Players to Watch:

Tristen Smith, Camas County
Troy Smith, Camas County
Hayden Astle, Dietrich
Cody Power, Dietrich
Ky Kendall, Hagerman
Cameron Zeltner, Hagerman
Luke Dalton, Richfield
Clay Kent, Richfield

Written by: Katie Knight

Camas County made it all the way to the State Championship game in 2022 before falling to Rockland by two points. The Mushers know what it will take to get back to the State tournament and are counting on a strong returning core of players to get them there. Trey Smith who was voted Defensive MVP and All State tournament team as well as Honorable Mention for the All-Conference team will be joined by his brother Tristen Smith, who was 2nd team All-State and 2nd team All-Conference. Another player who earned All-State honors was Emmett Palin. Those three players will look to help fill the hole left by Brecken Clarke. Head Coach Jamon Frostenson feels his squad is up to the task. “We have a group of kids who have played together forever and are really good ball handlers. We’re going to be hard to stop defensively and our shooting is improving,” says Frostenson. A surprise player most teams won’t expect will be Trevor Tews who is “one of the most athletic players on the team,” according to Frostenson.

The Mushers believe in the saying “Defense wins championships” and will play tough man to man defense to get the championship. Coach Frostenson wants to increase the team’s level of physicality and keep teams out of the paint. “With the depth that we have we are going to do a better job of grinding on teams for 32 minutes,” says Frostenson.

Head Coach Wayne Dill has been with the Blue Devils in Dietrich for 21 years. Dill says three of the top five 1A DII teams in the state are in the Sawtooth Conference and unfortunately, only one team will make it to the state tournament. Dietrich hopes to be that team who finishes on top. Dill will have strong leadership from seniors Cody Power who was an All-Conference selection and Hayden Astle. Joining Power and Astle will be fellow senior Layne Dilworth who was out last season due to shoulder surgery. Conner Perkins, Brody Torgerson and Stryder Shaw help give the Blue Devils a deep roster and balanced scoring. “We are a full court, fast break team capable of playing half court ball,” says Dill.

One area that Coach Dill wants his squad to improve in is rebounding. “Last years team did not rebound well, but this team has potential to be dominant on the boards,” says Dill. Another factor for success will be keeping the Blue Devils healthy, as multiple players are coming off a difficult football season.

Richfield is another strong team for a loaded conference. All-Conference selections Clay Kent and Luke Dalton will guide their team to a competitive finish this season. The Tigers can shoot and defend well.

Hagerman had a rough ’21-22 season with only one win. This season, new Head Coach Jim Brown hopes to guide the Pirates through the rebuilding process. Helping lead the Pirates will be seniors Cole Rowley, Cameron Zeltner and Kody Wareham. A key to Hagerman’s team will be sophomore Ky Kendall who can score and defend well. Coach Brown has his team running transition style offense and focusing on man to man defense. An X-factor for the Pirates will be “players understanding their role,” says Brown.