PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Sulay Abubakari, Bonners Ferry
Peyton Hinthorn, Bonners Ferry
Brant Rush, Timberlake
Max Simpson, Timberlake
Written by: Brandon Baney
Is the greatest run in Bonners Ferry boys basketball history over? Or is a new chapter being written? Over the past three seasons, the Badgers have finished with an overall mark of 69 wins, six losses, two state championships (in 2024 and 2025), and a second place finish (in 2023).
Five seniors from last year’s heralded team graduated, and longtime coach Nathan Williams retired as well. But there are some solid building blocks still in place for Bonners Ferry to successfully defend their Intermountain League championship and earn a spot at state once again.
Waiting to pounce at the first misstep is Timberlake. The Tigers and Badgers will once again compete in a two-team IML race this season.
BONNERS FERRY
Greg Kissee takes the reins of a Badgers program that fully intends on returning to the state tournament to defend its’ back-to-back championships. The job will be significantly more difficult, though, as a significant amount of varsity minutes departed via graduation.
6-foot-7 senior Sulay Abubakari is the only returning starter. Abubakari can play on the wing, or bang inside against taller opponents. Abubakari will anchor the Badgers’ defense from the middle, and his versatility on offense could create mismatches for opponents.
Abubakari will be flanked by several guards that will be playing significant amounts of time on varsity for the first time. Senior Conrad Hiatt is a solid athlete, and juniors Jameson Kissee, Peyton Hinthorn and Ty Schrock all show potential, as well.
TIMBERLAKE
Timberlake is also welcoming in a new coach this season, as Juston Henry officially embarks on his first campaign as a varsity coach.
Six solid seniors will help Henry in his debut season. Guards Brant Rush, Brendan Martin, Lake Hiassen and Isaac Short, along with forwards Dylan Smith (6-foot-4) and Max Simpson (6-foot-6) will help lead the way for the Tigers this year. Juniors Mason Shively and Wade Van Gundy, along with sophomore Billy Vallieres, will provide quality depth.