Intermountain League

In predicted order of finish:

Bonners Ferry Badgers

1995-96 record: 8-2 IML, 15-9 overall

Coach: Jim Nash

Years coaching, record: 3, 33-17

Top returners: Sarah Walter, 5-3, junior, point guard; Denelle Ripatti, 5-8, jr., forward; Becky Bateman, 5-8, senior, guard/wing; Amber Paulson, 5-10, jr., f; Kristi Comer, 5-10, sr., post.

Newcomers: Rosie Decker, 5-9, sr., g/w; Kara Braniff, 6-1, jr., p; Della Armstrong, 6-1, jr., p.

Bonus shot: This team could be a powerhouse in the works as only one senior starts and other coaches in the league have pointed to juniors Ripatti and Paulson as key players in the IML.

Coach’s comment: “Because we have experience back, we’ve been able to work on plays instead of the basics. We’ve got it all; two players over 6 foot and the rest are strong. We’ve grown up quite a bit from last year.”

Outlook: Last year, Moscow went undefeated in league on its way to a state championship. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Bonners Ferry does the same. Nash’s goal is to be in the title game for many years to come, and this could be a start. Badgers open Friday at Wallace.

Moscow Bears

1995-96 record: 9-0 league champ, 23-1 state champ

Coach: Robin Barnes

Years coaching, record: 1st

Top returners: Angie Gibson, 5-10, sr., p; Danna Wilder, 5-9, sr., p; Tami Goetz, 5-8, sr., g.

Newcomers: Emily Shupe, 5-8, sr., f/g; Erin Makus, 6-0, sr., p; Heather Griggs, 5-10, sr., f.

Bonus shot: The defending state champs lost all but three players to graduation, and also have a new coach.

Coach’s comment: “We’ve got all the pieces to the puzzle, now I just have to put them together. We have some good athletes on this team, so now we just have to play with chemistry.”

Outlook: The Bears lost a lot, but will be big and physical. Moscow has a winning tradition and until they get beat, it is the state champ. Gibson and Goetz were both important players on last year’s team and they will have to teach the new players how to win if they are going to defeat Bonners Ferry. Bears open Nov. 21 at Lewiston.

Priest River Spartans

1995-96 record: 4-5, 12-10

Coach: Ron Hopkins

Years coaching, record: 4, 19-45

Top returners: Krissi Ruiz, 5-9, soph., f; Missy Ennis, 5-9, sr., g; Katy Duley, 5-5, sr., g; Jacey Vogrig, 6-0, jr., p.

Newcomers: Jennifer Reed, 5-7, jr., f; Candice Carpenter, 5-10, jr., p.

Bonus shot: Hopkins said this is the tallest team he has coached and it has ballhandlers as well. Coach’s comment: “We fear no one and respect everyone. Not too many people pick us as the team to beat, but we’re ready to play.”

Outlook: If it turns out Moscow was too hurt by graduation to contend, the Spartans will be the main competition for Bonners Ferry. That would make the Spartans happy as they would like to avenge being eliminated at district last year by BF. The Spartans, who open Tuesday at home against Clark Fork, will play hard for Hopkins.

Lakeland Hawks

1995-96 record: 3-6, 4-16

Coach: Steve Seymour

Years coaching, record: 2, 4-16

Top returners: Amber Jamison, 5-10, sr., p; Tina Foldvik, 5-7, jr., g; Alyssa Douglas, 5-7, jr., f; Sam Boone, 5-7, sr., f.

Newcomers: Sarah DeBoer, 5-11, jr., p; Angie Campbell, 5-7, frosh., f; Melissa Fox, 5-10, jr., f.

Bonus shot: Seymour said that there are up to eight players capable of filling the starting five positions.

Coach’s comment: “Our quickness and athletic ability is improved this year and we should be an overall improved team.”

Outlook: It’s tough to say where this team will end up, but Jamison will definitely be one of the top players in the IML. If her teammates play well, the Hawks will be in the hunt when district rolls around. Lakeland opens at home Friday against Sandpoint.

Kellogg Wildcats

1995-96 record: 2-8, 7-14

Coach: Dale Hunt

Years coaching, record: 1st

Top returners: Amy Lemon, 5-6, sr., g; Melissa Hei, 5-8, sr., f; Joey Luchini, 5-10, sr., p; Brianne Grebil, 5-9, jr., f.

Newcomers: Cara Burheart, 5-5, frosh., g; Morgan Stevens, 5-6, soph., g; Wendy Vork, 5-9, soph., f.

Bonus shot: This is Hunt’s first year as head coach since moving up from junior varsity, but he has coached girls basketball since 1975.

Coach’s comment: “We’re trying to put together a team concept. We don’t expect the girls to beat people one-on-one, but we want good teamwork.”

Outlook: The Wildcats return many players from last year, but lack size. Lemon must have a good season and get some help from volleyball teammate Luchini in the post for Kellogg to contend. Wildcats entertain Wallace in opener Tuesday.

St. Maries Lumberjacks

1995-96 record: 2-7, 6-14

Coach: Todd Gilkey

Years coaching, record: 2, 6-14

Top returners: Brooke Wolfe, 5-7, sr., g; Brianne Badgett, 5-8, sr., f; Amy Sotin, 6-0, sr., p.

Newcomers: Rene Bond, 5-4, soph., g; Nikki Gibson, 5-9, frosh., f; Tiffany Holdahl, 5-5, frosh., g; Lindsay Harpole, 5-6, frosh., g.

Bonus shot: Three freshmen are expected to see much playing time by the end of the season.

Coach’s comment: “We play a tough schedule this season so we should be ready by the district tourney. We should have a chance because the whole league is nip-and-tuck this season.”

Outlook: The Lumberjacks should be a well-balanced team, but may not have the depth of talent other IML teams possess. Gilkey said this team has a great work ethic and that could combat the lack of a star player. St. Maries opens Nov. 23 at Sandpoint.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: PLAYERS TO WATCH 1. Denelle Ripatti, 5-foot-8, junior, forward, Bonners Ferry 2. Amber Jamison, 5-10, senior, post, Lakeland 3. Amy Lemon, 5-6, senior, guard, Kellogg 4. Krissi Ruiz, 5-9, sophomore, forward, Priest River 5. Angie Gibson, 5-10, senior, post, Moscow 6. Amber Paulson, 5-10, junior, forward, Bonners Ferry