A-3 Independent

WALLACE MINERS

1994-95 record: 8-12

Coach: Dick Lillienkamp Years coaching: 15

Career record: 190-139

Top returners: Ryan Nipp, 6-foot-3, senior, post; Matt Hegbloom, 6-4, junior, p; John Heyn, 5-8, sr., point guard; Ian Cotter, 5-11, jr., forward.

Newcomers: Brian St. Peter, 5-7, sr., f; Lance Stutzke, 5-8, sr., f; Chris Carlson, 5-6, jr., g; Heath Schilleress, 6-2, sophomore, p-f; Carl Grattic, 5-6, soph., g.

Bonus shot: The veteran Miners coach is just 10 games shy of his career-200th victory at the school.

Coach’s comment: “We plan to get it up and down (the court). We were very patient last year with younger kids and immaturity. We don’t have a whole lot of size, but we’ve got some pretty good speed.”

Outlook: A year ago, Wallace fielded its youngest and most inexperienced team in 14 years, led by Nipp’s 15 points per game. Thirty players reported for practice this year. “They took their lumps last year. They have a much better attitude. You can tell they’re more mature. They’re not going to be as intimidated as they were last year.” The Miners open with traditional rival, Mullan, on Friday at the Silver Valley Tournament in Kellogg. Wallace’s postseason hinges on a playoff with the Central Idaho League runner-up. “That’s a hotbed for basketball down there. Potlatch will be very strong. Lapwai is always strong. Orofino has big kids, 6-9 twins, sophomores.”

, DataTimes