Priest River Has Tough Task

State A-2 girls basketball

Priest River High coach Jamie Poncho has no illusions about the State A-2 girls basketball tournament.

He knows his team won’t be mentioned among the favorites for state trophies, let alone the tallest trophy.

Truth is, Priest River could be among the teams to make an early exit.

Poncho knows the best years are most likely ahead for the Spartans.

Especially because this is their first trip to state in basketball. Especially because four of his five starters are sophomores.

Still, Poncho would like to see the Spartans lay the groundwork for future success today when the tournament begins at Nampa High School.

Priest River (16-7) opens against District III runner-up Middleton (13-12) at 2:15 PST.

In other openers, Sugar-Salem (19-3) goes against Bear Lake (22-2); American Falls (22-1) takes on Grangeville (14-9); and Weiser (18-4) meets Buhl (19-7).

American Falls and Bear Lake, both from District V, are considered the favorites.

Priest River and Middleton go into their opener believing they received a good draw.

Both teams haven’t been offensive factories this season.

“We’ve scored in the upper-30s,” Middleton coach Joe Ihli said. “None of our players score in double figures.”

Middleton is vertically challenged, too. The Vikings’ tallest player is 5-foot-7-1/2, and one of their top players is Lisa Hansen, a 5-6 senior post.

“We have to play tough defense to beat teams,” said Ihli, whose team lost three times to league rival and district champ Weiser.

Priest River appears to have more offensive capabilities. The Spartans are led by a pair of 5-11 sophomore posts, Angie Turner (12.5 ppg) and Nikki Yount (11 ppg).

Poncho has been pleased with his team’s growth this season.

“I like their ability to conceive what I’ve tried to get across to them and put that into action on the court,” Poncho said.

Poncho knows his players could face first-time jitters. He hopes they can overcome it with a positive attitude.

“We’re telling the kids to play without fear,” Poncho said. “We didn’t get to state on luck. But now it’s more mental than physical.”

As for the future, Poncho doesn’t want to wait until next year.

“I’ve never been one to wait around for something to happen,” Poncho said. “I’m one to believe that you seize the opportunity when you have it. We’re telling the kids not to be too content with what they’ve accomplished. We’re focused on Middleton now. We’re just going to take little steps at a time.”