At a glance

Although a number of players could end up playing somewhere in college, just one has made an oral commitment.

Sandpoint senior setter Kelsey James is headed to the University of Idaho. Others being recruited include outside hitter Jenna Griffitts of Coeur d’Alene, and setter Lauren Stern and outside hitter Kristi Tuntland of Lake City.

• James’ role for Sandpoint has changed under new coach Tiwi (Bond) Nicks. James, who split time setting and hitting from the right side with Amy Dyck the past two years, will primarily set in Nicks’ 5-1 offense.

• Sandpoint’s attack will be considerably less dynamic than it has the past few seasons.

“We’ve had to shift our focus,” said Nicks, who started side by side with Alli Nieman on back-to-back state title teams at Sandpoint in the mid-1990s. “We’re not a big powerful hitting team like we’ve been. We have a whole new dynamic. We’re going to have to be a great passing and defensive team.”

• If Lakeland were still in the Intermountain League, it would be the runaway favorite to capture the 3A league title. The IML will be considerably down from recent years.

Will IML teams miss Lakeland? That depends on who you talk to.

“I don’t like to back down from competition,” explained Bonners Ferry coach Janice Tucker. “Lakeland was always competitive. I’ve really respected Claudia (Ebel, Lakeland’s coach) for years.”

• Ebel knows her 2004 team will have to step it up a notch or two in the Inland Empire League.

“The biggest difference in the IEL is you have more weapons to defend,” Ebel said. “Offensively, the teams are quicker, run more plays and mix it up a lot more than we’re used to. Defensively, we’ve got to be on the ball.”