Inland Empire League
In predicted order of finish
Sandpoint Bulldogs
2003-2004 records: 10-11 overall, 3-7 league
Coach: Tyler Haynes
Years coaching, record: 3rd, 16-26
Returning lettermen, starters: 6, 3
Key players: Ben Mitchell, senior, 6-foot-4, post; Chris Hepperly, sr., 5-9, point guard; Blake Mahler, sr., 6-0, g; Anthony Sorentino, sr., 6-1, wing; Michael Brewer, junior, 6-4, p.
Coach’s comments: “That’s an honor (to be picked as league favorite). But as a program we have a lot to prove still. These guys are very dedicated. They worked very hard in the off-season.”
Outlook: Very good. Sandpoint, which has the longest state tourney appearance drought among the state’s bigger schools (27 years), should qualify for the first time since 1977-78. Haynes has a nice mix of athletes – football, soccer and basketball players. If things come together, the Bulldogs could run away with league title. Otherwise, it could be a tight race from top to bottom.
Post Falls Trojans
2003-2004 records: 17-10, 6-4
Coach: Dave Stockwell
Years coaching, record: 5th, 110-66
Returning lettermen, starters: 6, 2
Key players: Scott Stockwell, sr., 6-2, pg; K.C. Billetz, sr., 6-1, w/p; Kyle Turpin, jr., 6-5, p; Dan Hamilton, jr., 5-9, g; Nick Cuchessi, sr., 5-11, g; Brandon Haas, sophomore, 6-3, w.
Coach’s comments: “We could be good enough to win the league. We have more size than last year and we have great team speed.”
Outlook: The key missing ingredient is the leadership of graduated John Willy, not the most talented basketball player, but an athlete who possessed a heart second to none. The Trojans will challenge Sandpoint. The Trojans could see many gimmick defenses designed to slow down Stockwell.
Lewiston Bengals
2003-2004 records: 18-6, 7-3
Coach: Dave Cornelia
Years coaching, record: 4th, 50-24
Returning lettermen, starters: 4, 1
Key players: Jeff Decker, sr., 6-0, pg; Bo Gregg, jr., 6-4, w; Beau Blewitt, jr., 6-6, p.
Coach’s comments: “We’re going to be a lot better defensively than last year because we can do more things. Our team speed is definitely an asset.”
Outlook: Don’t count out the Bengals in the hunt for the league title. The big trio graduated – Matt Forge, Brent Russum and Andrew Madsen – but the cupboard is far from bare.
Lake City Timberwolves
2003-2004 records: 7-14, 2-8
Coach: Kris Knowles
Years coaching, record: 2nd, 7-14
Returning lettermen, starters: 7, 2
Key players: Ben Widmyer, sr., 5-10, g; Garrett Lambson, sr., 6-1, w; Brad Bemis, jr., 6-3, forward; Brett Bemis, jr., 6-4, f; Ty Stoddard, soph., 5-11, pg; Chris Lakey, sr., 5-11, pg; Jarom Taylor, jr., 6-4, p.
Coach’s comments: “Our enthusiasm has been unbelievable. They’re buying into what we’re trying to do. It’s been nothing but positive.”
Outlook: The Timberwolves could make the biggest jump of any team in the league – from last to challenging for a top-three finish. Knowles, who had to fight for his job as late as July because detractors wanted him gone after one season, goes into his second year with his eyes wide open. He will get the most out of his team and is more than capable of turning around the program after an uncharacteristic down season.
Moscow Bears
2003-2004 records: 15-11, 7-3
Coach: Lance Hansen
Years coaching, record: 10th, 2nd at Moscow, 115-110
Returning lettermen, starters: 3, 1
Key players: John Mosman, sr., 6-3, f; Brad Herrenbruck, jr., 6-4, p; Jake LeFlors, sr., 6-0, g; Alek Bentley, sr., 6-3, f.
Coach’s comments: “I like our depth. We invested a lot of time this summer trying to become a better basketball team. I like how hard they work and how they get along.”
Outlook: Hansen is a proven coach. He demands all-out effort and his players respond. The Bears could finish higher, and will definitely be in the 4A mix come postseason.
Coeur d’Alene Vikings
2003-2004 records: 11-13, 5-5
Coach: Kent Leiss
Years coaching, record: 16th, 2nd at CdA, 206-150
Returning lettermen, starters: 4, 1
Key players: Jake Wolfe, sr., 6-1, w/p; Austin Heleker, soph., 6-2, pg; Joe Wolfe, sr., 6-1, w/p; Kevin Menting, sr., 6-3, p; Thomas Hughes, sr., 5-11, w.
Coach’s comments: “I’m going to feel a lot more comfortable playing a lot more guys. I feel like this team can be really competitive.”
Outlook: Leiss has reason to be optimistic. His team will play defense, no doubt. The Viks will have to spread out the scoring after graduating two of the top-four scorers (Peter Wroe and Sean Palmer) in the league. The Viks will challenge Lewiston and LC.
Lakeland Hawks
2003-2004 records: 16-9, 10-0 (3A Intermountain League champs)
Coach: Trent Derrick
Years coaching, record: 9th, 93-94
Returning lettermen, starters: 10, 3
Key players: Kam Kiefer, sr., 6-1, w; Ryan Gallia, jr., 5-9, pg; Phil Viebrock, jr., 6-2, w; Jared Eby, sr., 6-2, p; Ben Ward, sr., 6-2, p; Daniel Brunner, sr., 5-11, g.
Coach’s comments: “This could be the best team I’ve ever coached here. And I say that even though we’re stepping up to 4A. We’re well-rounded.”
Outlook: Don’t be alarmed, Lakeland fans, with this prediction. The Hawks could finish much higher. But they’ll find life in the IEL much more strenuous from game to game than in 3A. The Hawks will give a good account of themselves by season’s end.