North Star League
In predicted order of finish:
Clark Fork Wampus Cats
1998-99 records: 15-9 overall, 6-0 league (champs)
Coach: Mark Stevens
Years coaching, record: 6th, 52-56
Top returners: Shana Worcester, sophomore, 5-9, forward; Courtenay Kiebert, soph., 5-8, point guard; Charlotte Scofield, junior, 5-7, g; Ashley Ruen, jr., 5-6, g; Heather McDaniel, senior, 5-10, center; Jamie Saunders, sr., 5-8, forward.
Top newcomers: Jennifer Derr, sr., 5-3, g; Izzy Rounsville, soph., 6-1, c.; Sierra McDaniel, soph., 5-2, g.
Bonus shot: Derr, starting setter on Clark Fork’s highly successful volleyball team, turned out for first time since her freshman season.
Coach’s comments: “This could be the most talented team I have ever coached. We are bigger and faster than we were last year.”
Outlook: The reign continues for the Wampus Cats. They’ll be a serious contender for a state trophy if they can keep their wits about them.
Falls Christian Eagles
1998-99 records: 7-14, 4-2
Coach: Tracy Baker
Years coaching, record: 1st
Top returners: Kacee Hayman, sr., 5-8, wing; Jackie Poole, jr., 5-7, pg; Stephanie Jenkins, sr., 5-9, w.
Top newcomers: Krista Willard, sr., 5-8 w; Joleen Janeck, soph., 5-8, w.
Bonus shot: Jenkins has undergone knee surgery and could be lost for season.
Coach’s comments: “It’s all going to depend on team maturity. We are looking to improve with each game and peaking by the time districts roll around.”
Outlook: Baker takes over for Marlo Watkins. The Eagles are young and have just 10 players, but should emerge as best of the rest.
Kootenai Warriors
1998-99 records: 2-15, 2-4
Coach: Doug Napierala
Years coaching, record: 2nd, 2-15
Top returners: Monica Kraack, jr., 5-3, g; Saralynn Donohoe, sr., 5-5, g; Janelle Scheffelmaier, jr., 5-11, f; Sarah Andersen, soph., 5-4, g.
Top newcomers: None identified.
Bonus shot: The Warriors had their highest turnout in recent years with 26.
Coach’s comments: “We are another year older and smarter, so I think we should be competitive this year.”
Outlook: With a year under their belts, the Warriors may surprise. They could be a year away.
Mullan Tigers
1998-99 records: 3-18, 0-6
Coach: Wayne Koski
Years coaching, record: 2nd (took over during middle of last season)
Top returners: Natalie Autio, sr., 5-6, pg/w; Adina Winstead, jr., 5-7, p; Tanisha Davidson, soph., 5-6, w; Lindsey Hegbloom, jr., 5-6, p.
Top newcomers: Sheena Lane, freshman, 5-11, p; Ashlie Arthur, fresh., 5-6, w.
Bonus shot: Lack of numbers means Mullan is without a junior varsity program for a second year.
Coach’s comments: “We are an unknown commodity. We are going to have to see what happens when we get out there.”
Outlook: Untried and untested, the Tigers may struggle early.
Players to watch Shana Worcester, sophomore, 5-foot-9, forward, Clark Fork Monica Kraack, junior, 5-3, point guard, Kootenai Natalie Autio, senior, 5-6, guard/wing, Mullan Courtenay Kiebert, sophomore, 5-8, point guard, Clark Fork Kacee Hayman, senior, 5-8, forward, Falls Christian Academy