Players to Watch:
Caryss Barger, Grangeville
Madalyn Green, Grangeville
Addisyn Vanderwall, Grangeville
Dani Henrikson, Kellogg
Jordyn Stutzke, Kellogg
Rilee Diffin, Orofino
Livia Johnson, Orofino
Desi Humphrey, Priest River
Lizzie McCracken, Priest River
Brenna Elliott, St. Maries
Danika Sloper, St. Maries
Written by: Brandon Baney
When IdahoSports.com polled the six members of the Central Idaho League this year regarding how the standings might shake out, the answers all started the same, then varied wildly the further down the list they got.
Esssentially: Grangeville, followed by who knows?
The two prevailing storylines in the CIL this season are: After so many close encounters the past several years, can the Bulldogs finally cash in at the 3A State Tournament and bring home a first-place finish? And, which team will potentially join the Bulldogs in Boise?
The CIL receives 1.5 bids to state this year, which means the second-place finisher at districts will have to win an additional Play-In Game to advance to state.
Before we get to sorting all of that out, though, let’s start with Grangeville. The Bulldogs went 22-4 a season ago. Two of the four setbacks came at state, in a (somewhat) controversial 43-42 semifinal against North Fremont, and a 49-38 loss to Cole Valley Christian in the third place game.
“We will have our while team back from last year!”, exclaims tenth-year head coach Michelle Barger. That includes her daughter, junior guard Caryss Barger, junior guard Addisyn Vanderwall, and 6-foot-2 senior center Madalyn Green.
“I’m really excited about our top three scorers returning this year,” says coach Barger. “They are so dynamic and skilled in so many ways, as they all averaged in double figures last year. They played summer basketball and got better and I really think they will lead this team in every (statistical) category.”
She adds, “They are all college-level basketball players with lots of looks already.”
The 6-foot-2 Green will cause major problems inside for opponents, and she’ll pair with 6-foot senior Adalei LeFebvre, who returns to the Bulldogs after a one-year hiatus. “Adalei played as a freshman and sophomore on varsity for us, before she tore her ACL early on during her sophomore season,” says Barger. “She didn’t play as a junior but will play this year! She will play college volleyball next season.”
Adding to Grangeville’s embarrassment of riches is quality depth up and down the roster. “I have a great freshman class coming in,” says Barger. “And a few may see some varsity time this year.”
So with Grangeville firmly entrenched as the CIL’s top contender, who slots in behind them?
Kellogg went 15-11 a season ago, good enough for a second-place finish and a trip to state. In an odd quirk, the Wildcats had to play Grangeville in the opening round at state, and fell to the Bulldogs for the fourth time, 62-43.
Veteran coach Jana Nearing will lean on forwards Dani Henrickson (5-foot-8 junior) and Aubree Groth (5-foot-10 senior). That duo will pair with a pair of promising guards (freshman Bella Schillereff and sophomore Jordyn Stutzke). If Kellogg can coalesce as the season progresses, they’ll be a tough out when February rolls around.
Priest River finished third a season ago. Head coach Tyler Douglas’ starting lineup is led by senior point guard Lizzie McCracken. She’s flanked by three senior wings in Desi Humphrey, Paityn Yount and Haley Braee. That quartet will be anchored by junior center Aleigha Jensen.
Orofino coach Dave Olive will turn the keys to the Maniac attack to a pair of sophomore guards: Sierra Tondevold and Ella Beardin. The Orofino frontline features 5-foot-5 senior Rilee Diffin, 5-foot-8 senior Livia Johnson, and 6-foot-2 junior Katlyn Curtis. Orofino is the one team in the CIL that can somewhat match Grangeville’s height, and if the Maniacs can continue to develop, they’ll be a dark horse candidate.
St. Maries is being led by its fourth different coach in four consecutive years. After Gary Krumheuer led the team four years ago, he was replaced by Dakota Wickard. After just one season, Wickard was promoted to St. Maries’ Athletic Director, which led to Krumheuer returning last year. And now, the Lumberjacks will be led by Tami Holdahl. Senior guards Brenna Elliott and Averie Baird, along with senior center Danika Sloper, will try and improve upon last year’s 3-17 overall record.