PLAYERS TO WATCH

Daytona Folkman, Firth
Emrey Guthrie, Firth
Bridget Leslie Firth
Alyssa Hill, North Fremont
Josie Richardson, North Fremont
Halle Park, Ririe
Viola Hayes, Ririe
Sidney Pilkerton, Salmon
Maggie Barrientos, West Jefferson

Written by: Marlowe Hereford

Ririe extended its historic 2A District 6 title run to seven consecutive years in February with its 44-36 win over North Fremont. The Bulldogs went on to claim the 2A state consolation trophy with a 51-49 win over Grangeville, their first state trophy since 2018.

The Bulldogs graduated eight seniors from that 20-7 team, including Audrey Parkinson (honorable mention al-conference), Madi Andreason (first team all-conference) and all-conference player of the year Bri Scott. Seniors Halle Park and Viola Hayes return for Ririe, as does junior Liza Boone, and the Bulldogs add sophomore Lauren Robson, junior Shae Sutton and sophomore Mckall Marsh.

Ririe head coach Jake Landon described the 2023-24 Bulldogs as a 'totally different team' from a year ago, but with plenty of speed.

"I am excited about the type of basketball I anticipate this team playing," Landon said.

"We have very good speed and we can shoot the ball. Our speed and athleticism should be an asset."

Landon added that the Bulldogs will aim to improve their ability to pressure teams defensively. Furthermore, he said the ability to defend and rebound with a smaller lineup will be the 'X factor' for the 2023-24 season, and that the Bulldogs might surprise people.

"I don't know how many people think we will compete after losing a ton of talent to graduation last year," he said.

Firth graduated two from last year's team which finished 11-13. The Cougars begin a new era under first year coach Jana Sorensen, who receives the reins from longtime coach Sharla Cook. Firth returns senior Daytona Folkman (first team all-conference), senior Bridget Leslie (second team all-conference) and senior Emrey Guthrie (second team all-conference) and adds junior Rachel Jacobsen.

"We're excited to be able to be coaching at Firth this year," Sorensen said. "Great group of girls coming back with supporting underclassmen ready and willing to get better at basketball."

She said offensive rebounds and utilizing the shot clock are Firth's offensive strengths, and the Cougars aim to improve their fast breaks and rebounding.

Sorensen tabbed West Jefferson as a team to watch due to success at the middle school level in recent seasons. The Panthers, who went 7-17 last season, graduated two: Jaylee Ball and Jordyn Torgerson (second team all-conference).

"I could see them surprising a lot of people," Sorensen said.

North Fremont, which went 19-6 last season, graduated two players: Halli Orme (first team all-conference) and Blanca Mazo, but veteran coach Ben Lenz welcomes back a solid nucleus with Alyssa Hill and Josie Richardons.

Salmon, entering its second year with head coach Raymond Wood, graduated Sedona Cannon (honorable mention all-conference), Tayia Baldwin, Tia Matthews and Anika Tolman from last season's 5-16 team.