PLAYERS TO WATCH
Gabe Meyer, Genesis Prep
Tyson Charley, Lakeside
Liam Hendrickx, Lakeside
Brutis SiJohn, Lakeside
Alex Cleveland, Wallace
Julian Davis, Wallace
Written by: Brandon Baney
When the 2023 Class 1AD1 State Tournament began last March, many came to the foregone conclusion that the event was merely to be a coronation for Lapwai, one of Idaho’s fiercest dynasties in recent history.
But something funny happened along the way. A similarly built team, Lakeside, quietly went about their business, and found themselves in the role of David facing the Goliaths from Lapwai in the championship game.
Four quarters and one overtime period later, the Knights had conquered the Wildcats, 81-79, to claim their third basketball championship in school history, and second in the last four years.
Point guard Vander Brown finished with 29 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals in the victory, capping his decorated high school career in style. “He was the leader of our team,” says veteran coach James Two Teeth. “Although at times last year Vander was in foul trouble and this group played very well without him, so I think we will be fine.”
Coach Two Teeth may be understating the facts a little. Lakeside’s other four starters all return from last year’s championship squad. Senior wing Liam Hendrickx netted 23 points in the championship game last year, and sophomore wing Tyson Charley added 15. Senior forward Qwincy Hall and senior guard Brutis SiJohn are also back for the Knights as they begin their title defense.
Not only are four of the five returning starters back, but so is 6th Man Blaze Callahan. He will be competing for playing time with senior guard Josh Kee. “Josh played two years ago but didn’t play last year,” says Two Teeth. “He has the ability to make a difference with his shooting and size and will add a scoring threat to our team.”
With so many horses in the stable, fans can expect Lakeside to once again feature a run n’ gun attack, although Two Teeth admits, “This year we aren’t as fast as we normally are, so we may have to spend more time in the half court this season.”
Wallace and Genesis Prep will line up to take their best shot at Lakeside this season. The Miners may have the most talented overall player in the conference in 6-foot-3 junior Julian Davis, who exploded for 38 points and ten rebounds in Wallace’s season opener. If Davis can bring along a greener group of varsity players, Wallace could offset the loss of four seniors to graduation, including four-year starting guard Brad Teske.
“It will be another year of development for us,” says second-year coach Jared Young, who also doubles as Wallace’s head football coach. “But we look to compete and have a more balanced attack. We are looking forward to implementing some new styles of play this year, and also seeing if our aggressiveness picks up this year. We need some younger players to step up for us this season and give us good minutes.”
Seniors Alex Cleveland (center), Elliott Schmidt (wing) and Stephen Paul (wing) will also be relied upon for Wallace. “I’m hoping we surprise the league but Genesis Prep and Lakeside are both well-coached teams with talent, and we will need to play well to contend with both of them,” says Young.
As for Genesis Prep, head coach Lon Morast is working with a team that features nine juniors and a sophomore. A pair of juniors, 6-foot-4 Silas Blood and 6-foot-2 Gabe Meyer will be critical inside for the Jaguars.