Trojans Retain Favorite’s Role As Iel Launches League Play

As Inland Empire League boys basketball teams tip off conference play this weekend, all fingers continue to point at the Post Falls Trojans.

The preseason pick to win the league championship, Post Falls did nothing in December to change the coaches’ minds. If anything, the Trojans’ stock rose after an 8-1 start and a 68-66 victory over nearby West Valley, a team regarded by many as the best in the Inland Northwest, regardless of classification.

“I knew Post Falls was going to be solid and (the Trojans) proved themselves in December,” said Lake City coach Jim Winger, whose 6-3 Timberwolves entertain Post Falls on Friday. “They’ve earned the distinction as favorite.”

Tonight, in another league opener, Coeur d’Alene (1-8) travels to Lewiston (5-4).

Both games begin at 8. Sandpoint (3-8) begins league play next week.

Though some non-league records are glossier than others, all of the league’s coaches say their teams grew in December.

Even first-year CdA coach Larry Bieber, whose Vikings have lost eight straight since a seasonopening victory, is optimistic.

“Actually, I think we’re in a good position because people don’t expect us to be worth much going into league,” Bieber said. “I think we’re going to surprise some people. If we ever put four quarters together we’re going to do some damage.”

Here’s what the other coaches are thinking on the brink of league:

“I knew we’d have a pretty decent team, but they’re playing beyond my expectations,” Post Falls coach Scott Moore said. “My concern is we continue to approach each game as if it’s the toughest game we have to play. We have to guard against overconfidence because every league game is going to be tough.”

“It’s the first game of an eight-game league schedule, so it’s not a maker or breaker,” Winger said. “But the first one pushes the limit. Our first three of four league games are at home, so we need to put some good performances together right away.”

“I think we’re ahead of pace, we’re playing better than I thought we’d be,” Lewiston coach Dick Richel said. “We’re rebounding and our defense has remained pretty consistent, and those are the two staples of our program.”

“I really like our team and that’s coming from a coach of a team that’s 3-8,” Sandpoint’s Jack Dyck said. “When you’re 3-8 you keep your mouth shut. But I’m anxious to play. Let’s put it that way.”

LC and Lewiston are mentioned as teams that could contend for the title if the Trojans stumble.

The PF-LC game will give coaches an early look at what to expect in league. It also provides a golden scouting opportunity for Lewiston, Sandpoint and CdA.

“I’m coming up to watch,” Richel said.

“It should be a great game,” Winger said. “Athletically, Post Falls has a real solid team. I don’t see any weaknesses in their personnel.”

Said Moore: “(Lake City) has improved leaps and bounds since the jamboree. We knew they’d be centered around (Brian) Russell, but I think some other guys have stepped up, too.”

Post Falls senior forward Mike McLean said the Trojans gladly accept the role as favorite.

“We’ve always been the underdogs; we like being the (team) that everybody is going to come after,” McLean said. “It doesn’t matter really what people say. We’ve got to go out there and prove we are the best team.”

Intermountain League resumes

IML boys teams, which each played one league game in December, resume action Friday.

Defending champion and preseason favorite Kellogg (1-0, 6-2) treks to struggling Lakeland (0-1, 1-6), Priest River (1-0, 3-5) goes to Moscow (0-1, 3-4), and Bonners Ferry (1-0, 5-2), losers of two straight, visit St. Maries (0-1, 0-5).

On Saturday, Moscow goes to Bonners Ferry and St. Maries is at Sandpoint in a non-league game.

T-Wolves remain atop poll

With three weeks remaining in the regular season, the Lake City girls basketball team continued its ride at the top of the poll.

Sportswriters and broadcasters gave LC (14-1 overall) all six first-place votes and 60 points. Centennial (12-2) swapped positions with Sandpoint (11-3), moving from second to third. Centennial received 52 points, Sandpoint 41.

The balance of the poll remained essentially the same. Following Sandpoint is Highland of Pocatello (12-2), Lewiston (11-2), Pocatello (11-1), Nampa (12-2), Shelley (12-0) and Borah (12-3) tied for eighth, and Buhl (12-1) and Payette (12-1) 10th.