PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jordyn Carnell, Bishop Kelly
Addy Laible, Bishop Kelly
Keira Lizama, Bishop Kelly
Gabbie Adams, Caldwell
Tamar Callender, Caldwell
Jada Myers, Columbia
Ellie Robertson, Columbia
Violet Soto, Columbia
Natalie Goslin, Emmett
MaKenna Durrant, Ridgevue
Jacotah Thomas, Ridgevue
Maya Lee, Skyview
Paige Upson, Vallivue

Written by: Lucas Gebhart

BISHOP KELLY KNIGHTS
2022-23 Record: 22-4
Head Coach: Derek McComick

It was pretty clear who the best team in the conference was a season ago. It was BK.
But now, veteran head coach Derek McComick is tasked with replacing four senior starters from last year’s 22-win team.

The senior-led squad had both the league’s best offense (55.12 PPG) and defense (31.69 PPG), statistically last year and the number translated well to the court as BK won both the regular season and district crowns on its way to another state semifinal.

Despite losing its leadership from last year, the Knights expect to pick up where they left off in the new season.

BK gets league’s 6th girl of the year back in Jordyn Carnell while also returning Addy Laible, Keira Lizama, and Riley Walker. All are seniors and all bring varsity experience to the table, meaning this year’s team could be a near carbon copy of last year’s. Then again, isn’t that always the case at BK?

COLUMBIA WILDCATS
2022-23 Record: 15-12
Head Coach: Neal Robertson

Columbia could be Bishop Kelly’s best challenger this year and will have one of the league’s best players on its roster in Elle Robertson.

Robertson helped lead the Wildcats to a quarterfinals win in the state tournament and received an all-tournament nod for her efforts while also receiving all-conference honors after the season.
Although Columbia does lose Mylie Mills, Columbia’s other first-team player from last season, most expect the Wildcats to be back in the state tournament this year.

In addition to Robertson, Columbia also returns Jada Meyers, Lilly Farris and Violet Soto, giving Columbia one of the deeper line-ups in the league.

SKYVIEW HAWKS
2022-23 Record:
Head Coach: Joe Betancourt

Skyview has to replace a lot of talent this season, both on the court and on the bench. The Hawks not only lose Alex Barrass and Kiana Blacker, but they also lose the reigning 4A SIC Coach of the Year in Kacey Bonds.

It will be up to former Homedale head coach Joe Betancourt to put the pieces back together.

Senior guard Mayla Lee is a major piece from last year’s varsity team making the transition, but Betancourt says he expects a handful of juniors and sophomores to make an impact, including Naylei Rodruguez, Laynee Cowell, Emma Flake Reese Michaelson.

Freshman Leah Orelus is also expected to see some varsity playing time.

RIDGEVUE WARHAWKS
2022-23 Record: 9-15
Head Coach: John Walker

The Warhawks could have one of the league’s best players in McKenna Durrant and appear poised to make a major jump this season.

As a sophomore, Durrant averaged over 10 points and 6 rebounds per game, leading Ridevue in both categories. It was enough for an all-conference honor, making her the only underclassmen in the SIC to receive a first-team award at the end of last season.

While many of the league’s top teams lost their top talent to graduation, most of Ridgevue’s is back for another season. Along with Durrant, the list also includes the Warhakws’ second leading scorer in Jacotah Thomas along with a lengthy list of upperclassmen.

If Ridgevue can put it all together, head coach John Walker can lead the Warhawks to their first state tournament in school history.

CALDWELL COUGARS
2022-23 Record: 5-17
Head Coach: Ashley Green

To say it’s been a roller coaster for Caldwell the last five seasons might be an understatement.
The Cougars played for a state championship in 2019, then went winless just two seasons later.

Last year was no different as Caldwell started the year 3-1 before losing Tamar Callender to an injury. Caldwell won just two games the rest of the way.

But now, Calendar is back and the junior is poised to be one of the best guards in the league.
Caldwell is also getting back senior three-point shooting specialist Amya Gonzalez and senior forward Gabbie Adams along with fellow senior Kim Martinez.

All the returning talent means the roller coaster could be on its way back up.

EMMETT HUSKIES
2022-23 Record: 4-19
Head Coach: Mark Priano

Emmett’s defense was able to keep them in some games, but it didn't translate to many wins as the Huskies offensive struggles were too much to overcome on most nights.

Emmett only managed to score 28 points per game a season ago, one the lowest point total in the SIC.

But head coach Mark Priano says this year’s team has more size, experience and talent.

That returning talent is headlined by junior Natalie Goslin, who was a 2nd-team all-conference player as a sophomore a season ago.

VALLIVUE FALCONS
2022-23 Record: 0-21
Head Coach: Andrew Lopez

Vallivue is looking to bounce back from the worst season in program history.

The Falcons went winless a season ago while only managing to score 27 points per game while giving up 54. Both marks ranked at the bottom of the SIC.