Preseason Coaches Poll
1. St. Maries
2. Grangeville
3. Orofino
Players to Watch
Miles Lefebvre, Grangeville
Joel Scott, Orofino
Tristan Gentry, St. Maries
Coleman Ross, St. Maries
Written by: Brandon Baney
The St. Maries Lumberjacks enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history a year ago, finishing 23-1 and claiming the school's first state title since 1960. After raising the championship banner, St. Maries said goodbye to three senior starters: Eli Gibson, Brett Stancil and Randie Becktel. All three were integral parts of the Lumberjacks' championship run, but fortunately for head coach Bryan Chase, the cupboard is still packed with plenty of playmakers.
Senior point guard Coleman Ross is back to orchestrate the St. Maries offense. Senior center Tristan Gentry was named the 2A State Tournament MVP, and was a 1st Team All-Conference selection. Junior Greyson Sands was the Lumberjacks' 6th man a year ago. And senior post Colby Renner is back as well. Renner hit the game-winning buzzer beater from 30 feet out to send St. Maries past North Fremont in last year's 2A semifinals.
Those four provide a strong nucleus, and will be joined by several callups from a JV program that went 19-1 a year ago. "I am excited about our depth and versatility," coach Chase says. "Our team will be able to go quick with fast and athletic players, or we can go big and pound the ball inside."
With so many talented players available for coach Chase's pressure-heavy, fast-paced attack, unselfish play will be paramount to St. Maries' success this year. "The key with this group will be understanding roles," Chase says. "Sharing the ball and selflessness could ultimately determine our fate."
Grangeville finished second in the Central Idaho League a year ago with an 11-7 mark. The Bulldogs lost to St. Maries by just ten points in both regular season matchups last year, which has Grangeville fans excited for what 2021-22 could bring. Second-year coach Cooper Wright is quick to remind them about the great senior class that graduated, though.
"We lost a great group of seniors last year," Wright says. "Blake Schoo, Tori Ebert, Dane Lindsley and Reece Wimer all played a key role on both sides of the floor."
Like St. Maries, though, Grangeville brings back several talented playmakers. Senior guard Miles Lefebvre was an All-Conference selection last year, and he'll be joined in the backcourt by fellow senior Caleb Frei. Senior Jared Lindsley will provide quality play down low, as well. "We did a great job on the defensive end of the floor," Wright says. "We hope to continue to bring that defensive effort and intensity all season long."
Orofino went 7-11 overall last season, but 0-4 in CIL play. Junior Joel Scott will lead a Maniacs team hoping to improve in 2021-22.