PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Taren Bateman, Bonners Ferry
Jaycee Bateman, Bonners Ferry
Malia Miller, Timberlake
Sophie Soumas, Timberlake
Written by: Brandon Baney
12 seasons. That’s how long it’s been since someone besides Timberlake laid claim to the Intermountain League championship, all the way back in the 2012-13 campaign.
Over that 12-year run, Timberlake has routinely bested former IML members Kellogg and Priest River (now competing at the 3A level), as well as current mainstay Bonners Ferry. Ever since the Wildcats and Spartans moved down a level, the IML has been a two-team league, with Bonners Ferry often fielding teams that are good, but not quite good enough to topple Timberlake.
But in the past couple of seasons, the Badgers have begun to narrow the gap. Two seasons ago, the Badgers split their best-of-three district tournament series with the Tigers before succumbing in the decisive third game.
Last season, Timberlake went 3-0 against the Badgers before ultimately finishing third at state. But with five seniors now gone, can Timberlake reload once again and hold off Bonners Ferry? Only time will tell.
TIMBERLAKE
The Tigers finished 21-4 a season ago. A semifinal loss to eventual state champ Sugar-Salem was followed by a narrow 39-33 win over South Fremont for third place.
Then, graduation came and with it, five seniors said goodbye: guards Jozee MacArthur, and Reese Allaway, forwards Lucy Simpson and Marissa Needs, and center Diana Nelson (now playing at North Idaho College) all departed.
The cupboard isn’t complete bare though. Veteran coach Matt Miller welcomes back his daughter, senior guard Malia Miller, as Timberlake’s only returning starter from last season. Senior guards Payton Young and Sophie Soumas are ready for larger roles, and sophomore forward Shae Jones (known for her pitching exploits on the softball field), is ready to become an impact player in basketball, as well.
“With losing four starters from last year’s team, we will just be trying to develop players as much as possible,” says Miller. “I’m hoping we will be able to have a nice balance of scoring from the perimeter and putting pressure on the rim.”
Sophomore guard Kenna Brotherton and freshman post Elly Milligan could also see significant minutes as first-time varsity players. Their development will be critical to fending off a hungry Bonners Ferry team.
“Honestly, I have no idea this year (how the league will be),” says Miller. “It might be a coin flip.”
BONNERS FERRY
If the IML indeed comes down to a coin flip, first year Bonners Ferry coach Tomi Bateman will be hoping for a little beginner’s luck.
It helps that junior guard Taren Bateman, one of the best players in Class 4A, is back. Bateman was the IML Player of the Year during her freshman year, before ceding the title to Timberlake’s Malia Miller in her sophomore campaign.
Bateman is joined by a bevy of talented guards, including senior Alexys Mierke. Freshman guards Jaycee Bateman and Bristol Hill will also be leaned upon for quality minutes. Juniors Nolie Hiatt and Eva Willis are expected to anchor the inside game.
The Intermountain League race could very well come down to which coaching staff can develop the talent and skill of their varsity newcomers the best throughout the course of the season. It will all culminate with another best-of-three postseason series that is sure to entertain.