PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Jose Medel, Aberdeen
Ronnie Serna, Aberdeen
Carter Robertson, Declo
Landen Silcock, Declo
Carter Carey, Malad
Justin Toone, Malad
Gavin Hansen, Soda Springs
Cooper Thompson, Soda Springs
Jonathan Swaintston, Wendell
Jordon Swainston, Wendell
Jaden Fuller, West Side
Chet Ward, West Side
Written by: Sven Alskog
What a season it was for the 3A South East Idaho Conference, with both teams in the state championship being representatives from the league.
In the memorable title tilt, Wendell held off Declo 53-50 in an overtime thriller.
You’d be hard pressed to find a tougher league in Idaho across any classification, with multiple teams capable of winning the whole thing or finishing toward the bottom of the standings due to the depth within the conference.
DECLO
Declo is fresh off a state runner up finish in which the team came within seven points from posting an undefeated season.
From that group, the Hornets lost double-double machine Emmett Gibby on the interior along with forward Joey Garrard and guard Gavin Rasmussen.
First Team All-Conference guard Carter Robertson highlights the returners and is joined by Zane Snedaker as returning starters from that state championship game a season ago.
Parker Heward, Kyle Bott and Landen Silcock are other key pieces that are back.
With some notable returners and a host of fresh faces, Declo will be intriguing to watch in the early season.
“It’s always exciting to see who steps up and takes over for the key players lost from the previous season,” said head coach Jacoby Fox.
Posts Kevyn Rios and Paxton Matsen join forwards Dacx Garrard, Braxton Erickson and Cash Peterson as other pieces that Fox highlighted.
Fox said he thinks an offensive strength could be that the group can play positionless basketball. He also noted that Declo will look to improve on free throw shooting.
The Hornets play a man defense and are stressing communication on that side of the floor entering the new campaign.
WEST SIDE
Seemingly every year, West Side is right in the thick of things toward the top of the conference standings.
Entering his 21st season, head coach Tyler Brown hopes that narrative continues.
In a loaded league, the Pirates will rely on some new players to step in for the team to remain competitive after losing Ivan Campbell, Crew Sage and McKay Peterson to graduation.
Senior post Chet Ward, senior guard Jaden Fuller and junior guard Drake Sage lead the way for the returning group.
“How well we play together as a team will be our x-factor this season,” said Brown. “Our inexperienced players stepping up and playing well for us will be key as well.”
He also noted that rebounding and getting big stops when needed are areas the coaching staff has identified for improvement from last season.
Despite a largely new look, coaches in the conference expect West Side to be competitive.
“They are young after graduating some long-time core guys,” said Malad head coach Zach Beutler. “Tyler Brown and his staff do an exceptional job and will surprise some teams and fans with how good they are.”
SODA SPRINGS
A strong junior class helped Soda Springs come on strong down the stretch last season, highlighted by a pair of state tournament wins and a consolation title.
With Cooper Thompson, Gavin Hansen and Konner McWilliams all returning for their senior seasons, expect the Cardinals to once again be a tough out.
Collectively, the team has size, speed and plays tough.
It makes the group dangerous.
“I feel we have a district full of really competitive teams,” said Aberdeen head coach Jody Phillips. “With that said, Soda Springs last year I felt like surprised everybody in the district tournament, so that would be my guess (for a surprise team in the conference this season).”
WENDELL
From finishing fourth in the regular season conference standings to coming out on top of the mountain as state champions, Wendell had a memorable year in 2024-25.
As AJ Kelsey prepares for his ninth season leading the Trojans, he has as much experience coming back as he’s ever had, with eight seniors that all buy into their roles returning.
All-State twins Jordon Swainston and Jonathan Swainston once again lead the guard line, creating matchup nightmares for opponents on a nightly basis. Jonathan dropped 20 points on Declo in the state title game, with Jordan contributing 12 points.
Fellow seniors Jarrett Borges and Jett Jasper were both Second Team All-Conference selections as juniors, with Martin Nava also a key returner.
Senior Deegan Prince and sophomore Trey Kelsey were listed as incoming impact players.
Wendell is a quick team with strong shooters. With more size this season, the defensive side of the floor should benefit.
“This year we are bigger and stronger,” said Coach Kelsey. “We hope to be more solid.”
He loves the experience of his team.
“We have eight seniors that are all good kids and play their role. It’s a fun group of boys.”
MALAD
With plenty of youth but also quality talent on the roster, Malad is a bit of a wild card this season with a high ceiling.
“We are young when it comes to varsity experience and age,” said head coach Zach Beutler. “The x-factor for us will be building on the progress the guys made during summer tournaments and maintaining that trajectory.”
Zach Richardson ran the show for the Dragons last season with 110 assists and leaves large shoes to fill.
Fortunately, senior Honorable Mention All-Conference performers Carter Carey and Justin Toone are back, plus senior guard Ruger Smith and junior forward Easton Green.
“We are excited about all the guys we have in the program,” added Beutler. “Our seniors have been with us for three years and the 9th-11th graders have been coached up in middle school with a unified approach.”
Braun Nalder, Ky Willie, Oak Smith, Dawson Beutler and Trigger Jones were each listed as new incoming impact players for Malad.
“I think they have solid guards that shoot it and attack well and a big, strong post that is another tough matchup,” said Declo head coach Jacoby Fox. “Their offense was one of the most difficult for us to defend last season and they play good team defense.”
ABERDEEN
It’s a whole new look this season for Aberdeen with a first-year head coach and no returning players.
In year one of the Jody Phillips era on the sideline, the Tigers will look to rebuild after a 3-20 mark last season.
“We don’t have a lot of boys playing this year, and with that said, injuries could really hurt us,” said Phillips. “If we can stay healthy, that will probably be key to our success.”
Seniors Jose Medel and Ronnie Serna make the move up to varsity after spending last year on JV and will step into impact roles. Emanuel Barrea, Kendall Pratt and Ashton Phillips will all see plenty of minutes as well.
“Jose Medel and Ronnie Serna are two senior boys who are reflective of great leaders,” said Phillips. “I am excited to see how well they fill their leadership roles on and off the court.”
Success will start on the defensive side of things.
“Defense is definitely our bread and butter,” added Phillips. “Quickness, physicality, endurance and trust are a few of the boys’ strengths that lend well to them being a good defensive team.”
On the other side of the floor, Aberdeen will run a set offense while aiming to crash the offensive glass more than a season ago.