GSL Preview Boys basketball

Two-time state champion Ferris is a shadow of its former self. The Saxons return no starters from the teams that went 58-0, and will be extremely young, opening up things this year in the Greater Spokane League. The early favorite is Gonzaga Prep, which returns just about its entire roster and has added depth. State qualifier Shadle Park lost an important ingredient when Aaron Dunn moved to Mead, but has dropped to 3A this year. “Most would put Prep and Shadle up there,” Ferris coach Don Van Lierop said. “They have a lot of good players, including a Pac-10 recruit. It’s going to be exciting, and league-wide there will be a lot of good games.” That makes for an interesting race among six 4A schools chasing two regional berths and four 3A teams who’ll get a chance to chase state.

Players to watch

Washington State-bound Anthony Brown from Shadle Park (a 12.2 scorer in regular season, but who averaged 16.8 in the playoffs) is the highest-profile athlete in the league, and Mt. Spokane’s Chaz Johnson is the top point guard. The Bullpups have experience at every position from Sean Fischer (13.9 points per game) and David Stockton at guard, to Ryan Nicholas (13.9) and Travis Long among a wealth of size inside. Rogers’ Jesse Vaughan (15.8) is the highest scorer returning. Others to watch are Shadle’s Robby Douglas, CV’s Michael Williams, Mead’s Ryane Laforte and a trio of LC Tigers, Sean Hoffman, Taylor Eglet and Austin Ehlo.

Season outlook

There are two interesting races, the one for 4A supremacy and the 3A race now that Shadle and Rogers have moved down. In the former, Prep is unanimous choice by coaches to be No. 1. “Quite frankly, I knew it was going to happen with Aaron leaving Shadle,” coach Mike Haugen said. “I try to downplay it the best I can.” Any of five others can chase district spots. Not much separates them and coaches aren’t sure where they fit in. Beware of Lewis and Clark. … Shadle has upped the ante in 3A. Like Gonzaga Prep, the Highlanders graduated only two seniors. Jake Rodgers, at 6-foot-7, replaces Dunn. “He’s a viable candidate coming off an All-GSL football season,” coach Tim Gaebe said. “We’ve got Robby back and Taylor Pettersen, who played a lot down the stretch, and Luke Jordan back. All three can shoot the ball.” Mt. Spokane is coming off a state qualifying season, and Rogers, coaches say, is vastly improved. NC placed at state the two years before last.

Three-point shots

Aaron Dunn, who transferred from state qualifier Shadle Park to Mead, injured his knee in football and is out for the season. “I told the kids it was like a present we didn’t get to unwrap,” Panthers coach Glenn Williams said. . … University’s leading scorer, Mason Johnson, also will not play because of athletic code violations. … Ryan McIntyre joins the Titans after transferring from East Valley. … Rogers has a new coach in Tim Wood, the former assistant replacing Brian Kissinger, whose resignation at last season’s end came as a surprise. And Drew Vanderpool, who coached East Valley to two regional berths, has returned to the helm after a four-year absence. … Two 4A teams and four from 3A qualify for regionals … Shadle Park gets to play in its new home gym.