Moscow Rips Through A-1 Competition

If the Moscow High School girls basketball team was in the Inland Empire League, it would be in first place going into the holidays.

Moscow, which captured three straight State A-2 championships and took fourth last year, appears poised to capture another state title.

The Bears probably could contend for an A-1 crown. Moscow is 4-1 against IEL teams, losing only to defending state-champion Lake City 47-37 in the Bears’ season-opening game at LC.

Since then, the Bears have rattled off 11 straight victories, including two wins over Lewiston, a victory over Coeur d’Alene and a win over Sandpoint - a 62-41 decision in Moscow’s Les Schwab Holiday Hoop Classic title game Saturday.

Greene would love another shot at Lake City.

“We didn’t play well and it was our first game,” said Greene, who has as close to the perfect team as she ever has.

“It’s by far the most unselfish group of girls I’ve ever coached,” she said. “Against Lapwai last Friday, all 11 girls on the team had at least one assist. That’s never happened before. There’s not one superstar on this team.

“What I’ve got is the ultimate in a high school team. It’s a great group of kids that work well and hard together.”

The Bears set a standard for defense last year, allowing an average of 35 points or less per game. They’ve picked up where they left off this season, but they’ve added more offense to the mix.

Greene’s concern is the most difficult part of her team’s schedule is behind it.

“I don’t want to sound cocky or anything, but I’m a little concerned that we won’t get tested between now and district,” she said. “But it’s not a unique situation for us. We’ll have to push ourselves in practice because that could be some of the best competition (practice) that we’ll face.”

Whether Moscow wins a state title or not, Greene already ranks this year’s team among her best.

“I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had, including the state championship years,” she said.

Looking ahead

The Coeur d’Alene and Lake City boys and girls teams will play host to a second holiday tournament next Wednesday and Thursday.

Technically, it’s not a tournament since opponents both nights are predetermined and no champion is crowned.

Colville, a Class AA team from northeastern Washington, returns and will be joined by Sugar-Salem, an A-2 state power from eastern Idaho.

Lake City’s boys and girls will entertain Colville on Wednesday while Sugar-Salem will play at CdA. LC and CdA swap opponents on Wednesday.

Otherwise, it’s a light schedule this week in the Panhandle as the holidays draw near.

See the standings and schedules in the Stat Sheet for a list of area games.

But while we’re on the subject of games, circle Jan. 12 on your basketball calender.

That’s the date of the first Inland Empire League game between Lake City and Coeur d’Alene. Arrive at the game early if you want a good seat.

There might be better games played in the area this season, but there won’t be any that will match the intensity of these intercity rivals.

Lakeland coach returns

Lakeland boys coach Mike Bayley - one of the more likeable coaches in high school sports - has returned to the bench.

Actually, he’s been back for three games. But he returned fulltime to practice only this week.

Bayley had to step away from basketball in early November when he couldn’t shake a bout with pneumonia.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve got all my strength back, but I feel a lot better,” he said.

Bayley missed 2-1/2 weeks of school following the football season, and suspects that he had a case of walking pneumonia before the illness knocked him off his feet.

“There were days when I’d be out of breath from just taking a shower,” he said.

Bayley said he appreciates the thoughts and prayers directed his way during his recovery.

, DataTimes