Boys basketball state tournament team capsules were written by members of the media from across the state of Idaho

5A Classification

OWYHEE STORM
Record: 19-5
State seed: #2; District 3 champ
Coach: Andy Harrington, second season
Players to watch: G Liam Campbell, jr.; G Jackson Rasmussen, so.; F Reece Sasser-Gunson, sr.; G Jayce Allen, so. 
Notes: Defending state champ that won a title in its first season. … Lost just one senior who regularly played off last year’s team. … No. 2 in final state media poll. … Back-to-back district champ. … Won 10 games in a row. Last loss was to Florida’s Montverde Academy, the No. 1 team in the country, according to ESPN. … Only lost two games against Idaho opponents (Lake City, Mountain View). … 6-2 vs. 5A state qualifiers. … Third-highest scoring offense in 5A (65.5 ppg). … Campbell (20.2 ppg, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists) is a returning first-team All-Idaho selection and a four-star recruit with nine Division-I offers, according to 247 Sports. … Rasmussen (10.5 ppg, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 blocks) has an offer from Washington State. … Six players average five or more points per game. … Harrington has won two state titles in a row between Owyhee and Middleton in 2021.

MERIDIAN WARRIORS
Record: 14-11
State seed: #7; Play-in winner
Coach: Jeff Sanor, sixth season
Players to watch: G Ryan Baker, jr.; G Josh Christensen, sr.; F TJ Sanor, so.; G Max Gwilliam, sr.
Notes: At state for fourth year in a row after falling in the third-place game last year. … Unranked in final state media poll. … 3-5 vs. 5A state qualifiers. … Started 3-6 before winning 11 of its final 16 games. … Allowing 64.0 points per game, the most among all 5A teams. … Balanced attack with Baker (13.0 ppg), Christensen (10.7 ppg), Sanor (9.7 ppg) and Gwilliam (7.3 ppg) all taking turns carrying the load. … Senior forward Nate Reynolds has signed to play football at Idaho State. … Won four state titles (2021, 1992, 1983, 1979). … Reached the finals six times.

MOUNTAIN VIEW MAVERICKS
Record: 19-5
State seed: #3; District 3 runner-up
Coach: Jon Nettleton, 18th season
Players to watch: PG Logan Haustveit, fr.; W Dyson Judd, sr.; W Dawson Wahl, sr.; G/PG Owen McBride, jr.
Notes: At state for the third straight year and for the seventh time in the past eight years.  … No. 3 in final state media poll. … Started 2-3 before winning 14 in a row and 17 of its last 19 … Went 4-0 at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas. … 4-3 vs. 5A state qualifiers. … Haustveit (16.4 ppg, 3.4 assists, 2.5 steals) has emerged as its top player as a freshman. … Judd (11.2 ppg, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists) is the only returning starter from a year ago. … Five players average seven or more points per game. … Hasn’t won a state tournament game since 2019. … Last made the semifinals in 2013. … Won and played in its only state championship game in 2011. That was also its last trophy.

TIMBERLINE WOLVES
Record: 17-8
State seed: #6; District 3 third-/fourth-place finisher
Coach: Travis Noble, fifth season
Players to watch: SG/PG Alex Ko, so.; G/F Jachin Mertes, sr.; C AJ LaBeau, sr.; PG Blake Kiesau, sr.
Notes: Back at state after a two-year absence. … Unranked in final state media poll. … 3-4 vs. 5A state qualifiers. … Went 11-0 at home and 6-8 in all other games. … Third-toughest defense in 5A (46.9 ppg). … Fourth-lowest scoring offense in 5A (50.3 ppg), and the lowest among 5A state qualifiers. … Won nine of its last 12 games. … The 7-foot LaBeau (9.8 ppg, 7.6 rebounds) is committed to a preferred walk-on spot at Washington State. … Ko (12.4 ppg) and Mertes (11.3 ppg) give Timberline two options averaging double figures. … Never won a state title. … Played in its only championship game in 2000. … Last won a state tournament game and a trophy in 2012, when it finished third.

MADISON BOBCATS
Record: 18-6
State seed: #4; District 5-6 champ
Coach: Shane Humphreys, second season
Players to watch: Nash Humpherys, so.; Chase Crane, jr.; Berrett Wilson, jr.
Notes: The Bobcats have a relatively young roster after losing six seniors off of last year’s state consolation winning team. ... The team's strength continues to be its team-oriented defense which ranks fourth in 5A at 49.5 points per game allowed. ... Won 15 straight games since a loss to Hillcrest on Jan. 3. ... Knocked off rival Rigby twice and ended winning streaks of 4A powers Hillcrest and Pocatello. … Won eight state titles, the last in 2011. … Played in 16 state championship games, the last in 2019.

EAGLE MUSTANGS
Record: 16-9
State seed: #5; District 3 third-/fourth-place finisher
Coach: Cody Pickett, third season
Players to watch: G Landon White, sr.; F Sawyr Hansen, sr.; PG Russell Gibson, jr.
Notes: At state for fourth straight year. … Went two-and-out last season. … Last made the semifinals in 2020. … Unranked in final state media poll. … 2-6 vs. 5A state qualifiers. … Second-highest scoring offense in 5A (65.6 ppg). … White averages a double-double (19.5 point, 10.7 rebounds). … Hansen (11.7 ppg) and Gibson (10.4 ppg, 6.1 assists) give the Mustangs three players averaging 10 or more points. … Never won a state title. … Reached the finals twice (2010, 2004). … Last won a trophy in 2010 (second). ... Pickett is a former record-setting quarterback at the University of Washington who played two seasons in the NFL with the 49ers.

LAKE CITY TIMBERWOLVES
Record: 23-0
State seed: #1; District 1-2 champ
Coach: Jim Winger, 24th season at Lake City
Players to watch: P Blake Buchanan, sr.; PG Kolton Mitchell, sr.; W Nathan Hocking, sr.; W/P Zach Johnson, sr.
Notes: Entered state with one loss and was the No. 1 seed last year, but was upset by No. 8 Centennial in the first round, then lost to Madison in the consolation finals. … Fourth straight trip to state — went 0-2 in 2020, and lost to Meridian in the 2021 title game. … Buchanan (15 ppg, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks) has signed with Virginia. He was selected to play for the USA in the Nike Hoop Summit on April 8 in Portland. … Mitchell (18.8 ppg, 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 3 steals) is the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,573) and has signed with Idaho State. … Hocking (12.0 ppg) has signed with NAIA Ottawa University in Surprise, Ariz. … Johnson (7.2 ppg, 5.6 rebounds) has signed to play football at Idaho. … Is winning its games by an average of 30.6 points. … Mitchell and Johnson are four-year starters. … No. 1 in the final media poll. … Never won a state title. … Reached finals twice (2021, 2002).

HIGHLAND RAMS
Record: 14-12
State seed: #8; Play-in winner
Coach: Matt Stucki, first season
Players to watch: G Rhidge Barela, jr.; F Jayden Wright, sr., F Garrett Campbell, sr.
Notes: In Stucki’s first season, team is making first state appearance since 2016. … Beat Centennial in play-in game. … Leading scorers are Jayden Wright (15.8 ppg), Garrett Campbell (9.5 ppg) and Rhidge Barela (9.0 ppg). ... Seeking first state championship since 2016, the last year of former coach Chris Frost’s tenure. … Unranked in final media poll.

4A Classification

POCATELLO THUNDER
Record: 23-2
State seed: #2, District 5 champ
Coach: Joe Green, 10th season
Players to watch: G Julian Bowie, jr.; G Kesler Vaughan, jr.; F Gage Ontiveros, jr.; F Krue Hales, sr.
Notes: Thunder are making their second-straight appearance at the state tournament. … Looking to avenge last year’s loss in the state title game to Hillcrest, the No. 1 seed. … Star guard Julian Bowie, a Boise State commit, averages about 20 points per game. … Burley transfer Gage Ontiveros, who stands 6-foot-10, has been a game-changer around the rim, especially on defense. … Team won its first 17 games of the season before falling to Madison in late January. … Beat Preston twice at district to advance to state.

BISHOP KELLY KNIGHTS
Record: 14-9
State seed: #7; District 3 champ
Coach: Ryan Kerns, 10th season
Players to watch: G Joseph Behrend, sr.; G Thomas Lodge, sr.; F Mason Suboh-Meuret, jr.
Notes: Bishop Kelly has qualified for state for the 10th time in the past 11 years. … Bishop Kelly comes into state on a nine-game winning streak. ... Knights started season 1-7 with a nonconference slate that included opponents like Eagle, Pocatello and Lake City. … Bishop Kelly lost to first-round opponent Pocatello 73-49 on Dec. 3 at Pocatello. … Behrend leads the Knights with 11.6 points per game. … Won two state titles (1998, 1991) at the 3A level. … Made the finals eight times, the last in 2016. … Unranked in final state media poll.

BLACKFOOT BRONCOS
Record: 15-8
State seed: #3; District 6 runner-up
Coach: Clint Arave, third season
Players to watch: F Javonte King, sr.; G/SF Deegan Hale, sr.; C/PF Ryan Reynolds, sr.
Notes: Won eight of past 10 games, with only losses coming to district champ Hillcrest. ... King, a Montana State football signee, is the go-to scorer averaging 19.2 points and 8.1 rebounds. ... Hale leads the team with 3.7 assists. ... Missed the state tournament last year after losing an overtime play-in game against Middleton. ... Last made the state tournament in 2020 ... Ranked fifth in the final state media poll. … Won its only state title in 1939, and played in one other championship game (1936).

MINICO SPARTANS
Record: 15-9
State seed: #6; District 4 champ
Coach: Brady Trenkle, fourth season
Players to watch: G Brevin Trenkle, sr.; F JT Garza, sr.; G Ryker Stimpson, jr.
Notes: At state for the first time since 2020, when it won the consolation trophy. … Unranked in final state media poll. … 2-4 vs. 4A state qualifiers. … Went 6-6 in league play, finishing third in the Great Basin Conference before winning three straight for the district title. … Last reached the semifinals in 2016. … Never won a state title. … Played in three championship games (1971, 1970, 1969).

SKYVIEW HAWKS
Record: 18-7
State seed: #4; District 3 runner-up
Coach: Aaron Sanders, 14th season
Players to watch: PG Eloy Chaparro, sr.; G/F Max Cutforth, sr.; G Jonah Wockenfuss, sr.
Notes: Skyview back in the state tournament for the first time since 2018 after spending the previous four years up in the 5A classification. … Hawks were the top-scoring team in the 4A SIC (59.0 ppg). … Chaparro led the offensive attack with 18.9 points per game and dished out 4.7 assists per game. … Lost to first-round opponent Twin Falls 55-51 on Dec. 20 in Twin Falls. … Won three state titles (2009, 2006, 2005). … Last reached the finals in 2011. … Ranked No. 4 in final state media poll.

TWIN FALLS BRUINS
Record: 15-9
State seed: #5; District 4 runner-up
Coach: James Glenn, third season
Players to watch: G Jared Mix, jr.; W Will Preucil, sr.; F Logan Pittard, jr.
Notes: At state for the fourth time in six years. … Won 10 of its last 11 games. … Unranked in final state media poll. … Beat first-round opponent Skyview 55-51 on Dec. 20. … Great Basin Conference regular-season champ. … 1-3 vs. 4A state qualifiers. … Last won a state tournament game and a trophy in 2019, when it finished as the consolation champs. … Last made the semifinals in 2015 and last made the finals in 2014. … Won four state titles (2014, 2010, 2006, 1974).

HILLCREST KNIGHTS
Record: 22-1
State seed: #1; District 6 champ
Coach: Dave Austin, eighth season
Players to watch: C Isaac Davis, jr.; G Titan Larsen, so.; G Kobe Kesler, sr.; G Talan Taylor, jr.
Notes: The Knights haven't missed a beat since winning their first state title last season. ... Reigning 4A All-Idaho Player of the Year Isaac Davis in the post continues to be a tough matchup. Davis averages 17.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists. ... Kesler runs the offense and averages 14 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He and Taylor both make 40% of their 3-pointers. ... Leads 4A by scoring 73 points per game. … Only loss was to 5A District 5-6 champ Madison.

LAKELAND HAWKS
Record: 6-16
State seed: #8; District 1-2 champ
Coach: Tony Hanna, second season
Players to watch: G Scotty Hocking, sr.; G Nick Nowell, sr.; P Ben Ryan, jr.; G Kenton Ferguson, jr; G. Collin Cameron, sr.
Notes: Entered last week with three wins and was the last seed at districts, but won three games in five days — the first two on the road — to earn a state berth for the second time in three years. … Hocking averages 17.2 ppg, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals. After that, it drops down to Nowell (9.0 ppg), Ryan (7.6 points, 7.4 rebounds), Ferguson (7.2 ppg) and Cameron (6.9 ppg). … Hanna guided Timberlake to its first state berth in 2013. … Never won a state title or reached the finals. … Unranked in final media poll.

3A Classification

SUGAR-SALEM DIGGERS
Record: 20-3
State seed:  #2; District 6 champ
Coach: Shawn Freeman, 10th season
Players to watch: G Koy Sanderson, sr.; F Zac Dougherty, sr.; G Christian Gordon, sr.
Notes: Finished No. 1 in the final state media poll. ... Enters state on an 11-game win streak, including three straight wins over district foe Teton, which also qualified for the state tournament. ... Won seven state titles (1962, 1973, 1993, 1994, 2017, 2019, 2020), but did not make the tournament in 2021 and went 0-2 at last year's state tournament. ... Fifth-toughest defense in 5A (49.4 ppg).

KIMBERLY BULLDOGS
Record: 9-14
State seed: #7; District 4 runner-up
Coach: Daren Garey, ninth season
Players to watch: F Grayden Devries, sr.; G Jakob Cummins, jr.; F Kasen Hammond, jr.
Notes: Defending state champ. … At state for the sixth straight year. … Won a trophy in all previous five trips to state. … Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference regular-season champ. … Lost twice to first-round opponent Sugar-Salem. … 2-8 vs. 3A state tournament qualifiers. … Unranked in final state media poll. … Won two state titles (2022, 1952).

TETON TIMBERWOLVES
Record: 21-6
State seed: #3; Play-in winner
Coach: Rob Heuseveldt, seventh season
Players to watch: G Jarom Heuseveldt, sr.; F Tyson Brown, jr.; F Brody Hess, sr.
Notes: Returned to the state tournament for the first time in 21 years in 2021, missed out last season. … Defeated McCall-Donnelly in a play-in game to advance to state this season. ... Was fourth in the final state media poll. ... Heuseveldt leads the team in scoring, followed by Tyson Brown. ... Brown also leads the team in rebounding, with Davis Wood and Heuseveldt right behind. ... Won seven state titles, the last in 1997 as a 2A program.

FRUITLAND GRIZZLIES
Record: 14-10
State seed: #6; District 3 runner-up
Coach: Mark Van Weerdhuizen, fifth season
Players to watch: G/SG Eddie Rodriguez, sr.; F Tyler Capps, sr.; G Luke Barinaga, sr.
Notes: At state for sixth year in a row and 19th time in 21 seasons. … Went two-and-out last year. … Unranked in final state media poll. … 1-4 vs. 3A state qualifiers. … Started 2-6 before winning 12 of final 16 games. … Rodriguez (14.3 ppg) leads the team in scoring, but Capps (10.6 ppg, 5.6 rebounds) and Barinaga (9.2 ppg) provide balance. … Six players average five or more points per game. … Won five state titles (2018, 2012, 2011, 2008, 1980). … Reached the finals nine times, the last in 2019. … Last won a trophy when it finished third in 2020.

SNAKE RIVER PANTHERS
Record: 17-6
State seed: #4; District 5 champ
Coach: Robert Coombs, 30th season
Players to watch: F Marcus Coombs, so.; G Luke Higginson, jr.
Notes: At state for the eighth straight year and 17th time in the past 18 seasons. … No. 3 in final state media poll. … Won four of last five. … Haven’t allowed 60-plus points since early January. … Trying to build on their semifinal appearance last season.

HOMEDALE TROJANS
Record: 15-7
State seed: #5; District 3 champ
Coach: Cam Long, fourth season
Players to watch: W Jaxon Dines, sr.; G Mason Strong, sr.; P Trenton Fisher, sr.
Notes: Won state consolation champ last year after losing in double overtime in first round. … Back-to-back trips to state. … Won 12 of its last 13 games. … Unranked in final state media poll. … Toughest defense among 3A state qualifiers (45.4 ppg), and third overall in 3A. … 4-1 vs. 3A state qualifiers. … Dines (17.2 ppg, 2.1 assists, 2.3 steals) made the All-Idaho first team last year, and Strong (8.7 ppg) made the second team. … Won its only state title in 1969. … Reached the finals four times, the last in 2014.

BONNERS FERRY BADGERS
Record: 21-1
State seed: #1; District 1 champ
Coach: Nathan Williams, third season
Players to watch: G Ridge Willams, sr.; G Braeden Blackmore, sr.; G Asher Williams, so.
Notes: At state for the third straight year. … Lost to Homedale in consolation finals last year after going 0-2 in 2021 in its first trip since 2008. … Won the Intermountain League — its first league title since sharing the title in 2007 — then swept Timberlake in a best-of-3 series at districts in a matchup of the only two basketball-playing schools in the IML. … Ranked second in final media poll. … Never won a state title or played in a championship game.

BUHL INDIANS
Record: 9-14
State seed: #8; District 4 champ
Coach: Dan Winn, 13th season
Players to watch: G Kyler Kelly, jr.; C Kaden Hunsaker sr.; G Dominic Robles Pierce, jr.
Notes: At state for first time since 2016, when it took home the third-place trophy. … Won five of its last six games. … Started 1-9. … Unranked in final state media poll. … 4-4 vs. 3A state qualifiers. … Won three state titles (2014, 1979, 1975). … Last made the finals in 2015.

2A Classification

BEAR LAKE BEARS
Record: 22-2
State seed: #2; District 5 champ
Coach: Brandon Carlsen, 15th season
Players to watch: Not available
Notes: Back-to-back defending consolation champ. … At state for the sixth time in seven years. … No. 2 in final state media poll. … Toughest defense in 2A (42.0 ppg). … Won 13 in a row. … Faced one 2A state qualifier, West Side, and went 4-0. … Split two matchups with Sugar-Salem, 3A’s No. 1 seed. … Will face that district rival for the fifth time to open state. … Won three state titles (2018, 2017, 1996). … Hasn’t won a first-round game since 2018.

WEST SIDE PIRATES
Record: 13-13
State seed: #7; District 5 runner-up
Coach: Tyler Brown, 17th season
Players to watch: Not available
Notes: At state for fifth straight year. … Unranked in final state media poll. … 1-5 vs. 2A state qualifiers. … Went 0-4 vs. Bear Lake, and will face its district rival for the fifth time in the first round. … Last won a trophy in 2020, when it finished second. … Won its only state titles in 1979 and ‘78.

COLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHARGERS
Record: 19-5
State seed: #3; District 3 runner-up
Coach: Dan Waldeck, second season
Players to watch: G Max Meyers, sr.; G/F Eli Kingery, jr.
Notes: Cole Valley is at state for the first time since 2020. … Chargers lost 56-52 to Melba in district title game, with the four-point loss being the closest anyone has been to the unbeaten Mustangs this season. … Three of Cole Valley’s five losses have been to Melba. … Cole Valley has won three state titles (2012, 2004, 2002). … Ranked No. 3 in final state media poll.

KELLOGG WILDCATS
Record: 18-7
State seed: #6; Play-in winner
Coach: Mike Martin, third season
Players to watch: G Riply Luna, sr.; G Kolby Luna, sr.
Notes: At state for the first time since 2020 after dropping down from 3A … The Luna twins, Riply (19.8 ppg, 6.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.7 steals) and Kolby (16.3 ppg, 7.1 rebounds), are heading to the University of Miami to play football. … Unranked in final media poll. … Won four state titles (1965, 1959, 1956, 1955). … Last reached the finals in 1981. … Lost won a trophy in 2017, when it finished third.

ST. MARIES LUMBERJACKS
Record: 17-5
State seed: #4; District 1-2 champ
Coach: Bryan Chase, ninth season
Players to watch: G Greyson Sands, sr.; G Dillon Holder, sr.; P Tyler Renner, sr.; P Tristun Hill, sr.; P Wyatt Holmes, jr.
Notes: At state for the ninth straight season, and has reached the semifinals all nine years … Won second state title (and first since 1960) in 2021, and was runner-up last year and in 2019 … Sands (16.1 ppg, 3.3 assists), the lone returning starter, has assumed a bigger role this year … Holder (8.9 ppg) hit the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer on a feed from Sands to give the Lumberjacks the district title. … Renner (8.8 ppg, 5.1 rebounds), Wyatt Holmes (6.4 ppg, 4.9 rebounds) and sophomore Landen Holmes are cousins of Lake City star Blake Buchanan. … Hill averages 9.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. … Ranked fifth in final media poll.

RIRIE BULLDOGS
Record: 20-4
State seed: #5; District 6 champ
Coach: Jordan Hamilton, fourth season
Players to watch: F Houston Brown, sr.; G Ethan Brown, sr.; G Sterling Bybee, sr.
Notes: The Bulldogs took down perennial 2A power North Fremont to win the district tournament. ... They enter the state tournament on an eighth-game win streak. ... The Bulldogs return to the state tournament for the first time since 2019. ... Fourth-highest scoring offense in 2A (59.5 ppg). ... The 6-foot-6 Brown averages a double-double and scored 21 points in the district title game win over North Fremont. ... The Bulldogs won their only state title in 1990 and last reached the finals in 2018.

MELBA MUSTANGS
Record: 23-0
State seed: #1; District 3 champ
Coach: Spencer Trappett, fifth season
Players to watch: PG Braden Volkers, sr.; G/F Cutter Beus, jr.; G Tucker Lowber, jr.
Notes: Defending state champions. … Unanimous No. 1 team in state media poll all season. … Melba has won 38 straight games dating back to last season, with its last loss coming Jan. 13, 2022 against Ambrose. … Mustangs are scoring 69.3 points per game, which leads the 2A this season. … Volkers, Beus and Lowber are all averaging 13 or more points per game, with Volkers leading the team with 16.0 points per game. … Melba’s girls basketball team completed an undefeated state title season two weeks ago. … Won two state titles (2022, 2011).

DECLO HORNETS
Record: 13-9
State seed: #8; District 4 champ
Coach: Jacoby Fox, seventh season
Players to watch: G Bryson Allen, sr.
Notes: At state for the first time since 2019. … Last won a state tournament game and trophy in 2018, when it finished third. … Won 8 of its last 11 games. … Unranked in final state media poll. … Did not play a 2A state qualifier this year. … Won two state titles (2003, 1998). … Last reached the finals in 2014.

1AD1 Classification

GRACE GRIZZLIES
Record: 20-4
State seed: #2; Play-in winner
Coach: Rory Lloyd, 16th season
Players to watch: G Ty Gilbert, sr.
Notes: Defending third-place finisher. … At state for fourth straight year. … No. 2 in final state media poll. … Won 13 of its last 14 games. … Did not face any 1A Division I state qualifiers, but went 2-2 vs. 2A state tournament teams. … Gilbert made the All-Idaho second team last year. … Won three state titles (2003, 1959, 1955). … Last made the finals in 2020.

VICTORY CHARTER VIPERS
Record: 20-4
State seed: #7, District 3 runner-up
Coach: David Weaver, first season
Players to watch: G Noah Palomares, jr.; G Cody Luce, so.; G Muluken Knudsen, sr.
Notes: At state for second time in school history after qualifying in 2021. … Prior to district championship loss to Liberty Charter, Vipers were on a 10-game winning streak. … Palomares leads the team with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and 3.5 steals per game. … Victory Charter’s only two losses against 1A Idaho opponents came against Liberty Charter. … Unranked in final state media poll.

LAKESIDE KNIGHTS
Record: 15-3
State seed: #3; District 1 champ
Coach: James Twoteeth, sixth season
Players to watch: G Vander Brown, sr.; G Tyson Charley, fr., G Liam Hendrickx, jr; G Brutis SiJohn, jr.
Notes: Won 1A Division II state title in 2020, the school’s second state title and its first since 1997, when Twoteeth was a player. … Placed third at the 2021 1A Division I state tournament, then lost in a state play-in game last year after winning the district title. … Brown (23.8 ppg, 3.9 assists, 2.9 steals) is the lone player remaining from the 2020 state title team. He’s gotten scoring help from newcomers Charley (15.4 ppg) and Hendrickx (15.0 ppg). … Lost by 13 points at Lapwai in early January, the closest any 1A opponent has come against the Wildcats. … Ranked fourth in final media poll.

POTLATCH LOGGERS
Record: 18-7
State seed: #6; District 1-2 runner-up
Coach: Ryan Ball, seventh season
Players to watch: F Jaxon Vowels, jr.; G Everett Lovell soph.; G Jack Clark jr.
Notes: Finished winless two seasons ago. … Back to the state tournament for the first time since 2020. … Finished second eight times and has never won a title. … Beat Kamiah 49-46 in the district tournament second-place game for its first win against the Kubs all season. … Ball, a 1987 Potlatch grad, was runner-up four times as Kamiah’s coach (2000-16). … All five of its starters are underclassmen. … Won seven of its last 10 games, with the only losses coming to Kamiah and district champ Lapwai.

CASTLEFORD WOLVES
Record: 16-5
State seed: #4; District 4 runner-up
Coach: A.W. Wells, fifth season
Players to watch: Santi Alvarado, sr; Ethan Roland, sr.
Notes: At state for the first time since 2012. … No. 5 in final state media poll. … Won 12 of last 14 games. … Snake River Conference regular-season champ. … Moved up from 1A Division II this year. … Will face Carey in the first round in a rematch of the district championship. … Only played one 1A Division I state qualifier (Carey), going 1-1. … Won three state titles (2003, 1990, 1986). … Last reached the finals in 2010. … Last made the semifinals in 2012.

CAREY PANTHERS
Record: 17-7
State seed: #5; District 4 champ
Coach: Dick Simpson, 22nd season
Players to watch: G/F Carsn Perkes, sr.; PG Conner Simpson, sr.; F Owen Parke, jr.
Notes: At state for the 18th straight year, the longest active streak in any classification, after moving up from the 1A Division II classification. … Won 10 of its last 12 games. … 2-1 vs. 1A Division I state qualifiers. … Will face Castleford in the first round in a rematch of the district championship. … Perkes made the 1A Division II All-Idaho first team last year. Simpson was a second-team selection. … Won two state titles (2015, 2011). … Last made the finals and won a trophy in 2018.

LAPWAI WILDCATS
Record: 24-0
State seed: #1; District 2 champ
Coach: Zachary Eastman, fourth season
Players to watch: G Terrell Ellenwood-Jones, sr.; F Ahlius Yearout, jr.; Kase Wynott, G, jr.
Notes: Unanimous No. 1-ranked team in the state media poll all season. … Highest-scoring team in all classifications (82.4 ppg). … Topped 100 points four times this season. … Won 60 straight games. Last loss was Feb. 5, 2021 to Genesee (60-55). … Won a total of 12 state championships, the second-most all-time behind Borah (13). ... Eastman is the seventh coach in school history to win at least one title. ... Beat 5A teams Lewiston and Post Falls this season. … Wynott paces the Wildcats in every statistical category. He averages a double-double of 35 points and 14 rebounds.

LIBERTY CHARTER PATRIOTS
Record: 18-6
State seed: #8; District 3 champ
Coach: Scott McConnell, second season
Players to watch: Luke Starner, jr.; Luke Thomas, jr. Kade Johnson, jr.
Notes: At state for 11th time in the past 12 seasons, but has never won a trophy at state. … Last made the semifinals in 2013. … Top six scorers on the team are all underclassmen. … Starner leads the Patriots with 13.8 points per game, while Thomas averages 11.2. … Unranked in final state media poll.

1AD2 Classification

ROCKLAND BULLDOGS
Record: 21-2
State seed: #2; District 5-6 champ
Coach: Shae Neal, fifth season
Players to watch: P Teague Matthews, jr.; G Brigham Permann, sr.
Notes: Defending state champ. … At state for the third year in a row. … Unanimous No. 1 in final state media poll and spent the entire season ranked No. 1. … Matthews is the reigning 1A Division II All-Idaho Player of the Year. … Permann was a first-team All-Idaho pick last year. … Toughest defense in across all classifications (29.7 ppg). … 3-0 vs. 1A Division II state qualifiers. … Won its only state title last year and made its only other finals appearance in 2015.

TIMBERLINE SPARTANS
Record: 12-10
State seed: #7; District 2 runner-up
Coach: Jason Hunter, fourth season
Players to watch: Parker Brown, sr.; Gavin Christopherson, jr.; Logan Hunter, sr.
Notes: Upset Deary 49-47 at District 2 tournament, then beat St. John Bosco 64-54 in overtime in a winner-to-state game. ... The 64-point showing was the Spartans' highest-scoring one of the season. ... Seems to be peaking late, winning four of its last five games after an 8-9 start … Lone state title came in 1972. ... Went 48 years without qualifying for state again after that title, but has now done so four years running.

KENDRICK TIGERS
Record: 17-3
State seed: #3; District 2 champ
Coach: Tim Silflow, fifth year
Players to watch: G Jagger Hewett, sr.; F Nathan Tweit, fr.; F Ty Koepp, jr.
Notes: The Tigers are coming off their second consecutive district title. ... Went 10-0 in their conference this season. ... Have lost only to larger-division opponents St. Maries and Potlatch. ... Kendrick has won six state titles in school history, but none in more than a generation, with the most recent coming in 1985. ... Went 1-2 at last year’s state tournament, falling in the consolation finals. … Last won a trophy (consolation) in 2017.

CASCADE RAMBLERS
Record: 16-7
State seed: #6; District 3 champ
Coach: Josh Hurley, second season
Players to watch: PG/SG Tyler Thurston, jr.; G Cole Olson, so.; F/C Sam Huckaby, jr.
Notes: Back-to-back trips to state. … Went two-and-out last year. … Unranked in final state media poll. … Won eight in a row. … 1-2 vs. against the only 1A Division II state qualifier it faced, Council. … Three players average 10 or more points per game, including Thurston (18.4 ppg, 4.3 assists, 2.9 steals), Olson (14.6 ppg, 2.6 assists) and Huckaby (10.5 ppg, 7.3 rebounds). … Never won a state title. … Reached the finals twice (2020, 1991).

WATERSPRINGS WARRIORS
Record: 21-4
State seed: #4; District 5-6 runner-up
Coach: Evan Bindenagel, first season
Players to watch: G Daniel Canfield, sr.; G Jackson Aldinger, sr.; G Jrew Plocher, sr.
Notes: Watersprings makes its first trip to the state tournament after defeating Mackay in the district second-place game. ... Warriors have been close to qualifying for state, winning a combined 39 games the previous two seasons. ... Canfield averages nearly 21 points and 7.5 rebounds, and Plocher averages nearly a double-double. ... The Warriors have outscored opponents by 15.5 points per game. 

COUNCIL LUMBERJACKS
Record: 18-5
State seed: #5; District 3 runner-up
Coach: Clay Hollon, third season
Players to watch: P Wyatt Vining, sr.; PG Porter McLinn, sr.; G Josh Gipe, sr.
Notes: Took third at state last year. … Second straight trip to state. … Unranked in final state media poll. … 2-3 vs. 1A Division II state qualifiers. … Won 13 of its last 14 games. … Lone loss was an upset to Cascade in district semifinals. Council won its next three games by an average of 34 points. … Lost to first-round opponent Watersprings 52-43 in December. … Vining made the 1A Division II All-Idaho second team last year. … Never won a state title. … Played in two championship games (2016, 2004). 

RICHFIELD TIGERS
Record: 21-4
State seed: #1; District 4 champ
Coach: Chris Taber, seventh season
Players to watch: G Jamen Fuchs, sr.; G Clay Kent, sr.; C Kobyn Benzeval, jr.; G Luke Dalton, sr.
Notes: At state for the second time in three years. … No. 5 in final state media poll. … Started the season 12-0. … 1-1 vs. 1A Division II state qualifiers. … Won two overtime games facing elimination at district. … Never won a state title. … Reached its only championship game in 2000. … Last reached the semifinals in 2021.

CLARK FORK WAMPUS CATS
Record: 13-8
State seed: #8; District 1 champ
Coach: Heath Beason, fifth season
Players to watch: G Cole Sanroman, jr.; F Nathan Shelton, sr.; F Ethan Howard, jr.
Notes: First trip to state since 2021, and second since 2008. Went 0-2 in ‘21. … Won districts last year, but lost in state play-in. … Sanroman averages 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 steals. … Shelton averages 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Howard averages 10.1 points and 9.4 rebounds. … Unranked in final media poll … Never won a state title. … Played in two state championship games (1974, 1970).