Preseason Coaches Poll
T-1. Lakeside
T-1. Wallace
3. Genesis Prep
Players to Watch
Jayden House, Wallace
Britany Phillips, Wallace
Elli Welch, Wallace
Arianna Havier-Gorr, Lakeside
Ashlee Holt, Lakeside
Jolissa Holt, Lakeside
Written by: Brandon Baney
The Lakeside Knights have enjoyed a recent slate of winning seasons, no matter which level they're playing at. For a long time, the Knights competed at the 1AD2 level. But last year saw Lakeside and Genesis Prep both move up to the 1AD1 level to join Wallace in the Scenic Idaho Conference.
Lakeside won the league title with a perfect 4-0 mark. They also posted a 12-9 overall mark, although their season ended with a two-and-out showing at state.
But coach Chris Dohrman has a talented squad returning in 2021-22. The Holt sisters, Ashlee and Jolissa, are both back, as is fellow All-Conference selection Arianna Havier-Gorr.
As strong as Lakeside looks, the Wallace Miners are also threatening for the league crown. Jaden House was the co-MVP of the SIC a year ago, and is a four-year varsity starter. Joining her at Wallace are senior Elli Welch and sophomore Britany Phillips, both All-Conference selections last year.
That trio of guards will be supplemented by senior post Grace Hunter, and juniors McKelvy Specht, Layla Burmeiser and Macie Hemphill. "All of these girls saw varsity minutes last year and will be expected to contribute this year," head coach Nicole Farkas says.
One reason that Lakeside was able to sprint past Wallace in the conference chase a year ago: injuries. "We lost 3 seniors to graduation," Farkas says. "But unfortunately, they were injury prone most of the season. Kiya Taylor was also injured last season. She is a senior post player ready to grab some rebounds."
Also joining a frontcourt full of potential will be sophomore Tia Hendrick. "She is tall and strong and will be a great post defender." Farkas says. Wallace's fortunes will hinge on their ability to secure rebounds and get into their transition offense. A healthy Miners team should push Lakeside for the top spot in the conference.
Genesis Prep went winless a year ago, but coach Farkas isn't counting out the Jaguars either. "Genesis Prep was very young last year. They will improve," she says.
One wrinkle for whomever wins the Scenic Idaho Conference this year: no automatic bid to state. "The winner of our conference will have to play the third place team from the strong White Pine League in order to make it to state," Farkas says. "This is a change from last year."