Preseason Coaches Poll
T-1. Genesis Prep
T-1. Lakeside
T-1. Wallace
Players to Watch
Caleb Schroeder, Genesis Prep
Vander Brown, Lakeside
Teagan Goldade, Wallace
Written by: Brandon Baney
In the first year of existence for the Scenic Idaho Conference, Lakeside didn't miss a beat. The Knights posted a 16-5 overall record and a 3-1 conference mark as they rolled to first title in league history.
The newly-formed conference came about when both Lakeside and Genesis Prep moved up from the 1AD2 ranks last year to join Wallace, which had previously operated as a 1AD1 independent.
Lakeside won the 1AD2 title in 2020, and nearly accomplished the same feat at the 1AD1 level last season. Alas, a tough loss to Riverstone in the semifinals by a 63-53 score ended their run.
Four-year starters Jayson "JJ" Hall, Darren "Day Day" Higgins and Kenyon Spotted Horse all graduated for Lakeside. Fellow seniors Jasper Abuan and Christopher Matt are also gone. Their departures have left a void for veteran coach James Twoteeth. Fortunately, junior guard Vander Brown is back after starting as a sophomore. He averaged 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals per game a year ago.
Wallace went 9-10 last season, but finished 3-1 in the conference by splitting their regular season matchup with Lakeside. The Miners said goodbye to Carter Bailey, Hayden Hogamier, Connor Denson and Will Farkas in the offseason. They will build around senior guard Teagan Goldade this year.
Genesis Prep struggled in their first year at the 1AD1 level. The Jaguars went 0-4 in the league and 2-11 overall, and welcome in a new head coach. Lon Morast enters his first season at Genesis Prep after a 31-year coaching career in Oregon. Senior guard Caleb Schroeder will lead the Jaguars this season.