GNL Preview Boys Basketball

The players

Guards, whether point or shooting, are the thing, with returning All-GNL Jordan Lupfer-Graham (17.4 points per game) of West Valley and Dustin McConnell (12.0) from Clarkston leading the way. Third-year Cheney point guard Mike Sprenger and double-figure scorer DeAngelo Jones return from last year’s seventh-place state finisher. Other players to watch are Jaime Fertakis, Cody Weber and A.J. Therien, Pullman; Alias Prouty (11.4 ppg), Colville; Matt Roth, WV; and Daniel Igbinoba, Cheney.

Outlook

Last year Clarkston, West Valley and Cheney qualified for state. This year, with only two state spots available, there’s even less margin for error. … The advantage goes to the teams that get the most out of post players such as Roth and Igbinoba, and teams that pair home-court success with the most wins on the road. … K.C. Ahrens, a 1996 Riverside graduate, takes over the reins of a Rams team with no returning starters and just two varsity veterans. “I’m excited. We have a chance to be competitive.”

Coaches’ takes

“The usual favorites will be challenging for the title this year. Cheney, Pullman, West Valley and Clarkston are solid teams as always. (Us) trying to break into the top half of the league will be challenging, but attainable.” – John Foulkes, Colville. … “Cheney had the best state talent last year. They had the size to match up with teams over there and have experience back. I think Pullman is good and still physically stronger than last year. We’ll be OK. Defensively, we’re going to be good. Offensively, it’s about finding ways to score from different people.” – Jamie Nilles, WV. … “Playing in a tough league is always a great challenge. We are a well-balanced scoring team looking to improve week to week. We’ll make a strong playoff run.” – Craig Brantner, Pullman.

Mike Vlahovich