Team Preview
Written by: Brandon McIntosh
Eight seniors and one junior will be taking the court this season for Coach Gary Stewart (11th year). Nine upperclassmen. Most coaches would love to have four or five in a season. Coach Stewart has nine. Nine upperclassmen ready to make a run at defending State champion, Timberlake. Timberlake is returning all five starters from last year.
Two years ago, Priest River found themselves in the State tournament. Last year, the were eliminated in the play-in game to State. This year, they look to change the route to the tournament. Timberlake will be a target for every team in the league, but none more than Priest River.
Priest River will have the nine upperclassmen, but must find new perimeter firepower as the graduated the school record holding Alyssa Carey who made 50 long-ranged shots. They do have an All-Intermountain player in Avery Summers who will attempt to pick up the scoring slack. Summers will be joined by Melissa Krampert and Rachel Akre. Together, the three of them are not only the leading scorers, but the best defenders on the squad. Hoping to contribute to her teammates, newcomer to varsity player Liann Krem (sophomore) will be looking to do what her team needs at any point.
There are high expectations for this group to finish the season and bring home a trophy.
“Our goal is to survive and advance. Any way we can,” comments Coach Stewart. “Timberlake is head and shoulders above the rest of the league with the deepest team in the state, at any division. Our goal is to be competitive each and every game.”
Priest River not only is full of upperclassmen, but look to do battle with everyone at the 3A Intermountain level. Look for Priest River to compete for the league title, qualify for the State tourney, and bring the final piece home: a trophy. The best gift for these upperclassmen will be just that. Look for a trophy to arrive back in the Priest River area and fans better be ready to celebrate as this team will accomplish more than they have set out to do this season.
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