Preseason Coaches Poll
T-1. Murtaugh
T-1. Oakley
3. Raft River
T-4. Lighthouse Christian
T-4. Shoshone
6. Glenns Ferry
Players to Watch
Addie Stoker, Murtaugh
Kynzlee Jensen, Murtaugh
Jessica Zavala, Murtaugh
Kylan Jones, Oakley
Falon Bedke, Oakley
Hope Payton, Oakley
Caroline Schumann, Raft River
Aleia Blakeslee, Lighthouse Christian
Karlie Chapman, Shoshone
Written by: Brandon Baney
A year ago, the Snake River Valley Conference was controlled by Murtaugh from start to finish. The Red Devils went 9-1 in the league and 19-6 overall. But after going two-and-out at state, Murtaugh isn't content to just win the conference again this year. They're hoping to make a deep run at state as well.
It certainly appears that Murtaugh has the personnel to pull it off. Senior Addie Stoker is a returning first team All-Conference selection, while sophomore Addison Stanger was an honorable mention selection. They'll pair with veterans Kynzlee Jensen and Jessica Zavala to form a solid nucleus of talent. In fact, according to head coach Todd Jensen, there's only one potential area of weakness with this year's team.
"We will miss the rebounding of Allie Nebecker and Amanda Ellorietta," Jensen says. "We scored a lot of points on offense last year but we have to be better at rebounding."
Lighthouse Christian finished second in the conference a year ago. Like Murtaugh, the Lions went two-and-out at state. Lighthouse Christian said goodbye to talented seniors Kynlee Thornton, Lauren Gomez and Ellie Boland. They also lost head coach Tia Standlee, who stepped down after eight seasons in charge of the Lions. First-year coach Paige Vickrey will rely on senior Aleia Blakeslee.
The team that could pose the biggest threat to Murtaugh is Oakley. The Hornets tied with the Red Devils for first place in the preseason coaches poll. Oakley went just 12-12 a year ago, but a young team has matured and is ready to take the next step.
We have been extremely young the past few years. Several young players have gained valuable varsity experience," Oakley head coach Matt Payton says. "We should be able to play with more confidence and play stronger and quicker. We played solid defense last year but need to continue to get quicker and play harder."
Juniors Kylan Jones on the wing and Falon Bedke in the post were All-Conference selections a year ago, and junior wing Bentley Cranney also returns to the starting lineup. After missing last year with an ACL injury, junior Hope Payton is back to run the point. Sophomore Jentry Hawker, who replaced Payton in the starting lineup last year, is also back.
Coach Payton says he is looking forward to the traditional rivalry games with Raft River and Murtaugh, but is also keeping a watchful eye on Shoshone. "They will be playing their best ball at the end of the season," Payton says. The Indians went 6-15 last season, and will be led by junior Karlie Chapman.
Raft River is another team that is fighting to break into the upper half of the league standings. Junior Caroline Schumann is a returning All-Conference selection for the Trojans.
Glenns Ferry struggled through an 0-19 campaign last year. Tyler Barker will coach the Pilots this season.