Players to Watch:
Brianne Bailey, South Fremont
Berklee Yancey, South Fremont
Kennedy Gillette, Sugar-Salem
Meg Fillmore, Sugar-Salem
Reece Kunz, Teton
Morgan Johnson, Teton
Grace Hogan, Teton
Written by: Marlowe Hereford
At least one team ranked in the state media poll and at least one team playing for state hardware on championship Saturday in February has become the norm for the 3A Mountain Rivers Conference for more than a decade.
Sugar-Salem and Teton showcased that strength last season, playing each other in the 3A state title game in their fifth meeting of the season. The Diggers prevailed, 47-32, to win their seventh title in program history. The state title game was the first such appearance for Teton, which finished the season 19-11.
Sugar-Salem graduated Natalyah Nead, Olivia Crapo, Katie Miller and Hailey Harris from last year's title team and return Meg Fillmore, Nika Nead and Kennedy Gillette.
"We lost a lot," Diggers head coach Crystal Dayley said. "This is by far the youngest and most inexperienced team I've ever had."
The Diggers have hung their hats on defense since Sugar-Salem alumnus Dayley became head coach in 2012, and defense will remain the focal point this season.
"They are working hard, though, and like always, our focus will be on defense and I think we will be a great defensive team," Dayley said.
Dayley anticipates the 3A Mountain Rivers Conference to remain competitive. South Fremont, which returns Berklee Yancey and Brianne Bailey from last year's 11-11 team, has a new coach in Brooke Bailey. First year varsity Teton coach Patrick Hogan said Brianne Bailey has put in the work to become one of the best players in the conference.
Teton graduated multi-sport athlete and leading scorer Kinley Brown. The Timberwolves return Reece Kunz, Morgan Johnson, Grace Hogan and Porter Wood.
Coach Hogan said Teton's best strength is scoring in transition, and the objective this season is more balanced scoring and better ball movement. On defense, the Timberwolves are looking to create turnovers, extend defensive pressure full court and get defensive rebounds.
"The team is very young, but has multiple players with two years of varsity experience," he said.
"I am excited because the team is very athletic, which hopefully results in us having a competitive year."
Like Dayley, Hogan said to not overlook anyone in the conference.
"Although the conference is only three teams, there is a good chance that one or two of the teams