Preseason Coaches Poll
T-1. American Falls
T-1. Marsh Valley
T-1. Snake River
Players to Watch
Michael Belnap, Marsh Valley
Payton Howe, Marsh Valley
Karter Howell, Marsh Valley
Stanton Howell, Marsh Valley
Cole Gilbert, Snake River
Jace Mortensen, Snake River
Written by: Brandon Baney
The South East Idaho Conference was fascinating to watch last season, as Marsh Valley and Snake River dueled throughout the year. The Eagles (22-5) were a tick better than the Panthers (21-7), as Marsh Valley went 4-0 against their rivals and won the 3A state championship over McCall-Donnelly. Snake River, for their part, lost three of the four matchups by just three points, but went two-and-out at state.
So it stands to reason that the Eagles are the slightest of favorites heading into the 2021-22 campaign. Head coach Kent Howell did say goodbye to a couple of talented seniors in Bracken Howell and Cody Hansen, but several outstanding players return as well.
Seniors Payton Howe and Michael Belnap both started a year ago at point guard and center, respectively. Senior Karter Howell and junior Stanton Howell are also back and saw significant minutes for Marsh Valley.
Snake River head coach Robert Coombs has taken the Panthers to state in 20 of his 28 seasons as head coach. But four very talented seniors (Mitch Lindsay, Noah Watt, Chandler Coombs and Trey Poulter) graduated. A lot of other players gained valuable experience last year, though, and Snake River is chomping at the bit to dethrone Marsh Valley atop the conference.
American Falls struggled a year ago, finishing just 1-20 overall. Part of that came from playing in the same league as Marsh Valley and Snake River, while part of that came from a young, inexperienced team learning how to play varsity basketball. There is nowhere to go but up for the Beavers in 2021-22.