PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ethan Howard, Clark Fork
Chase Sanroman, Clark Fork
Cole Sanroman, Clark Fork
Chris Moore, Kootenai
Gavin Tiller, Kootenai
Kofi Appiah, Mullan
Logan Petit, Mullan
Steve Petit, Mullan
Written by: Brandon Baney
When IdahoSports.com conducted its preseason coaches poll for the North Star League, the results were unanimous. Clark Fork was selected as the league favorite, Mullan was chosen as the sleeper, and Kootenai was pegged as the dark horse.
The Wampus Cats look strong again this year, as just about everyone returns from last year’s 13-10 squad. It starts with a trio of seniors that are attempting to become All-League players in all four years of their high school careers: 6-foot-3 forward Ethan Howard, and twin brothers Cole and Chase Sanroman in the backcourt.
“Most everyone is returning,” says sixth-year coach Heath Beason. “So everyone knows their roles, their pros and cons, and how to work together.”
Clark Fork will work from the inside-out this season, as Howard, Seth Caven, Everett Montgomery and Arrow Christopherson are all strong defenders and rebounders underneath. They’ll pair with promising 6-foot-4 sophomore Owen Howard. “Owen is up and coming and a beast in the paint,” says Beason. “Defense is his speciality but on offense he’s got the touch and moves to put it in the basket.”
Beason’s biggest concern is Clark Fork avoiding buying in to the preseason hype. “Mullan is improving, as well as Kootenai, so every team can have it’s day,” Beason says. “We have to play them and others strong if we want to be successful. We have to play one game at a time and not look ahead to the next one.”
Meanwhile, in Mullan, coach Paul Elston is trying to cobble together a lineup that is less than full strength to start the season. “I want to see how we do without several key players, including two key players who are out for the season due to injury,” says Elston. “Currently, we have nearly as many injured players as we do healthy players.”
Senior forwards Austin Zingler, Alex Trogden and Blake Knoll all suffered injuries during the football season. Zingler missed the entire football season, Trogden played in just two games, and Knoll was injured just before the playoffs began. Zingler and Trogden, in particular, are not expected back due to serious knee injuries. Zingler is the reigning North Star MVP.
In their absence, Elston will rely upon senior guards Logan Pettit, Steve Pettit and Kofi Appiah to shoulder the load. “While it is disappointing to have so many injuries to key players, our team has two choices,” says Elston. “They can feel sorry for themselves or they can take the opportunity provided for them and play as hard as they can.”
Kootenai has a new head coach this year in Tom Tucker. He’ll lean on experienced veterans Gavin Tiller and Chris Moore to lead a Warriors program that is low on numbers.