North Star League

In predicted order of finish:

Wallace Miners

2004-05 records: 22-4 (4th at state), 10-0 (league champ)

Coach: Kirby Krulitz

Years coaching, record: 1st

Returning starters, lettermen: 5, 9

Key players: Cara Hayman, junior, 5-foot-4, point guard; Staci Hinsz, senior, 5-8, guard; Lisa Carver, jr., 5-8, wing; Shala Wild, sr., 5-9, post; Krista Williams, jr., 5-11, p.

Coach’s comments: “They’re very hungry and focused. They want to go back to state and compete.”

Outlook: Kirby takes over for his twin brother, Art. Kirby assisted Art for nine years and was Wallace boys coach Dick Lilienkamp’s assistant for 10 years. So he brings a wealth of knowledge. The Miners return intact and they’re playing for nothing less than a state title.

Kootenai Warriors

2004-05 records: 11-14, 7-3

Coach: Doug Napierela

Years coaching, record: 8th, 82-84

Returning starters, lettermen: 5, 8

Key players: Cassie Scheffelmaier, jr., 5-5, pg; Hannah Nyrop, soph., 5-11, w; Nikita Amy, sr., 5-7, p; Kendra Willms, jr., 5-10, p; Christine Gimmenson, soph., 5-5, g.

Coach’s comments: “We have a lot of experience back. They’re athletic and go-getters. They’re willing to work hard and put it on the line.”

Outlook: The Warriors earned the league’s second berth to state, and that experience should prove invaluable this year. Kootenai should challenge Wallace for league and district titles.

Lakeside Knights

2004-05 records: 12-10, 7-3

Coach: Ron Miller

Years coaching, record: 14th, 200-118

Returning starters, lettermen: 4, 6

Key players: Wynonna Johnson, sr., 5-6, g; Krystal Stockdale, sr., 5-8, p; Michelle Jansen, sr., 5-7, p; Vicki Sifford, jr., 5-3, g; Davi Swann, soph., 5-8, g.

Coach’s comments: “We might be a little deeper than we were last year. Top to bottom we have a little more experience and more athletic kids.”

Outlook: The Knights should be the best of the rest. But Lakeside might not be deep enough to make a charge at Wallace or Kootenai.

Clark Fork Wampus Cats

2004-05 records: 7-12, 4-6

Coach: Mark Stevens

Years coaching, record: 12th, 126-100

Returning starters, lettermen: 5, 6

Key players: Tiffany Van Buren, sr., 5-6, g; Rayna Allen, jr., 5-7, g; Rachel Trunnell, sr., 5-9, p; Tia Becker, sr., 5-6, g; Jolene Meredith, sr., 5-6, p.

Coach’s comments: “I feel real good about our experience. I think we’re going to be fairly quick.”

Outlook: The Wampus Cats return all their starters and will challenge Lakeside for third. But like Lakeside, Clark Fork doesn’t have enough depth to contend for the league’s two state berths.

Post Falls Christian Eagles

2004-05 records: 6-15, 0-10

Coach: Kevin Rouse

Years coaching: 1st

Returning starters, lettermen: 3, 5

Key players: Katie Hoye, jr., 5-7, w/p; Emily Bishop, sr., 5-8, w/p; Grace Bishop, jr., 5-9, w; Alexa Henson, soph., 5-6, pg; Angel Trenkle, jr., 5-8, p/w.

Coach’s comments: “I like their eagerness to learn. I’m doing a lot more with them in terms of fundamentals and teaching. Things aren’t going to turn around in one year.”

Outlook: Rouse, the school’s head football coach, is stressing baby steps. The Eagles should be much more competitive overall.

Mullan Tigers

2004-05 records: 2-17, 2-8

Coach: Sherry Leitz

Years coaching, record: 6th, 12-78

Returning starters, lettermen: 3, 4

Key players: Bev Hammond, sr., 5-1, g; Katlyn Valerio, jr., 5-4, pg; Fawn Story, soph., 6-0, p.

Coach’s comments: “It’s going to be a challenge, but we’ll be all right. The girls who are out are dedicated.”

Outlook: With just six players – and just five for at least the first three weeks – Mullan has no room for injuries or foul trouble. But the Tigers must feel like they’re fighting an uphill battle with continual low turnouts.