Intermountain League
In predicted order of finish
Bonners Ferry Badgers
2003-2004 records: 7-14 overall, 4-6 league
Coach: Gordy Allured. Years coaching: 1st
Returning lettermen, starters: 5, 2
Key players: Matt Rice, junior, 6-foot-2, forward/post; Bryan Cossairt, senior, 5-11, point guard; Spencer Behrens, sophomore, 6-2, f; Cody Guthrie, sr., 6-2, p; Travis Gilbert, sr., 6-2, f.
Coach’s comments: “Our first five games will be a true test – a test of character.”
Outlook: Allured, a 1972 Bonners Ferry graduate, steps into an unusual situation. Former coach Mike Cowley was dismissed, reportedly against the wishes of his returning players. But Allured inherits a team that could run away with the league title in a conference that will be down overall from recent years, especially with the departure of Lakeland. The Badgers’ first five games include non-league contests with Sandpoint, Lakeland, Post Falls, Moscow and Lewiston.
Kellogg Wildcats
2003-2004 records: 15-10, 4-6
Coach: Jeremy Bergquist
Years coaching, record: 3rd, 22-24
Returning lettermen, starters: 3, 0
Key players: Brian Landrum, sr., 6-0, g; Jessy Groth, sr., 6-1, f; Seth Patton, sr., 6-0, g; Jacob Kagarise, jr., 6-2, f; Kevin Priest, sr., 5-11, p.
Coach’s comments: “We’re quick and we’re very, very unselfish. This is a team concept – more so than in the past.”
Outlook: It’s a team concept that could propel the Wildcats to a second-place finish. Kellogg has no player-of-the-year candidates, but it has a host of solid supporting cast players.
Priest River Spartans
2003-2004 records: 12-12, 4-6
Coach: Bill Ryan
Years coaching, record: 2nd, 12-12
Returning lettermen, starters: 5, 2
Key players: Geoff Gregory, sr., 5-10, w; Randy Cork, sr., 6-1, p; Jake Flaherty, sr., 5-10, g; Jeremy Patterson, sr., 5-10, w.
Coach’s comments: “We’re not very big, but we’re pretty quick and athletic. They play together well.”
Outlook: The Spartans are much like Kellogg – no proven superstars but some solid role players. Those players will have to carry the bulk of the load if the Spartans hope to challenge for a state berth.
St. Maries Lumberjacks
2003-2004 records: 4-17, 2-8
Coach: Gary Krumheuer
Years coaching, record: 11th, 81-140
Returning lettermen, starters: 6, 3
Key players: Ryne Eberlin, sr., 6-0, g; Geo Croft, sr., 6-1, f/p; Cameron Michael, sr., 6-0, g; Tucker Baker, jr., 6-2, p; D.J. Moore, sr., 5-11, p.
Coach’s comments: “We have six solid guys, but after that we’re inexperienced. Our bench is untested.”
Outlook: St. Maries will be improved, but it won’t be enough to challenge for a top-division finish.
Timberlake Tigers
2003-2004 records: 12-10, 6-4
Coach: Gerald Ely
Years coaching: 1st
Returning lettermen, starters: 3, 0
Key players: Eric Lambert, sr., 5-9, g; Matt Douglas, sr., 5-9, g; Tim Brennan, sr., 5-8, g; Ren Jones, sr., 6-0, f/p.
Coach’s comments: “I’m pleased with their work ethic. They seem to like each other and that’s a big thing. It’s going to take us a while to jell.”
Outlook: Graduation hit Timberlake perhaps hardest of all IML teams. The Tigers have limited varsity experience, and it will show early.