Saxons set for G-Prep

The Ferris boys basketball team can take a big step toward securing the Greater Spokane League title Friday.

The Saxons (9-1 overall, 8-0 league) visit defending league champ Gonzaga Prep (9-2, 8-1). Tipoff is at 5:30.

Ferris defeated the Bullpups 65-56 in late December thanks largely to a 25-13 start in the first quarter. The Bullpups can tighten the chase for the league title.

“Prep is physical. We’ve got to match that and bring a little more,” Ferris senior wing Riley Stockton said.

Ferris coach Don Van Lierop expects a test against the defending league champ.

“Matty (McIntyre, G-Prep coach) is doing an excellent job with those guys,” Van Lierop said. “They’re playing well. I’m sure both teams are looking forward to the game.”

Past history now

The Post Falls boys were 9-0 and ranked No. 1 in Idaho when they opened 5A Inland Empire League play at Lewiston on Saturday.

The defending 5A state champs left Lewiston on the short end of a 75-72 count.

“There were some things we couldn’t overcome,” Post Falls coach Mike McLean said, trying to be as diplomatic as he could. “We got off to a slow start and Lewiston shot about 80 percent in the first quarter.”

And then there was the disparity in free throws and fouls. Lewiston made 23 of 36 foul shots to Post Falls’ 7 of 9, and the Trojans were called for 25 fouls to the Bengals’ eight.

Knowing how difficult the loss was, McLean called a 7 a.m. meeting Monday at the school.

“It was the most unique basketball experience I’ve ever coached or witnessed,” McLean said. “It affected our kids. So I didn’t want any lingering issues. We blame ourselves for the loss, regardless of what other people are saying or what they saw. It’s a life lesson and we’ll move on. I told them they had two options. Let it define you or move on.”

Post Falls apparently moved on. The Trojans played well in a 75-61 win Tuesday over Lake City.

Depth being tested

Lewis and Clark girls coach Jim Redmon hopes to learn today how long junior standout Nakia Arquette will be out.

The 6-foot-1 junior wing aggravated a foot injury she suffered while playing softball.

She will have an MRI today. If it’s as serious as a fracture, Redmon believes Arquette will have time to heal before the postseason.

Arquette was averaging 14 points per game, second-best for LC, including games of 26 and 24 points.

CdA hires coach

Former University of Idaho volleyball standout Dee (Porter) Pottenger has agreed to become the Coeur d’Alene head coach.

Her hire is pending final school board approval in February, CdA athletic director Todd Gilkey said.

Pottenger replaces seven-year coach Carly Curtis, who resigned soon after the season. She cited frustrations with parents and administrators for her departure.

Pottenger was an assistant at Post Falls last fall. She was the lone applicant for the job.