Greater Spokane League boys basketball preview
In predicted order of finish:
West Valley Eagles
2004-2005 records: 10-3 in GSL; 23-4 overall, fourth in state 3A.
Coach: Jamie Nilles. Years coaching, record: 8th, 132-44.
Starters, lettermen returning: 5, 8
Key players: Tyler Hobbs, 6-4, sr., p; E.J. Richardson, 6-6, sr., p; Arton Toussaint, 5-10, sr., pg; Greg Bradley, 6-2, sr., g; Danny McIntyre, 5-11, sr., g; and Cameron Wieber, 6-2 sr., g.
Outlook: The Eagles bring back their entire starting lineup including Hobbs (15.6 points per game last year) and Richardson (13.8). Bradley and Toussaint were near double-figure scorers. WV has a deep bench including Casey Sherrill and, returning after a year’s absence, Wieber. All the pieces are in place.
Coach’s comments: “My take is we could say, ‘Boy, we just hope we can have a successful year,’ or we could say, ‘Let’s go after the gold ball.’ I don’t know if there’s anything wrong with that.”
Ferris Saxons
2004-2005 records: 11-2; 21-6, State 4A qualifier.
Coach: Don Van Lierop. Years coaching, record: 12th, 4th at Ferris, 143-110.
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 5
Key players: Brian Hallett, 6-3, jr. f; Caleb Rath, 6-3, jr., f; Jon Clift, 5-10, sr., g.
Outlook: Van Lierop reunites with his players after a year off. Hallett is the returning leading scorer. Rath is in his fourth varsity season, and Clift runs the show. Sophomores and LC transfer Nate Watkins help the Saxons contend.
Coach’s comments: “What’s nice is I think we’ll have pretty balanced scoring. I would say the most important thing is how we weave six seniors who are experienced with six new players.”
Shadle Park Highlanders
2004-2005 records: 7-6; 10-14, Region 4A qualifier.
Coach: Tim Gaebe. Years coaching, record: 4th, 24-43.
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 6
Key players: Josh Landsverk, 6-7, sr., p; Zack Humphrey, 5-11, so., g; Leo Avila, 5-9, jr., g; Nick Gaebe, 6-2, jr. p; Mark Sherwood, 6-0, sr., w.
Outlook: Landsverk (13.9 ppg) and Humphrey (11.3) lead an experienced team with improved depth. Freshman Anthony Brown, a 6-4 wing, will provide additional impact. This is a team to watch.
Coach’s comments: “We’re going to be all right. … This is the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
North Central Indians
2004-2005 records: 7-6; 10-11.
Coach: Jay Webber. Years coaching, record: 18th, 204-186.
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 8
Key players: Eric Beal, 5-11, jr., g; Damal Neil, 6-4, jr., c; Doug Swanson, 5-11, sr., f; Nathan Hood, 5-11, sr., g; Nick Rijon, 5-11, so., f; Cody Hauenstein, 6-2, jr. f.
Outlook: Six players return, led by second-team All-GSL players Mr. Inside Neil (16.8 ppg) and Mr. Outside Beal (13.0). Five newcomers provide depth.
Coach’s comments: “If we can rebound and improve our defense we’re looking to go deeper into the playoffs.”
Central Valley Bears
2004-2005 records: 7-6, 13-8 (Had to forfeit last season’s wins because an ineligible player. Records of teams it defeated are adjusted accordingly.)
Coach: Rick Sloan. Years coaching, record: 10th, 133-83.
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 5
Key players: Brad Johnson, 6-1, sr., g/f; Nick Ambrose, 6-4, jr., p; Luke Clift, 6-0, so., g; Kevin Cameron, 5-10, jr., g.
Outlook: Following the forfeit controversy over Clift’s transfer ineligibility, the Bears will play with a chip on their shoulder. Ambrose (12.8 ppg), Johnson and Kevin Cameron are also important cogs.
Coach’s comments: “We’re going to be fun team to watch and pretty exciting. League has great parity, but if we stay healthy should be contenders down the stretch.”
Mead Panthers
2004-2005 records: 6-7; 10-12.
Coach: Glenn Williams. Years coaching, record: 17th, 182-187.
Starters, lettermen returning: 1, 4
Key players: Nick Harter, 6-5, sr., p; Lucas Ashe, 6-5, jr., f; Brendan Ingebritsen, 6-5, so., f; Ben Loewen, 6-0, jr., g.
Outlook: The Panthers, who won an entertaining opener Tuesday at Coeur d’Alene, have size and athleticism that will pose problems for opponents. How controlled they can play will determine their playoff success.
Coach’s comments: “If we can be as interested in defense and rebounding as we are with scoring, then we could be tough to beat.”
Gonzaga Prep Bullpups
2004-2005 records: 11-2; 20-10, State 4A qualifier.
Coach: Mike Haugen. Years coaching, record: 16th, 216-180 (183-144 at Prep).
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 6
Key players: Michael Johnson, 6-1, sr., g; Ian Perry, 6-5, sr., f; Travis Walker, 6-0, sr., g; Beau Azadganian, 6-4, jr., f; Houston Stockton, 5-8, sr., g.
Outlook: Their game goes through the high-scoring Johnson (14.7 ppg). The Bullpups aren’t as physical as last year and Ian Parry is injured. They must compensate for loss of five seniors.
Coach’s comments: “This is a completely different team than last year. I think we have better overall quickness and will try to pressure more. We’ll get back to the style I’m probably more used to coaching.”
University Titans
2004-2005 records: 11-2; 19-7, Region 4A qualifier.
Coach: Marty Jessett. Years coaching, record: 15th, 3rd at U-Hi, 224-130.
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 5
Key players: Kyle Olson, 5-10, sr., g; Nate Thompson, 6-7, sr., c; Clint Moquist, 6-3, sr., c; Tyler Olson, 6-1, so., g.
Outlook: Titans lost most of the major pieces of last year’s regional qualifier and will be more inside-oriented. Newcomers must contribute along with Kyle Olson and Thompson for U-Hi to succeed.
Coach’s comments: “We have a large number of ‘character’ kids, (who) have been successful at every level they have played. We won’t overpower people, but we will be able to play with anyone.”
Mt. Spokane Wildcats
2004-2005 records: 6-7; 9-12.
Coach: Bill Ayers. Years coaching, record: 14th, 154-134.
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 5
Key players: Matt Dorr, 6-5, sr., g; Kyle Redmon, 6-2, jr., g; Tim Roffler, 5-8, sr., g; Alex Vessey, 6-1, jr., g; Chris Madunich, 6-4, jr., p.
Outlook: Dorr (13.5 ppg last year) is bigger and stronger. The Wildcats will choose from a contingent of 19 different players to surround him so expect considerable roster movement until they find their identity.
Coach’s comments: “We’re not as big and certainly not as physically strong as we’ve been. But we’ve got some kids with pretty good skills and it’s probably one of the better-shooting teams we’ve had.”
Rogers Pirates
2004-2005 records: 1-12; 4-17.
Coach: Brian Kissinger. Years coaching, record: 3rd at Rogers, 7th overall; 57-97.
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 7
Key players: Scotty Livengood, 6-4, jr., f; Justin Erickson, 5-10, jr., g; Josh Taylor, 6-0, jr., g.
Outlook: Improved depth both inside and out will result in more balanced scoring and less reliance on Livengood, who led the GSL last year with a 19.4 average. Pirates, who opened Tuesday with a win over Cheney, take a jump up. Only question is how high?
Coach’s comments: “We need to make that mental leap as far as understanding and preparing for the intense competition in the GSL. We have an expectation of making our presence felt.”
Cheney Blackhawks
2004-2005 records: 7-6; 12-12 overall, Region 3A qualifier.
Coach: Dave Baird. Years coaching, record: 10th, 4th at Cheney, 103-116.
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 4
Key players: Matt Brunell, 6-7, sr., c; Jess Donnerberg, 5-10, sr., g; Jesse Gibb, 6-2 sr., g/f; Kirk Meyer, 5-8, sr., g.
Outlook: Brunell will be one of the league’s dominant big men. Donnerberg and Gibb must provide added offense for the team.
Coach’s comments: “If we get consistent outside shooting and have quality minutes off the bench, 3A regionals are a realistic possibility.”
Lewis and Clark Tigers
2004-2005 records: 4-9; 6-13.
Coach: Jeff Norton. Years coaching, record: 1st.
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 6
Key players: Andre Jennings, 5-8, so., pg; T.J. Lee-Hill, 6-1, sr. g; Skylar Kliewer, 6-5, jr., f; Rashad Jones, 6-2, sr., g/f.
Outlook: A coaching change must factor in, Norton moving up from junior varsity, but the Tigers, including leading scorers Lee-Hill (13.3 ppg) and point guard Jennings, will go up-tempo and be improved.
Coach’s comments: “Anytime a new coach takes over there is a transition period. Hopefully for us this transition period will be shorter and smoother since we are already well-acquainted with each other.”
East Valley Knights
2004-2005 records: 4-9, 13th in GSL; 8-12.
Coach: Steve Henderson. Years coaching, record: 2nd, 6-14.
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 6
Key players: Dylan Sattin, 5-10, jr., g; Austin Wardsworth, 6-2, sr., f; Brady Brunelle, 5-8, sr., g; Chase Courchaine, 6-1, sr., g/f.
Outlook: Sattin (13.8 ppg) provides firepower and 260-pound Wardsworth is a load inside. But a couple of other double-figures scorers did not turn out, complicating things for Henderson.
Coach’s comments: “Our focus is we have to shut people down defensively. If we’re playing great defense we should be in games. If we’re close in the fourth quarter, there’s no reason we can’t get a win.”
Clarkston Bantams
2004-2005 records: 7-6; 11-13, Region 3A qualifier.
Coach: Brendan Johnson. Years coaching, record: 6th, 5th at Clarkston where he’s 65-33.
Starters, lettermen returning: 1, 3
Key players: Eric Entel, 6-1, sr., f; Tyler Hansen, 6-3, sr., f; Clayton Johnson, 5-10, jr., g; Joel Dahmen. 6-0, sr., g.
Outlook: Nine seniors graduated and a couple of veterans are currently nursing injury, so the Bantams will rely on youth like 6-5 sophomore Cary Conklin. They could have a tough go.
Coach’s comments: “It’s going to be an interesting year. I’m having to slow everything down to see improvement day-to-day. I’m not in favor of non-counting games, but if any year helps us this is it.”