Players to Watch:

Deegan Hale, Blackfoot
Javonte King, Blackfoot
McKay Judy, Bonneville
Isaac Davis, Hillcrest
Kobe Kesler, Hillcrest
Dillon Ball, Idaho Falls
Ty Staker, Idaho Falls
Austin Cannon, Shelley
Nate Nelson, Shelley
George Price, Skyline

Written by: Marlowe Hereford

Hillcrest reached the pinnacle of 4A last season, going 25-2 and winning a program first state championship four years after taking second place in 5A.

The Knights return 5A/4A all-conference players Isaac Davis and Kobe Kesler from that team, and their experience and examples will be key this season.

"Isaac Davis brings the inside presence with an array of moves and great court vision," Hillcrest head coach Dave Austin said. "Kobe Kesler has the highest basketball IQ and will be our leader. Finding leadership will be key for us this year. We are excited to have another great group of players back with the desire to compete every night."

Austin added he hopes the Knights continue to play team basketball,  execute and make the right decisions and continue to pressure teams defensively to create turnovers.

Davis, a junior and the defending 4A All-Idaho Player of the Year who averaged 14 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season, will also be a force defensively.

"He controls the paint which allows for us to put heavy ball pressure on our opponents, knowing Isaac will protect the rim," Austin said.

Austin said Blackfoot, which returns Javonte King, Deegan Hale, Colby Bodkin and Ryan Reynolds from its team that went 13-13 last season, will be tough again.

"They have lots of returning experienced, talented players," Austin said.

Blackfoot head coach Clint Arave described this year's Broncos as a long and athletic group.

"We return four of the five starters from last year's team," Arave said. "This group of kids is great in and out of school. We have a really strong senior group and our junior group is close to as good. Lots of potential with the depth and athleticism this team provides."

Arave said Hillcrest is favored as defending state champion and described Davis as 'probably the best player in the state.' He also said Skyline and Shelley are teams to watch. 

"(Shelley) have been hard coming since their move from 3A to 4A, but they look to a be a realistic contender in the High Country Conference," Arave said. "Never underestimate the Skyline Grizzlies as they know how to win championships and are always difficult in any circumstance."

Shelley returns Austin Cannon, Nate Nelson and Brecker Williams from last year's team, which went 10-14. Russets head coach Jim Kolsen said rebounding will be a focus this season, as will averaging more than 45 points per game and playing more full court defense.

"Shooting will be improved over the last two years and should have five guys on the floor who want to face the basket," Kolsen said.

He pinned Hillcrest and Blackfoot as early favorites in the conference, but, like Arave, he said to not overlook Skyline, which returns George Price from last year's 10-15 team and includes athletes who are coming off a third consecutive 4A football state title.

"That winning mentality seems to transfer over to other sports," Kolsen said.

Idaho Falls, which returns to 4A after two seasons in 5A and has a new head coach in Greg Guza, returns Ty Staker, Dillon Ball and Trey Pyper from last year's 7-16 team. Guza said the Tigers have a "willingness to share the ball" and defensively, rebounding and overall team chemistry will be focal points.

Bonneville returns McKay Judy, a 5A/4A District 6 all-conference honorable mention player. The Bees went 2-21 last season and have a new head coach in Eric Wood.