Panhandle picks with Greg Lee

For a second straight week, the Scribe picked nine games correctly.

Many weeks that would be enough to beat my guest. But not last week. Coeur d’Alene Recreation Director Steve Anthony scored the first victory for the guests, topping yours truly by one. I hold on to a slim advantage overall. The scoreboard reads: Lee 18-8 (.692), Guests 17-9 (.654).

My guest this week is second-year North Idaho College men’s basketball coach Jared Phay. A 1994 Post Falls Christian Academy graduate, Phay, 29, was the head coach at his alma mater before pursuing a career in the collegiate ranks.

Meridian at Lake City: This, in the words of Keith Jackson, could be an old fashion donnybrook between two of the top 5A teams in the state. The scoreboard operator could suffer a sprained finger before this one concludes. Meridian features the latest fad in offenses – an option-based attack out of the shotgun.

Coeur d’Alene had difficulty measuring the Warriors for a half at Meridian last year before figuring things out in a 46-28 win.

This will be a good gauge for LC. Meridian was picked to win the Southern Idaho Conference. The Warriors will provide a stern test for the T-Wolves, but LC will pull it out. LC 42, Meridian 33.

Guest: This should be a great game down to the wire. But in the end crafty coach (Van) Troxel figures out a way to sneak out a win. LC 21, Meridian 20.

Lewiston at Lakeland: Most times knowing your opponent got drilled 62-7 the previous week should have you brimming with confidence. Consider, though, the spanking Lewiston endured came at the hands of reigning 4A state champ Bishop Kelly. Not a good week for the Hawks to be playing the smarting Bengals. At least the game is in Rathdrum. Lewiston 34, Lakeland 20.

Guest: Lewiston has too much size and strength in numbers for Lakeland to handle. Lakeland will give the Bengals a tough fight, but Lewiston is too big. Lewiston 35, Lakeland 21.

Kuna at Post Falls: First-year coach Jeff Hinz’s Trojans will hand their coach his first win. The Kavemen of Kuna were picked to finish last among the Boise-area’s eight 4A teams. The Trojans will send Kuna back to its kave, er, cave. PF 30, Kuna 21.

Guest: I have watched both of Post Falls’ games this year and I think the Trojans are close to putting the puzzle together. And this is the week it all clicks. PF 35, Kuna 21.