Quick hits

Looking ahead

We asked area boys basketball coaches how they see their league races shaking out, and their picks were nearly identical to the order-of-finishes we predicted on this page last week.

Here’s a look at the coaches’ picks:

“In the Inland Empire League, Lewiston was tabbed to win the championship. The Bengals, who are seeking a fifth straight state trip in as many years under coach Dave Cornelia, received 60 points.

Lewiston opened league play with a 47-34 win at Moscow on Tuesday. Moscow was picked to finish a distant second with 38 points.

Second through fifth were tight. Coeur d’Alene (33) was picked to finish third, followed by defending league champ Post Falls (25) and Lake City (24). Lakeland (16) and Sandpoint (eight) round out the voting.

“Bonners Ferry was selected to defend its Intermountain League championship. The Badgers received 40 points. Kellogg was next with 32, followed by Priest River (22), Timberlake (18) and St. Maries (eight).

“In the North Star League, Post Falls Christian received the coaches’ nod as the clear-cut choice to win the title with 58 points. But you can throw a blanket over the next three teams – Mullan (39), Wallace (36) and Clark Fork (35). Defending champ Lakeside (22), which was gutted by graduation and various other issues, Kootenai (20) and Coeur d’Alene Charter round out the bottom three.

Looking around

Intermountain League football coaches have announced their individual and all-league honors.

Bonners Ferry senior two-way starter (wide receiver/linebacker) and place-kicking standout Matt Rice was named the player of the year. Bonners Ferry senior quarterback Sam Botkin was named offensive player of the year, Bonners Ferry senior lineman Ben Turner was named defensive player of the year and Bonners Ferry junior Jared Stone was named lineman of the year. League champ Bonners Ferry was named team of the year and Badgers coach Caleb Arceneaux was named coach of the year.

Joining the players of the year on first team were: Josh Hawks and Kyle Behrens of Bonners Ferry and Nick Puckett of Timberlake at running back; Kyle Joiner of St. Maries at tight end; Ryan Cox of St. Maries at wide receiver; and Nick Jutila of Timberlake, Tucker Baker of St. Maries and Jacob Barker of Kellogg at offensive line; Jozef Musial of Bonners Ferry, Levi Duncan of Kellogg and Shaun Walker of Priest River at linebacker; Richie Morales of Priest River, Ken Swift of Bonners Ferry, John Macklin of Timberlake and Jeremiah Big Spring of Kellogg at defensive back; and Wes Nieman of Bonners Ferry, Caleb Cox of St. Maries and Eric Langlitz of Timberlake at defensive line.