North Star League

In predicted order of finish:

Clark Fork Wampus Cats

1999 records: 6-0 (league champ), 30-4 (fourth at state)

Coach: Cindy Derr.

Years coaching: 3rd

Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 5

Key players: Courtaney Kiebert, jr., 5-7, outside hitter; Ashley Ruen, sr., 5-6, oh.

Coach’s comments: “We are looking great and are ready to play. We actually have some height this year and that has us excited.”

Outlook: The loss of five starters could hurt the Wampus Cats. But with an extensive club season, the toughest competition facing Clark Fork should be in the state tournament.

Mullan Tigers

1999 records: 4-2, 10-10

Coach: Dawn McKinnon

Years coaching: 5th

Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 9

Key player: Adina Winstead, sr., 5-9, s/oh.

Coach’s comments: “We are playing with a lot of heart and ambition behind the leadership of Adina Winstead.”

Outlook: Young and talented, the Tigers could contend. Once the team gels, they could mold into special.

Kootenai Warriors

1999 records: 1-5, 2-17

Coach: Lynnette Bartholdt

Years coaching: 3rd

Starters, lettermen returning: 5, 4

Key player: Monica Kraack, sr., 5-6, oh.

Coach’s comments: “We’re looking a little short. Some girls are still new to the game and we are hoping they catch on quick.”

Outlook: Warriors are short on height but tall in spirit. Kraack is coming off surgery and still a little tentative, but her leadership will be invaluable.

Falls Christian Eagles

1999 records: 1-5, 3-16

Coach: Kim Williams

Years coaching: 1st

Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 6

Key players: Several with equal ability.

Coach’s comments: “We are still a young team, but we are drilling into their heads that they have played varsity ball and should be able to handle it.”

Outlook: The Eagles return most everyone and are still young. But with a year under their belt, the Eagles may sneak up on a few teams and should not be overlooked.

A-3 independents

Wallace Miners

1999 record: 21-9

Coach: Dick Schreiber

Years coaching: 11th

Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 6

Key player: Stephanie Lavigne, sr., 5-foot-8, setter.

Coach’s comments: “We are looking pretty tough. We have some pretty decent hitters and barring any injuries, we should be right there.”

Outlook: A seasoned staff and a history of winning is the right recipe for top contention for a state berth.

Lakeside Knights

1999 record: 14-11

Coach: Brad Veile.

Years coaching: 10th

Starters, lettermen returning: 1, 0

Key player: Kayla Moore, sr., 5-4, setter.

Coach’s comments: “We are a young rebuilding team. We have lot of holes to fill and right now we are still getting the girls to learn the system.”

Outlook: After graduating 11 players, the Knights look to repolish their armor.