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Post Falls High School
School Info
Conference: 5A Inland Empire League
Classification: 5A
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Head Coach: Mike McLean
Years as Head Coach: 8th season
Record Last Year: 15-10
State Titles: 1963, 1964, 2010
Assistant Coaches:
Wade Engelson
Brian Carlson
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Photo By: Jason Duchow - #22 Dalton Thompson |
Team Preview:
With the same tough defense, plus an infusion of offense this year, the Post Falls Trojans look to qualify for the state 5A tournament for the third straight season.
"We will be able to play at multiple speeds -- though we'd prefer to go as fast as possible," said Mike McLean, in his eighth season as head coach at his alma mater.
"The previous two years, we got to state based on our defense. This year's team will play the same level of defense, but will be able to score with much more consistency. We will have the offensive firepower we had in 2010 and 2012, which is exciting. We will play 11 guys."
Post Falls won the state title in 2010 for the first time since winning back-to-back titles in 1963 and '64.
Among the returnees for the Trojans, 15-10 last season, is Dalton Thompson, a 6-foot-4 senior guard who was an all-5A Inland Empire League selection each of the last two years. Also back is Luke Anderson, a 6-3 senior guard, and Max McCullough, a 5-9 junior guard.
Newcomers expected to make an impact include Jack Millsap, a 6-5 senior wing; Jake Blakney, a 6-3 senior post; Jake Pfennigs, a 6-6 freshman guard; Blake McLean, a 5-9 junior guard; Zach Hillman, a 5-10 junior guard; Ryan English, a 6-2 senior guard; and Brenden Flaa, a 6-2 senior guard.
On defense, McLean is hopeful the Trojans can "maintain the same level of defensive execution we have had the previous two years," he said. "This group will pressure the ball full court and with our depth, we can pressure the entire game."
What also has McLean excited about this team is "their ability to keep elevating their level of play. They enjoy and accept every challenge they are presented."
Post Falls' schedule includes a stretch of six games in six days. The Trojans will play three games in three days Dec. 29-31 at the Coeur d'Alene Inn-vitational at North Idaho College, then travel to Boise to play three games there beginning Jan. 1. The Trojans are also scheduled to travel to Reno for a pair of games.
"We will be tested by the time we get to league games," McLean said.
McLean said two rules changes would improve basketball in Idaho -- a shot clock and a block/charge arc.
"We play a large number of games over the years in Washington with the shot clock, and the games have a better offensive flow and allow teams to do different defensive strategies because of the shot clock," he said.
"The shot clock changes the way a coach prepares and coaches their team -- coaches must allow more freedom and give more control to their players, because as the shot clock winds down players must make plays. High-level basketball is played with a shot clock, and I believe that varsity basketball in Idaho is played at a high level, so we should have the shot clock."
McLean would like to see an arc under the floor, under the basket, like it is in the NBA.
"This would help officials, players, coaches and fans when there is a collision near the basket. I think that would help everyone involved in the game."
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