of the previous season in the 4A South East Idaho Conference, it was all Bear Lake, who led the conference with a dominant 6-0 record. Coming in second was the American Falls Beavers (4-2), then Marsh Valley (2-4) and Snake River at the bottom with no conference wins.
Bear Lake wasn’t just the best team in their conference, but one of the best teams in the state, finishing just 6 points away from a state title in their 47-41 loss to Sugar Salem, who they had already lost to twice in the regular season. American Falls (12-11) was the only other team with a winning record.
BEAR LAKE
Bear Lake lost 4 key players to graduation this year: 1st team all-conference guard Saydee Shaul, 2nd team all-conference player Emyri Walker, 2nd team all-conference player Tayzley Neal, and Giuli Saxton. Fourth year head coach Ken Wells specifically commented on the leadership and attitude of Shaul will be a big loss missed.
With multiple players ready to step up this season however, Bear Lake is looking to continue its dominance. All conference forward Halle Wells and guard Brooke Boehme, both juniors, look to step up with senior forwards Desiree Alleman and Peyten Crockett and senior guard Kort Skinner.
“We want to execute better down the stretch in games,” says coach Ken Wells. “We have run the same system with these girls since middle school so they are familiar with it. We focus on playing a team game.” Wells says the team's chemistry is going to be a major factor this season and is at an all time high.
Rebounding and pressure are what Wells says are the strength of his defense. They plan to continue leading their conference in fewest points allowed. Wells says they need to create even more pressure, which shouldn’t be difficult with the talent on this roster.
Bear Lake comes into the season as the clear frontrunner and is likely to continue their streak. With a fourth year head coach and a talented roster they look to finish the job this year at state.
AMERICAN FALLS
After a 2nd place finish in the conference and a 12-11 overall record, American Falls’ season was short of their expectations. This year however, they look to bounce back and fight for a conference title.
American Falls comes back with three key players from last year in seniors Berklee Fehringer and Jersey Sprague and junior Journey Schiess. This will be very beneficial to their inside attack and leadership. Also becoming more prominent this season will be sophomore Sofia Cox and junior Brooklyn Gomez on the inside. Along with them is sophomore Averi Bower and junior Houston Funk on the outside.
“Our offensive strength will come from our balance and teamwork," says head coach Jason Brower, who is entering his first season with the girls after 5 years with the boys team. He says Fehringer, Schiess, Cox and Gomez will be a key part of their inside attack. “Their ability to score, rebound, and work together in the paint gives us a solid foundation.” Funk and Bower will both bring valuable experience in creating shots, and stretching the floor. “Our offense will rely on trust, unselfish play, and balanced scoring. Every player on this team will have a vital role in our success. We will focus on moving the ball, sharing opportunities, and playing for each other.”
Defensively, they are focused on their toughness and relentlessness. “We take pride in making every possession difficult for our opponents. With returning post players—Berklee, Journey, Sophia, and Brooklyn—we’ll be strong protecting the paint and controlling the boards.” Funk and Bower will bring experience in guarding the ball and disrupting passing lanes as well as important communication.
Overall, American Falls looks to take advantage of strong chemistry and intensity among the team. They have a promising season ahead with potential to have another winning season and make a run for the playoffs
MARSH VALLEY
Marsh Valley finished 3rd in conference last season with an overall record of 12-14. They had one all conference player in 2024 with junior Tayzlee Belnap and two 2nd team players with junior Olivia Campbell and sophomore Zayli Merzlock.
SNAKE RIVER
Snake River finished at the bottom of the conference last year and didn’t win a game all season. Returning key players include junior London Lee, sophomore Ellie Adams and junior Sophia Kelly, who earned honorable mention all conference last season.